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Tag: e30

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1984 Alpina B6 2.8/1

Update 10.3.23: This post was originally published Nov 2023 but this Alpina B6 has recently been relisted on eBay from the same seller, now with a buy-it-now of $85,000. Links updated to the current auction. -dc

Alpina E30s have exploded in popularity over the past year; I never remember seeing quite so many of these small tuned 3s for sale on a regular basis. In part I’m so incredulous because so few were produced; with this B6 model for example, a scant 259 were made between late 1983 and mid-1986, with just over 1,100 total E30s modified in all forms by the legendary company. The B6 2.8/1 wasn’t as wild as the later big-motored 3.5, but it was still much more than adequate with 210 horsepower from the M30 coupled with lower suspension, bigger wheels and brakes. Alpina, of course, added their personal flare of colors, stripes and awesome interiors, and the B6 is one attractive small sedan in such form. It’s easy to forget that there was a time before the M3, and in early 1984 this was the fastest small German 4-seater you could buy. That would change in mid ’84 with the introduction of the B6 3.5, but today it’s still a very desirable and rare to find package.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1984 Alpina B6 2.8/1 on eBay

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1989 BMW 325i M-Tech II

Back in August 2021, I took a look at one of the two variations of M Technic II options offered in the US – the Appearance Package:

1991 BMW 325i M-Tech II Convertible

A third kit – the M Technic Sport Package – was also available abroad on coupes, and so that’s what we’re looking at today – an ’89 coupe imported from Japan. It’s equipped with the exterior body kit, with front and rear bumper covers, sill covers, and a unique rear spoiler. You also got front sport seats, a limited-slip differential, Shadowline trim, and M sport suspension. This one is also claimed to have only 21k miles, and it’s a fan-favorite “slicktop” model that was ordered without a sunroof. The price? Well, let’s just say “to be expected”….even though it’s an automatic.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 BMW 325i M-Tech II on eBay

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1983 BMW 316

Picking up the reins from the very basic E21 315 model that was introduced some 40 years ago, the E30 316 was the entry-level model for the the newly introduced chassis in 1983. While the model introduced new styling, the basic 316 carried over the 1.6-liter M10 from the 315 model as a very basic entry-level edition.

There’s an appealing simplicity to these early no-frills cars, and this one has already been imported. Let’s take a look:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 BMW 316 on eBay

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1989 BMW Z1

BMW took a big leap at the end of the 1980s and introduced some pretty extreme design language. First was the E31 8-series, a seeming quantum leap from the outgoing 6-series. That chassis pioneered, for better or worse, a tremendous amount of technical and electronic innovation for BMW. The 8s relied on a bevy of computers to control its chassis, electronic suite and engine. Side by side with the more famous Grand Tourer though was a diminutive roadster BMW produced based heavily on the E30 chassis. Instead of a heavy reliance on computer technology, the futuristic (hence Z for the German word for future – Zukunft) plastic bodied Z1 looked like a supercar even if it didn’t go like one. Park one next to a E30 convertible and you’d never know the two are related!

The Z1 was a complete departure for BMW; while they were not strangers to small cabriolets, their previous efforts were in the 1930s with the 315/1 and the 1960s with the 700. BMW went away from the idea of an integral body and frame to a separate chassis with removable, plastic body pieces. The idea was that the owners could replace the panels themselves to “repaint” the car with minimal effort. It was something the Smart car would be notable for – a car that launched a decade following the Z1. To get the paint to adhere to the bodywork, BMW had to partner with AZKO coatings to develop a flexible paint which they termed ‘Varioflex’, while the bodywork had to be attached using a unique elastic joint technique. The doors didn’t open out – they slid down into the supporting chassis structure. The underbody was flat, not only for aerodynamics, but the tray turned into a diffuser towards the back, assisting in sticking the rear to the ground as speeds rose. In front was nothing new: the venerable M20 from the E30 popped up here, too – but in the rear the Z1 was new with a multi-link rear axle of its own. This new design would later be incorporated into the E36. It’s interesting that with the Z3 BMW opted to go the opposite route and incorporate earlier E30 pieces into the rear of the /7 and /8. While performance was relatively leisurely, the Z1 nevertheless garnered praise for its innovation, unique design and great looks. They never made it to U.S. shores and only around 8,000 examples were ever produced, but a few have crossed the Atlantic now that they’re old enough to be more easily imported:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 BMW Z1 on eBay

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1991 BMW 325i M-Tech II Convertible

This 325i M-Tech sold on September 20, 2021 for $16,000.

Introduced towards the end of E30 production, the M Technic II package brought a lot of special revisions to the convertible version of the venerable benchmark. Option 771 included the M Technic body kit, special Sport Evo upholstery and M Technic badging, M Sport suspension, 15″ BBS wheels, and a few other treats. These were only available in Brilliant Red, Sterling Silver Metallic, or Macao Blue Metallic, and the claim is that perhaps less than 250 were made. A $4,700 option when new, it was a serious premium on top of your already quite dear E30.

As a result, there was a second M Technic II package – option code 770. This was the M Technic appearance package, and it offered most of the same look at a much more affordable $1,800. You got the M Technic body kit and painted 14″ BBS wheels, but you gave up the special suspension, special upholstery, and most of the special badging. These cars were available in either Alpine White with Lotus Nappa leather or Diamand Black Metallic with black Nappa leather, so if you see one of those two colors with the body kit, you’re looking at an appearance package car, as we are here today. However, as you can get the bulk of the special bits that made the full M Technic package super special, many of these cars have been modified to look like their more expensive siblings:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 BMW 325i M-Tech II Convertible on eBay

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