E30 M3 for sale

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   I've seen this car too - thought it was a good, honest example - not the best but then again the asking price is not �15-16K+  It's fitted with a Hartge suspension if I'm right.

Are Italian imports that much worse than German ones? When was this car imported - it must have been very expensive back in 1990 (what with the Italian tax on cars over 2 litres) so I would have thought the original owner must/should have looked after it well.

I also know of one person who looked at it and didn't buy it because of this lack of history. I'd trust Nigel's opinion - if it feels "tight" during the test drive and doesn't have any obvious failings (check that air con system works for instance) - go for it. My current M3 came with little history from Germany - but now has lots from the time I've had it! A good "current" history is almost as important as lots of old stamps in a service book.

Mark

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MarkD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 15-November-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 127	Posted: 03-December-2002 at 21:15
	I've seen this car too - thought it was a good, honest example - not the best but then again the asking price is not �15-16K+ It's fitted with a Hartge suspension if I'm right. Are Italian imports that much worse than German ones? When was this car imported - it must have been very expensive back in 1990 (what with the Italian tax on cars over 2 litres) so I would have thought the original owner must/should have looked after it well. I also know of one person who looked at it and didn't buy it because of this lack of history. I'd trust Nigel's opinion - if it feels "tight" during the test drive and doesn't have any obvious failings (check that air con system works for instance) - go for it. My current M3 came with little history from Germany - but now has lots from the time I've had it! A good "current" history is almost as important as lots of old stamps in a service book. Mark

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gary Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Just Call me Wendy ;-) Joined: 16-October-2002 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 4263	Posted: 03-December-2002 at 18:14
	The guys at the Scottish region are planning a couple of visit's down to M/L and possibly moseley's in 2003,so I hope to see all these wonderful vehicles,soon. Let me know when you get her. Cheers Gary
	E30 M3 Sport Evo III

jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 03-December-2002 at 17:13
	Nigel has no probs on the warranty front (probably not an offocial one but enough to keep me happy), for him to buy a car without the history unless he was sure is not a bad guarantee in itself apparently. I have the previous owners/importers name and address and as it's not far from me I'll be paying a cheeky visit out of the blue! He's got lots of lovely cars, 2 or 3 touring cars, CSL, Z1's, mint non evo M3 with 30k and fully Sport evo'd up and a whole host of others, all in all not a bad collection. cheers Jason

gary Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Just Call me Wendy ;-) Joined: 16-October-2002 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 4263	Posted: 03-December-2002 at 16:59
	Ask them if they'll do you a warranty.I've seen the 1 you are looking at,only in pic's though.I was keen on it as well, but was a couple grand out of my price range.Looked a nice 1 though. Keep us posted on how you are getting on Cheers Gary
	E30 M3 Sport Evo III

jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 03-December-2002 at 13:37
	I've sent an e-mail to BMW GB to try and find the dealer who sold it to see if they have any history, I understand it camefrom Rome and as luck would have it I have a buddy in Rome so will send him round to see if he can get any info. It's got 80,000kms on the clock so not many at all! It's for sale from a specialist who I trust (Nigel Moseley) so hopefully all will be well and should be a while before any big bills I'm hoping!

gary Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Just Call me Wendy ;-) Joined: 16-October-2002 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 4263	Posted: 03-December-2002 at 13:15
	I to would be wary of a car without a history.Have you had the Sport Evo check out yet.I.E. At a dealer/specialist,what's the milage/KMs? There are 2 red one's for sale at www.bmwmpower.co.uk for 12,500/12,750.I have no connection with then,just pointing them out. I know what you are going through as I was not to sure about parting with �12,750 for a 12 year old car(maybe it has something to do with being a Scot)but in the end up I took the plunge & am delighted with my car. Good luck mate http://members.roadfly.com/garymorgan/drumpellier.JPG
	E30 M3 Sport Evo III

jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 03-December-2002 at 08:33
	I've found one AND a buyer for mine but my Dad's been trying to talk "sense" into me as the service book has got lost at some point in the cars life! It's an Italian import and you know what they're like!!! (and before anyone has a go one of my best mates is Italian so I know fromfirst hand experience!!) Dad's right to an extent - who in their right mind would hand over �12.5k for a car without service history - I guess I must be unhinged then as he had me swaying for a little while but I think I'm back on the correct straight and narrow course now

gary Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Just Call me Wendy ;-) Joined: 16-October-2002 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 4263	Posted: 02-December-2002 at 22:26
	Quote: Originally posted by jaseb on 17-November-2002 yeh but I've seen this lovely Sport Evo for sale... Hi jaseb, I was in the same boat as you at the beginning of this year,having a standard1 while wanting a Sport Evo.I ended up buying the Sport Evo before selling my standard M3 2 months later.I waited 10 months before I found mine,with a little help from some already on here. Good luck mate
	E30 M3 Sport Evo III

IamSpartacus Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 21-November-2002 Location: Singapore Status: Offline Points: 3625	Posted: 29-November-2002 at 12:05
	Not sure if it's the same cost on an E30, but on a '94 M5 EDC is �600 per corner to fix! But I'd agree it's lots of fun in the wet!
	The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.

chippy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 28-November-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 175	Posted: 28-November-2002 at 14:48
	I have EDC on my E30 and frankly I think it is a great system although it is expensive when it goes wrong but just remember this was a 3-4 grand option when new, it not only changes the stiffness of the dampers but changes the bump and rebound of your suspension. In all this rain lately I have been putting it into 'Komfort'. In the wet this is fantastic; as you power round the corner the softer setting means the rear of the car squats and grips much more and in the dry put it in 'Sport' . I have been having lots of fun.

jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 24-November-2002 at 21:12
	Dropped the price to �6k - an absolute bargain if ever there was one. On a different note I was toying with the idea of a Scoob WRX and borrowed one today for a test drive and was left utterly underwelmed. Interesting on wet roundabouts tho, understeer to lift off oversteer and back again and all in the safety of a car that's not mine...

jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 22-November-2002 at 11:11
	It's here if you want a nose?! http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/bc/jason_boud/lst?.dir=/My+Photos/M3+related+stuff&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ oops, think I've bust it...

John W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 01-November-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 630	Posted: 21-November-2002 at 21:51
	My standard motor (ie my day to day transport) is presently caked in North East mud and grime. It seems a shame to take it out in the winter, but at least I can keep the Sport Evo nice and clean for use on dry days. Having 2 M3s I can definitely recommend.
	John W 1990 E30 M3 Sport Evo 1990 E30 M3 http://www.bayareamotorsport.com/john_uk/

pottsy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 19-November-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 181	Posted: 21-November-2002 at 19:56
	Jase, check out my posting on the Schnitzer suspension thread for my opinions on EDC and the fact that I have a spare set for sale (cheap) if you wanted a spare set. Also on the neg top mounts (DO IT!) John W - Your std motor looks as good as your evo sport. You docs have too much time top post all those photos on a US site - show off! Jase I'm in Hertford so if your over this way give me a shout and I'll get out my noisey, uncarpeted, caged, white thing. Now I've seen Johns sport I want a nice comfy one for the road I have to admit.
	Haway the Lads http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/3ae1a1ee/bc/car+stuff/Vodaphone+M3+@+Silverstone.jpg?

John W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 01-November-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 630	Posted: 21-November-2002 at 14:45
	I'm in Newcastle upon Tyne.
	John W 1990 E30 M3 Sport Evo 1990 E30 M3 http://www.bayareamotorsport.com/john_uk/

jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 21-November-2002 at 09:18
	Sounds good, Donnington is already on my track day list for next year along with about 6 or so others, might have to do it twice - once in the 7 and once in the 3. I'm currently only a member of the BMW drivers club but my allegiance is swaying... The only problem I have with the standard suspension on my non evo M3 is a little initial understeer which I believe can be cured with offset top mounts (a DIY job that I really don't like!) but on the whole I'm with you on the standard setup, Mr BMW got it right! Where are you guys based? I'm in north Bucks.

John W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 01-November-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 630	Posted: 20-November-2002 at 18:57
	Quote: Originally posted by jaseb on 20-November-2002 John Your pics look good (will check if the car has a sunroof as I most certainly don't want one either) which track day was that? I thoroughly enjoy the lotus 7 club days in the caterham but they won't let me take the beemer on track for some reason! But I like the idea of the whole club/one make track day if for no other reason than camaraderie (sp?!). Jason The track dat was at Donington. I've done quite a few with the BMWCCGB and they are well organised. I was with m3geezer at the last one at Donington, he'll tell you how good it was. See the club's web site for future events. I'll be at most of them. What m3geezer says about suspension I agree with. An adjustable aftermarket system is the best for track days. Mind you, the standard suspension is perfect for road use. I'm not sure I'd risk the electronic dampers. Wouldn't stop me buying a good car though.
	John W 1990 E30 M3 Sport Evo 1990 E30 M3 http://www.bayareamotorsport.com/john_uk/

m3geezer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 31-October-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 234	Posted: 20-November-2002 at 11:07
	edc = electronic damper control = expensive when goes wrong. if the car has it, when it goes wrong get some e28/e30 m3 front strut legs, then get an aftermarket suspension kit and completly scrap the edc, if you are going to track the car then look at saving up and getting a leda coilover kit.


jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 20-November-2002 at 08:44
	John Your pics look good (will check if the car has a sunroof as I most certainly don't want one either) which track day was that? I thoroughly enjoy the lotus 7 club days in the caterham but they won't let me take the beemer on track for some reason! But I like the idea of the whole club/one make track day if for no other reason than camaraderie (sp?!). Jason

jaseb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 11-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 237	Posted: 20-November-2002 at 08:35
	EDC is bmw's electronic damper control, some sort of expensive to fix active ride gubbins I believe. Just wondered if anyone out in internetland had experience of it!? I believe the one I'm looking at is a goodun, from a specialist who'd get merry hell (and more from 'er indoors) if they sold me a pup