Thinking of buying E30 M3 - PLEASE HELP

[max_M3]

I am so lost right now, i dont know what to look for or ask. I have E30 325is, but i saw a euro M3 for sale..macaus blau, original paint, 1986...not sure on the rest of the details as he hasnt gotten back to me, but it has all power options. He says the engine doesnt run, because it needs a new spark plug or fuel pump? I dont know, but i am going to switch it for a M50B30 motor (95 M3) and tranny, i know this is S14.net and u all like the S14..i like it too, but its just maintance...and i prefer a I-6 over I-4..esp for the plans i have *spooled* up for this car

Can anyone list what options were available on 1986 Euro M3? What to ask/look for? What to avoid? Anything that can be useful PLEASE post it!

Also the car comes with ACS TYPE-I wheels in 17"...but i was thinking like black chrome powder coat on m-parallels with polished lip..something along those lines with the macau blau paint! what do u guys think? any pics of macau blau E30 M3? ROB told me its a rare colour, only 500 painted..the guy says its original though...gonna have to check that VIN.

[DarranP]

I may be wrong with this but I thought Macau blue was only available on Evo 2's, Cecotto's and Europameister's.
I have certainly never seen an '86 in Macau Blue and I'm in the UK.
Also if a guy is selling his car with an engine that doesn't run because of a faulty spark plug (WTF?) I'd be VERY suspicious.

You'll get the dog-leg box in a euro spec model, but I was under the impression that getting euro-spec cars into the US was big money and big hassle?

[max_M3]

I am in canada btw...and i was wondering that too...im trying to arrange an inspection at BMW somewhere

[DarranP]

Oops! sorry, I figured CA would be California 'cos I'm a dumbass who's only been outside of the UK once in his life....:D

I'm sure someone else will chime in with more info but like I say, the whole thing has a suspicious stink about it.:batman:

[L James]

Hi,

I'm not so sure whether that car was available during '86 in that color combination, but what I can give you is a link and a resource for finding out information for importing to Canada.

Will's Importing information

I just imported a E30 M3 Cabrio into the U.S. It is a time consuming process (9 months) and can be costly (+10K on top of the cost of the car) for the U.S. So your best bet is to find the best car possible, buy it, and import it. Otherwise, it's really not worth importing a fixer upper.

In any case, I'd be VERY careful on buying an E30 M3 that doesn't run from anywhere. It can become a MONEY pit in repairs and bills if it was not properly cared for before your purchase.

One bit of hope is that if the car is 15+ years old, Canada does not require an extensive conversion or one at all. Not really sure of the exact details, but check Will's site on that.

I hope this helps

[max_M3]

Originally posted by L James
Hi,

I'm not so sure whether that car was available during '86 in that color combination, but what I can give you is a link and a resource for finding out information for importing to Canada.

Will's Importing information

I just imported a E30 M3 Cabrio into the U.S. It is a time consuming process (9 months) and can be costly (+10K on top of the cost of the car) for the U.S. So your best bet is to find the best car possible, buy it, and import it. Otherwise, it's really not worth importing a fixer upper.

In any case, I'd be VERY careful on buying an E30 M3 that doesn't run from anywhere. It can become a MONEY pit in repairs and bills if it was not properly cared for before your purchase.

One bit of hope is that if the car is 15+ years old, Canada does not require an extensive conversion or one at all. Not really sure of the exact details, but check Will's site on that.

I hope this helps

your exactly right, 15yrs and i can just slap on that plate no problems! its an 86, its 04..so mathematically its like 18yrs old! I am not sure whether u mean the normal stuff, like shocks, springs, motor....but thats what i was worried about..and was 100% positive all of those are being swapped as soon as it gets to my door. I have contacted Will and am just about to call him, Importing will be cheaper into canada for sure...post pics of your M3 cabrio plz! they are really sick!

[L James]

Hi,

I had a website up before and I'm in the process of switching hosts for the information that I had up. Currently there are some pictures in the members area ( L. James) here as well as on:

Bay area motorsport

Good luck with the car! It's a rare color if you get the Macau Blue

[Jake]

Originally posted by L James
It can become a MONEY pit in repairs and bills if it was not properly cared for before your purchase

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Jake Larsen

[EVOIIIM3]

IF it is a super rare, car please do not hack it up with a M50 transplant!! That would be a waste of a great car.

The power pontetial out oa S14 is far greater then most people think.

Thoes must be some really bad plug wires to make it not run at all, I bet the engine is toast.

Good luck.....

You can tell if it's a REAL euro car buy looking at the inside drivers door jam, there should be a sticker there wil info on it.

Also if you can get the VIN we can tell what the car should be.

[max_M3]

the car is in the netherlands now, so im sure its european...haha

the S14 is not my favourite motor, im not a real fan of NA, i like turbos and forced induction, i just think the 6cyl will be more better for the FI.

I have just got off the phone with Will and we are in the works of getting the car throughly checked out!

thanks for all the help guys! i spent all day dreaming of this car hahaha macau blau with blackchrome/polished lip wheels 18" maybe M parallels

[Jake]

Originally posted by max_M3
the S14 is not my favourite motor, im not a real fan of NA, i like turbos and forced induction, i just think the 6cyl will be more better for the FI.

Why not a Chevy big block? They're cheaper, you can get more power, they sound better, more parts for 'em, the list goes on!

There was a twin turbo charged AC Cobra (replica) at SIG Fest East with a claimed 650HP! Tell me that doesn't wet your whistle.

Just one minor thing though. As soon as you pull that S14 out of there could you rip that nasty identaplate out with it?

Cheers,
Jake Larsen
E30 M3 --> bling bling 22's, rotory engine, chain link steering wheel, automatic....

P.S. Just kidding. To each there own dude. As much as I don't like it.

[EVOIIIM3]

Originally posted by Jake
Hey, I resemble that remark!

Jake Larsen

Oh Jake so true!

So how is the car comming? You have not been keeping us posted latly!!

BTW, I finially put in the SS clutch line, much better on my heavy race clutch!

[L James]

Jake,

You definitely resemble that remark, especially in the members gallery in my car!!

[Jake]

Originally posted by EVOIIIM3
Oh Jake so true!

So how is the car comming? You have not been keeping us posted latly!!

BTW, I finially put in the SS clutch line, much better on my heavy race clutch!

Whoops! Yah, I know. I haven't done anything real exciting lately. The (sorta) latest is the suspension is all ready to go. Full Leda with GC mounts ect...

I promise it will be done by next summer, you can bet on that! Next is to build the rotisserie, nail a plan for the cage and send it off for the final touches on the shell.

Last is the engine. Not sure what I'm doing yet. That will come down to whatever money I have left over once I reassemble the shell. Right now I've got that E2 block and piston set with Schrick's 284/276 cam set and one of John's DTM airboxes (large). I still need throttle bodies and an engine management. The EMS may come later though to get her on the road sooner and break it in on Motronic.

Well, you know me, I'd better stop there. Not enough space. Maybe I should type up a little intro and dish out my horror story of E30 M3 ownership eh?:p

Anyway, I'm glad you like the SS clutch line! Um... I'm still waiting to install mine.:p

Cheers,
Jake Larsen

[Jake]

Originally posted by L James
Jake,

You definitely resemble that remark, especially in the members gallery in my car!!

Oh my god! Of all the pics, you had to use that one?

Jake Larsen