E30 3 series - how does the touring handle
Discussion
Hi,
Anyone driven comparable E3 3 series' in both saloon and estate forms? Wondered what the handling, performance and mpg contrast was like? Saw Cotty's car posted on the main forum and did think it might be fun to do something along those lines myself if you can still find a mint 325 toruing for not a lot - something subtly tweaked but outwardly standard to catch people out with and room for a couple of mountain bikes in the back.
Chris.
Anyone driven comparable E3 3 series' in both saloon and estate forms? Wondered what the handling, performance and mpg contrast was like? Saw Cotty's car posted on the main forum and did think it might be fun to do something along those lines myself if you can still find a mint 325 toruing for not a lot - something subtly tweaked but outwardly standard to catch people out with and room for a couple of mountain bikes in the back.
Chris.
For: Its Better Balanced than Saloon!
Against: Its better balanced than the Saloon!
Summary.... Slippery When Wet (more weight in the backend to overtake you!)
www.oldcolonelcars.co.uk have had a few minters lately (prices to match though!)
Against: Its better balanced than the Saloon!
Summary.... Slippery When Wet (more weight in the backend to overtake you!)
www.oldcolonelcars.co.uk have had a few minters lately (prices to match though!)
Edited by mustard on Monday 18th December 13:04
In a fun way or in a OMG we're going to crash way?
I've heard the E30s can edge to the uncomfortable side of exciting on occasions. That said, my 320 saloon didn't seem to be too bad - but I only drove it a few times before the head gasket went
I prefer smaller, more overtly sporting cars really, but 3 series' offer an intoxicating mix of RWD and reliability! So, my BMW options include,
Discretely modified E30 (maybe an alpina C2.5 - if I could get a RHD manual)
E36 328i coupe (worried they come a little too close to the M3 on running costs etc)
E36 M3 high-ish mileage non-evo.
E36 328 Cabriolet (not sure about the image or the body stiffness, but I love open cars)
I gather the seats don't fold on them, so an estate would also be an option and just thought it could make quite a cool Q-car. Want something I can make progress in the wet without being too nervous (being sensible...)
I've heard the E30s can edge to the uncomfortable side of exciting on occasions. That said, my 320 saloon didn't seem to be too bad - but I only drove it a few times before the head gasket went
I prefer smaller, more overtly sporting cars really, but 3 series' offer an intoxicating mix of RWD and reliability! So, my BMW options include,
Discretely modified E30 (maybe an alpina C2.5 - if I could get a RHD manual)
E36 328i coupe (worried they come a little too close to the M3 on running costs etc)
E36 M3 high-ish mileage non-evo.
E36 328 Cabriolet (not sure about the image or the body stiffness, but I love open cars)
I gather the seats don't fold on them, so an estate would also be an option and just thought it could make quite a cool Q-car. Want something I can make progress in the wet without being too nervous (being sensible...)
Ref E36's theres a buying guide in this months 'Total BMW'
Havent really used the 325i Conv in the wet, but similar weight distribution to touring, and had a few twitches on damp islands
.... but there again I did manage to spin an e30 318i Touring 180 degrees on a wet island
Havent really used the 325i Conv in the wet, but similar weight distribution to touring, and had a few twitches on damp islands
.... but there again I did manage to spin an e30 318i Touring 180 degrees on a wet island
Edited by mustard on Monday 18th December 13:26
With a decent suspension set up (coilovers -ledas / KW etc) the Touring can handle really well. Also a short shift can really improve matters.
Don't forget that it is an '80's design and now looks quite compact when compared to a new Touring.
Mine's great, no slower than a saloon on the track
I'd go for as mint a 325i with x-spokes, leather and a/c that you can find. You won't regret it
Don't forget that it is an '80's design and now looks quite compact when compared to a new Touring.
Mine's great, no slower than a saloon on the track
I'd go for as mint a 325i with x-spokes, leather and a/c that you can find. You won't regret it
I've also got an E36 M3 Evo and look after my mother-in-laws E36 328i cab.
I personally think the E36 is a 'better' car benefiting from later technology. I find the E36 is the easier drive but the E30 is more involving. The problem is finding a really good E30. There are plenty of nice M-Tec 325i sports in good nick and whilst everyone professes to love the Touring, good ones are getting leggy on mileage and are getting old now. I paid £125- for mine as a shabby mot failure. An E36 325i is a great car and the 328i is even better. I know they are eclipsed by the M3 but a really nice late model 328 coupe is a great drivers car.
I guess it comes down to what you like most yourself.
I personally think the E36 is a 'better' car benefiting from later technology. I find the E36 is the easier drive but the E30 is more involving. The problem is finding a really good E30. There are plenty of nice M-Tec 325i sports in good nick and whilst everyone professes to love the Touring, good ones are getting leggy on mileage and are getting old now. I paid £125- for mine as a shabby mot failure. An E36 325i is a great car and the 328i is even better. I know they are eclipsed by the M3 but a really nice late model 328 coupe is a great drivers car.
I guess it comes down to what you like most yourself.
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