ducatiss

My mother used to have one but had to sell it when she got pregnant with your's truly - apparently she couldn't fit into it anymore. The steering wheel would swing out of the way when you opened the door to allow access.

A 635csi with a shot body prob isn't worth very much due fact that its the body panels (especially the front guards) that cost an arm and a leg to buy new. If its got the parts you think you need then its worth whatever you can afford to to get them.

The ticket will have the road/visibility conditions on it (from memory). You could try arguing that that visibility was reduced supported by the fact that most other cars also had their fog lights on. However I don't see any point in driving with fog lights on when visibility is not severely reduced - much more effective to drive with your mains on dip. We get a few days of really heavy fog over winter here in Central Otago where you cant see a cars normal tail lights until you are really close and normal headlights are difficult to see as well as the fog just scatters the light . The rear fog lights really help and I'm glad the my old E30 has them. In all other conditions it's safer to user normal lighting.

Doesn't the Jatco box require a special transmission fluid?

not worth it imo - Buy Bilstein Sports from the states - much cheaper and a great sports shock.

I agree its the gauge - mine does the same thing

I think at the end of the day price paid comes down the old saying (yes JP I can say things like this cause I'm 40 now ;-) of a willing seller and a willing buyer. Find someone that likes you car (and there will be plenty as lets face it, like the mods or not, it is tidy and straight from what I can see) and they will pay you a realistic price. If you tried selling it to me I'd only pay you a grand as a parts car, but someone like my work neighbour would probably pay you 4K for it. And by the way welcome to Bimmersport - we are actually a nice helpful bunch believe it or not !! By the way what are you replacing it with/ Another Beemer I hope.

Hows that guide coming on? I am going to be doing the conversion in the new year so can take some photos along the way if that helps.

Maybe it was his sons' car - I dont think the decision making process comes into it - this young chick that works next door to me gets this new car and the first thing I hear her say is that shes off to get a big fat muffler for it. When I asked her why and cut through all the BS reasons it came down to the fact that all her mates had one and for that reason they were cool. Same applies to a few other mods you see about.

LOL I was trying to be polite - although I have seen quite a few E30's tarted up with those sorts of lights, with oversized chrome wheels and big mufflers - and ALL of these have been driven by younger ppl.

For a start, stop typing in caps. My guess for price is anywhere from 2.5 to 4k tops The mods you have done may have alienated many buyers though it will no doubt be appealing to the "younger market. Dont worry about selling the schnitzers - you live and learn :-)

Looks like a nice car though I'm not sure I would pay what they are asking - in my opinion its probably worth 7-8 k (and thats with the roof fixed properly ) The trouble is what is the rest of the roof like - the only way to tell being to remove the hood lining, and strip the paint back - something you are going to have to do anyway by the looks of it. The other thing to be aware of is that the seats have been recovered in imitation leather (ie vinyl) meaning that the leather may have been absolutely shagged beyond repair. Actually now that I look at it again, they were probably fabric to start off with. I don't mean to be overly negative as the car "looks" nice and with the 2.7 engine should really drive well - but I guess a reality check doesn't hurt when you are looking at another car.

Either fully charge the battery with a decent charger (not one of those trickle/maintenance chargers) or replace it.

Don't worry about it as its under the carpet - so long as its dry it will be fine. You should be able to fix those other leaks without removing the dash. I have done a dash replacement and although its not hard, it time consuming and fiddly - better avoided if you can!! (unless you have a cracked dash thats needs replacing :-)

I'm with you on this one - it doesnt seem to matter how much "sensible" advice is thrown at some of these guys they just want low low low! Some of the stupidity and ignorance I have seen on this board over the last week or two regarding low cars, certification and whether they will get insurance etc is unbelievable. Maybe a sticky thread or Q&A written on lowering might be useful to avoid the same questions being asked?

Another problem with those going too low is while it might go round corners like its on rails going round an intersection, try it on a bumpy downhill corner at speed and watch the e30 try and swop ends. You will find what was once an easy to control car on the limit turn into something very unpredictable.

My thoughts are with you and family - Jock was a true gentleman and a pleasure to deal with.

Then it shouldn't cost you a lot if the servicing has been kept up - it all really depends on millage - ie if its due for a cambelt, water pump, and valve clearances then you could be spending a bit. the service indicator is easily re-set if you know how. I do mine with a fused bit of wire across a couple of the terminals on the diagnostic plug - but you have to know which ones or you risk buggering something. Another member may be able to point you to a diagram showing how to do this. Again it one of those things where if you are not comfortable doing your own maintenance or in your case you don't have the space, its better getting someone else to do it. If you dont end up taking it to a dealer, then take it to someone who has done a few E30's or who specializes in BMW's as they are more likely to have the knowledge to do the job in a reasonable time and have access to any special tools etc.

Cant tell you where to get it serviced in Wellington but the cost will depend on how long ago it has been since the last service. You could take it to the dealer who will know what needs doing at a particular millage. Expect it to be reasonably expensive if the car has been neglected. On the other hand imo if you are mechanically minded, the E30 isnt hard to work on and you can save a lot by doing it yourself - or at least the easier items like oil/filter and fluids change. Add in a fresh set of plugs, distributor cap etc. A workshop manual will have a diagram of what needs doing at what interval to assist you.

Cheers for that info - much appreciated!

It's a very slow process drying the felt underlay and carpet as it holds a heap of water. When I did mine (due to a leaking rear window) I found it best to remove it, lay it all out, and soak up as much as could using towels, paper, and a sponge and then just leaving it out of the car for a good week or so to dry in the sun.

i can remember when we used to jack the rear up when I was a kid - now everyone wants low...!@#$ Im old !

For a start I am looking for the cap that goes over the diagnostic plug in the passenger side of the engine. PM me if you want to sell.

When new Top speed for the auto was 213km/h and 0-100 of 9.8sec according to BMW - of course age takes its toll on the performance a little. But I agree, the manual for a drivers car is a lot better.

Maybe not everyone is looking for outright speed in terms of 0-100 times? I wouldn't call a top speed in excess of 200km/h slow.