87 E30 M3 Evolution

[3 SERIES 93]

Hi All,

Anyone know the background or have any intel on this E30 M3?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/2877889331

I recall there being a post about it some time ago with a bit of criticism? I cant find the post but if I can be pointed in the right direction that would be appreciated.

Cheers

 

[C-130 Hercules 571]

Was this the car that got damaged at or just before delivery? 

[al lowe 70]

Have been wondering same, strange it’s been listed for so long and seems after seller was firm on price for a long time despite heaps of feedback, price seems to be falling and still no bites. 

[leichtbau 525]

Making the RHD conversion disappear from the sheet metal is simple stuff, but I'd say anyone seriously interested has seen the price of E30 M3 racks and LHD E30 dashboards and baulked. Front seat bolsters have been retrimmed as well, so; another financial consideration.

Road & Track did a few E30 M3 conversions to RHD, but I don't know if they changed the headers, the set Kevin Mosen has had for sale for years at $400 might be a smart buy.

The only special part of an Evo 1 is the cylinder head with the "E" casting, aside from that, it's a standard production model E30 M3.

Cool car though, the wife used to daily drive it in the same neighbourhood when I was on my restricted.

[3 SERIES 93]

Thanks guys.

Still can't find the post on it.

I recall discussion around the legitimacy of it being an evo 1?

If anyone can shed some light that would be appreciated

[topnotchrally 106]

I find it curious that there is no info in the ad about how/where the conversion was done, thought I suppose a truly interested buyer would make an enquiry with the seller.

I'm curious as to what posters think about whether the car is worth more or less due to the RHD conversion.

 

Edited December 8, 2020 by topnotchrally

[topnotchrally 106]

11 hours ago, leichtbau said:

Making the RHD conversion disappear from the sheet metal is simple stuff, but I'd say anyone seriously interested has seen the price of E30 M3 racks and LHD E30 dashboards and baulked. Front seat bolsters have been retrimmed as well, so; another financial consideration.

Road & Track did a few E30 M3 conversions to RHD, but I don't know if they changed the headers, the set Kevin Mosen has had for sale for years at $400 might be a smart buy.

The only special part of an Evo 1 is the cylinder head with the "E" casting, aside from that, it's a standard production model E30 M3.

Cool car though, the wife used to daily drive it in the same neighbourhood when I was on my restricted.

Are you suggesting changing it back to LHD?  Would that increase its value?

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2959]

11 hours ago, leichtbau said:

Road & Track did a few E30 M3 conversions to RHD, but I don't know if they changed the headers, the set Kevin Mosen has had for sale for years at $400 might be a smart buy.

You have to change the headers, steering column goes right through them, this was the main reason for no factory RHD version being developed.

Most RHD conversions took the factory headers and cut & re-welded to make a gap for the steering column, which resulted in a reduction in power and torque.

I was lucky enough to get a fully fabricated set of s/s headers for my S14 at a good price.

6 minutes ago, topnotchrally said:

Are you suggesting changing it back to LHD?  Would that increase its value?

Yes, massively. E30 M3 prices are all about originality, as they are collectors items. I would suggest the main reason this car has sat for so long is the RHD conversion. It is now slowly coming into the correct price bracket for a RHD Evo I.

[Driftit 2079]

The owner should spend a few more mins on the vehicle history and a couple of hundred on some pro photos.
Would be worth then advertising in the UK, Japan, Aus, Singapore, HK etc.

[m325i 709]

I want a RHD version - swap in an newer S motor and live happily ever after. 

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2959]

If originality is not a factor for you, buying a non-M E30 and adding the exterior bits would work out much cheaper.

A rusted out (holes through floor) rolling body still sells for around US$20k which is mad, mostly as I can’t afford to pay that!!

Replacement steel panels are now all available from various sources.

[slideways 47]

Here's the old posts. Looks as if its been sitting on TradeMe for over four years now. Crazy.

1987 M3 E30 Evolution1 NZ new! - TradeMe discussions - bimmersport.co.nz

Anyone seen this beauty - RHD E30 M3 - TradeMe discussions - bimmersport.co.nz

If I was to one day get an M3, I wouldn't mind it being RHD as it would make it so much better to drive on our roads. I've been stuck many times behind imported LHD Camaros & Mustangs etc who cant pass the truck or campervan in front of them on the open road. They just have to sit there at 80kph while Nissan Micras pass them both.

Then again, if I was to spot a RHD M3 driving past, my first thought would be "is that a 318i with a fiberglass kit?"

 

[qube 3570]

52 minutes ago, slideways said:

 I've been stuck many times behind imported LHD Camaros & Mustangs etc who cant pass the truck or campervan in front of them on the open road. 

hahahahaha, and they can never get into parking lots with automatic ticket machines unless with a passenger

[Sammo 2544]

40 minutes ago, qube said:

hahahahaha, and they can never get into parking lots with automatic ticket machines unless with a passenger

Pffft - thats what the 'R' on the gear stick is for

[integrale 40]

My former E30 M3 evo 2 was converted when new to RHD in NZ (export delivery) as was my integrale.

Wouldn't have swapped either for LHD for use in NZ. Just too difficult and stressful overtaking.

Edited December 9, 2020 by integrale

[KwS 2425]

5 hours ago, qube said:

hahahahaha, and they can never get into parking lots with automatic ticket machines unless with a passenger