Help Fitout my New E30 Project

[shiman 18]

Hi Everyone,

Now that I have my lady in red who was once black, it is time to start dressing and detailing her tastefully without molesting her.. I am an Architect and many a days are spent dressing and bringing homes up to date to a contemporary relevant style. A good example is our Villas and Bungalows. The aesthetics that make them unique and special remains however internally they are made better. My dream is to up spec my car to basically keep its form and aesthetics that make it special as I love the lines and drive but at the same time to improve on it. In other words had BMW designed the E30 now but kept the shape what would they do. However the catch for me is to try very hard to stay OEM parts, e.g. The steering wheel I bought from Latvia (hopefully it comes!) is made from an original Motorsport steering.

In the same way I am looking for BMW sport seats, etc. from that Era. Aesthetics must be E30 but mechanics can be newer for improvements to drive etc. I would like to have you guys who have been through the motions suggest relevant upgrades based on my requirements above and any advice on where to source some parts. As the seats are turning into a really difficult task.

I have attached a photo of my 4 door LHD and a photo of the steering wheel. The car goes into BMWorkshop for the next few weeks on Wednesday for tweeks and upgrades...

Thanks in advance and I look forward to every critique and suggestion.

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Edited September 14, 2015 by 333i wannabee

[e30ftw 410]

That steering wheel looks like someone sewed on a Supercheap Auto steering cover over an SE wheel.

Should look at M-tech2 wheels, They are nice in Alcantra (Expensive but you sound like you can afford it), Or a nice Nardi wheel..

[shiman 18]

That steering wheel looks like someone sewed on a Supercheap Auto steering cover over an SE wheel. 

 

Should look at M-tech2 wheels, They are nice in Alcantra (Expensive but you sound like you can afford it), Or a nice Nardi wheel..

That is what I thought but read his reviews on eBay and double checked the specs, it is done with Alcantra around the 10 and 2 and the rest is done in genuine leather. He seems to specialise in this and has got only great reviews. When it comes I will post better pics... Was not cheap but not as much as $1500 which is what a lot of the guys are asking for the E30 M3 Alacantra covered ones, the price is shocking...

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[allan 295]

Hello and welcome to the forum their are many e30 fans here so no shortage of knowledge to call on. Looking at the photo of the car the only thing that stands out is the wheels (IMO) they just don't fit the body style. As for the steering wheel with John on that just trying to hard to be something it isn't. This is a personnel thing and at the end of the day you have the final decision all the best.

[Nobimmer 694]

Agree, that steering wheel looks like some one has tried to chisel a circle out of rock with a chisel and failed miserably . An mtech 2 one would go much better.

[Driftit 2069]

That steering wheel looks huge. Was it made from the basic E30 wheel?

Tech 1 or 2 steering wheel.

Better wheels and lower ride height.

Paint it the factory color.

Paint black or fit motorsport window trim.

LSD

Motorsport interior

Convert to RHD (LHD is a total pain in the ass. Especially on the open road.)

Look at all the bushings. Most will need attention/replacement if they are original.

[KwS 2421]

That steering wheel looks huge. Was it made from the basic E30 wheel?

Tech 1 or 2 steering wheel.

Better wheels and lower ride height.

Paint it the factory color.

Paint black or fit motorsport window trim.

LSD

Motorsport interior

Convert to RHD (LHD is a total pain in the ass. Especially on the open road.)

Look at all the bushings. Most will need attention/replacement if they are original.

So basically, sell and buy an original RHD mtech?

[MD13 492]

End of the day it's your car. You bought it. If it was me I'd give the suspension a refresh, maybe change the brake booster to improve pedal feel and fix anything that was broken and bothered me. Then drive it.

[shiman 18]

Hello and welcome to the forum their are many e30 fans here so no shortage of knowledge to call on. Looking at the photo of the car the only thing that stands out is the wheels (IMO) they just don't fit the body style. As for the steering wheel  with John on that just  trying to hard to be something it isn't. This is a personnel thing and at the end of the day you have the final decision all the best.

Yep definitely wheels are on the list to change. Any suggestion and possibly the best place to get some, thanks.

The steering wheel is a question mark at the moment...

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[shiman 18]

Agree, that steering wheel looks like some one has tried to chisel a circle out of rock with a chisel and failed miserably . An mtech 2 one would go much better.

Love the analogy of it chiseled out of a rock... I am not sure about it even though I did buy it.. If I do not like the feel it will end up on Trademe..... do wish I could afford the M3 one

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[shiman 18]

That steering wheel looks huge.  Was it made from the basic E30 wheel?

Tech 1 or 2 steering wheel.

Better wheels and lower ride height.

Paint it the factory color.

Paint black or fit motorsport window trim.

LSD

Motorsport interior

Convert to RHD (LHD is a total pain in the ass.  Especially on the open road.)

Look at all the bushings.  Most will need attention/replacement if they are original.

Haha! Like the E30 wheel comparative. Factory colour not sure about... Red is my favourite, maybe eMola Red. Please explain Motorsport window trip and let me know where from. I heard to go RHD is ridiculously expensive even for me. We have 2 other new cars it will be a nice difference..... for now... I think you right about the bushings.

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[shiman 18]

So basically, sell and buy an original RHD mtech?

"Original" RHD.... what about "Original" LHD. I noticed this part of the world is anti LHD unless it's an American... haha! well this is but from Japan

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Edited September 15, 2015 by 333i wannabee

[shiman 18]

Seats and Wheels are a pain. Would love to know where is the best place to get a good set and what is the best setup for wheels with it rubbing on the fender or dragging its bottom across the floor... hate that. And I dread asking this... does 17" work in 235 or 245?

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[KwS 2421]

"Original" RHD.... what about "Original" LHD. I noticed this part of the world is anti LHD unless it's an American... haha! well this is but from Japan Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Youre not wrong at all, LHD is a very niche market here as for most people its a real pain in the arse to deal with. You can manage to live with it in a Mustang or Vette (because of what youre driving), but to have to deal with it for a non-M3 E30? Bit of a stretch really.

To be real i agree with what a couple of others said. Update and refresh the suspension, and drive the sh*t out of it. I wouldnt spend much on the car, you will never see it back in something like this, might as well set fire to dollars.

[shiman 18]

Yeah, that could be true... I'm thinking $5 to $8K and my daughter can have it in 4 to 5 years. Treating it like a normal everyday runner therefore the updates like a new car but like an everyday car expecting it to depreciate.

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[Driftit 2069]

As it's not a desirable model and it seems you paid top dollar I wouldn't spend a cent more and just enjoy driving it. Just maintain and get the most out of driving it.

17s do not suit E30s. You will also struggle to find a decent offset in 4x100.

[antil33t 90]

Nah keep it LHD and do a sweet turbo setup.

[Red Dwarf 136]

If you're looking for something from about the same era... have a look at Recaro LS sets... They turn up on TM occasionally

[shiman 18]

If you're looking for something from about the same era... have a look at Recaro LS sets... They turn up on TM occasionally

Thanks very much Mr Dwarf... you are the first to substantiate an opinion with a reference to a place where I can look at what you recommending I thank.

I appreciate everyone's views but guys I want to do this so rather than burst my bubble help me along... I will say this no matter what it cost it will be worth it to the buyer in the future in the USA, lol!

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[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

I admire you keeping your spirit up amongst all these people bashing your decision.

I got all the same bullshit and all the hate as above when i brought my first E30, a 4 door tech 2, 7 years later and about 20 E30s later i am still here

I will admit i too think you over paid, but the value is always in the eye of the person paying the price, it is obviously the correct example for you.

the car itself seems to be fine from what I can see, 4 door tech2s are far rarer than 2 door tech2s anywhere in the world.

The value will always be less than a 2 door, but when you are planning to heavily modify a car the arguments above about future resale etc is totally irrelevant.

Its very common for Kiwis to be totally blinded by the market value of their vehicle when making decisions be it maintenance or modifications.

Its why a 200,000km vehicle is a kilometre away from the scrap heap here.

I can't wait to see the progress on this car! Not many heavily modified E30s in New Zealand, particularly road legal ones.

[shiman 18]

I admire you keeping your spirit up amongst all these people bashing your decision.

I got all the same bullshit and all the hate as above when i brought my first E30, a 4 door tech 2, 7 years later and about 20 E30s later i am still here

I will admit i too think you over paid, but the value is always in the eye of the person paying the price, it is obviously the correct example for you.

the car itself seems to be fine from what I can see, 4 door tech2s are far rarer than 2 door tech2s anywhere in the world.

The value will always be less than a 2 door, but when you are planning to heavily modify a car the arguments above about future resale etc is totally irrelevant.

Its very common for Kiwis to be totally blinded by the market value of their vehicle when making decisions be it maintenance or modifications.

Its why a 200,000km vehicle is a kilometre away from the scrap heap here.

I can't wait to see the progress on this car! Not many heavily modified E30s in New Zealand, particularly road legal ones.

Very insightful and inspiring. Granted I may have paid maybe a couple of k more but it was a single lady owner who brought it from Germany to Japan, could not wait for their colour so therefore re sprayed it. BM workshop explained that was quite common then as Europeans had long waiting lists in Japan and many were not patient. It is extremely difficult to find a one owner with good service history not the rubbish Midas or mates workshop nonsense, lol.

I am more looking for aesthetic improvement and I wanted an excellent body so I can upgrade everything including maybe engine but body is not so flawless and easy to change.

7 years 20 E30s? How come ? You have captured my curiosity. BTW everyone is just sharing their critical opinion, in my Industry it is important to be full of passion when it comes to creative expression, therefore I can't say any if negative feedback will really not phase me but spur me on even more. Unique originals don't come from sheep following sheep rather one individual thinking laterally and addressing an opportunity in a different way then what the masses would normally, boringly do....

Here is a good example of one guy.... enjoy

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Edited September 16, 2015 by 333i wannabee

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

and this

http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/09/m3-purists-run-for-the-hills/

[Mark 178]

I appreciate everyone's views but guys I want to do this so rather than burst my bubble help me along... I will say this no matter what it cost it will be worth it to the buyer in the future in the USA, lol!

I don't think anyone is trying to burst your bubble, rather they're trying to ensure you don't get ripped off. It sounds like you have a healthy budget to modify this car but if you do your research and follow some of (but not necessarily all) the advice you get on this and other forums then you'll get a lot more bang for your buck.

A good example is the steering wheel you bought. As members have pointed out, that is a very common SE spec steering wheel that has been reshaped and recovered. If you paid close to $1500 for it then realise you could have bought one locally for less than $50 and had it recovered/customised at an upholsterer. Doing that would have saved you well over a grand to put towards other modifications.

Remember, no matter how lofty your modification goals there's nothing you can do to an E30 that hasn't been done before. Research, research, research and learn from others' mistakes and triumphs. You'll save a lot of money in the long run.

Good luck with your project.

[shiman 18]

I don't think anyone is trying to burst your bubble, rather they're trying to ensure you don't get ripped off. It sounds like you have a healthy budget to modify this car but if you do your research and follow some of (but not necessarily all) the advice you get on this and other forums then you'll get a lot more bang for your buck.

A good example is the steering wheel you bought. As members have pointed out, that is a very common SE spec steering wheel that has been reshaped and recovered. If you paid close to $1500 for it then realise you could have bought one locally for less than $50 and had it recovered/customised at an upholsterer. Doing that would have saved you well over a grand to put towards other modifications.

Remember, no matter how lofty your modification goals there's nothing you can do to an E30 that hasn't been done before. Research, research, research and learn from others' mistakes and triumphs. You'll save a lot of money in the long run.

Good luck with your project.

Hi Mark,

I appreciate your feedback and you are right and I paid $500 but that's another story. Rather let's say since I posted on this forum I have asked for help to source seats, wheels, etc. you have even made mention of a $50 Mtech 2 steering wheel. But to date I have not had a single person show me a shop where I can get these items supposedly cheap. So please anyone yet again as the title says..... Help fit out my E30! I am not looking to do everything immediately but to date have only found crappy second hand stuff. So before I am about to bring Nappa leather seats and door trims from the states... and it's too embarrassing to tell the cost of it... Help!

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Edited September 16, 2015 by 333i wannabee

[Mark 178]

You just need to trawl forums and auction sites for good deals. I paid $200 locally for the M-Tech 2 steering wheel I bought for my E34. A set of leather sports seats will set you back around $500-700 dollars, they pop up on Trademe every so often.

To be honest if you're in Auckland go and see Ray at HELLBM, he's a sponsor on here and will most likely have a bunch of great E30 stuff to sell you. Sure he'll be happy to see you and your chequebook!