The 320 drop top....now with new owner :(

[🇿🇼Kingludba🇬🇧]

So after almost two years without some sort of old school beemer on the drive I took the plunge and gripped this irem.







Plans are to get it taxed and tested and drive it !! Needs a good clean and probably a new roof before next winter. I`m itching to pull the motor and drop something different in there (SR20DET....hmm) but just gonna enjoy it for now.

Come spring next year I will need to sort the roof mechanics out, does not operate on the button like BMW intended but by hand. The problems is that once lowered the horseshoe is not locking closed as it normally does this with the motor via cables etc. So manual conversion is on the cards unless someone can help me out restoring the electric setup.








Your views and comments as always are welcome

Gav

[zircon]

Love E30 verts so much - this one looks nice!

[🇿🇼Kingludba🇬🇧]

Thanks , needs a bit of a tidy up to bring her back to her best. She replaces my mk1 MR2.....t-bar!

[bavarianretro]

Looks decent. There's nothing better in the summer than an E30 convertible. Can't beat them. Rare facelift six cylinder too. Most were fours. If everything is working, you may just need to resynch everything. But the EM roof is notoriously problematic. Basically too cheap for the job. Broken rods and sheared motor casings along with failed relays are your most likely suspects. I might have a couple of motors if it's that. I've a blue leather interior in bits too if you need interior bits. I'll definitely have the wee bit of horseshoe trim that is missing. 

What are the wheels?

[zircon]

I love my MR2 - it will never be sold, but I also love Beemers and they are my daily drivers.

Have had an E30 316i moredoor (so much fun trying to get the back end to break traction!), E36 318iS coupe and currently have an E46 325Ci Coupe.

I fancy a change but pretty much know I will regret it and come back to a BM.

[bortaf]

Probably the best cab of the era IMHO, loks good with the roof up and down
A nice hard top for the winter is a real boon for the cold months (but bloody hard to find and expensive )

[rob0r]

NICE

[🇿🇼Kingludba🇬🇧]

Thanks guys. I think the rods in the back are bent, not sure if the motor is seized but will check. Was watching a manual kit with cables and handles on flea bay but price soared out of my reach lol. Hood is tatty around rear window, looks like window shrinked so is pulling away by the stitching, so brought out the dreaded black duck-tape, just to make it water tight. Not the best time of year to buy a cab but hey, just did it.

Its in the garage now getting mot`d..... await the outcome

[joem83]

Very Nice!
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E30-Hardtop-/181277167161?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a34f60e39

[🇿🇼Kingludba🇬🇧]

Thats nice but wrong time of the year, 3 screaming kids, a wife and christmas = Sahara pockets lol.

[zircon]

Theres a place in Swansea - very good reputation that will make and install you a mohair roof for about £300...

[bavarianretro]

Really?! Tell me more. I'm paying about £750 for a top quality E30 roof fitted.

[zircon]

Info is at work - will look it up for you.

My mate had one done for his S2000 - did a very good job indeed!

[🇿🇼Kingludba🇬🇧]

Dec 10, 2013 20:46:05 GMT zircon said:

Theres a place in Swansea - very good reputation that will make and install you a mohair roof for about £300...

Any pics or website details? For that price you cant go wrong.

[zircon]

Here you go Jack R Smith of Swansea - scroll down the link for examples.

For instance - £290 mohair roof for MX5 - Fitted!They may be more if you need a new rear screen but I am taking my glass out for him to re-use.

They make the hoods themselves. I have a '95 Gen6 Celica with absolutely knackered mohair roof - it is a rare car and he said he could do it no problem.

www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=119071

The only thing to add id that he might not get it done in under a day, so Swansea B&B might be needed!

[🇿🇼Kingludba🇬🇧]

Dec 11, 2013 10:17:45 GMT zircon said:

Here you go Jack R Smith of Swansea - scroll down the link for examples.

For instance - £290 mohair roof for MX5 - Fitted!They may be more if you need a new rear screen but I am taking my glass out for him to re-use.

They make the hoods themselves. I have a '95 Gen6 Celica with absolutely knackered mohair roof - it is a rare car and he said he could do it no problem.

www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=119071

The only thing to add id that he might not get it done in under a day, so Swansea B&B might be needed!

I think I will use this chap as his price seems good and hoods are quality. but first....a small matter of settling my mot bill!! She`s finally done, new front shocks, front drop links and new tyre. Just in time for christmas!! Now to tax her, give her a good clean and take her for a long drive!!

[zircon]

Congratulations - jealous!

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

Nice looking example. See www.e30zone.net and in particular, their Wiki guides for lots of top tips.

A chip will liven up the 320i engine nicely - Speedtouch on there can supply them.

[🇿🇼Kingludba🇬🇧]

Dec 12, 2013 14:56:36 GMT Waxoyling Lyrical said:

Nice looking example. See www.e30zone.net and in particular, their Wiki guides for lots of top tips.

A chip will liven up the 320i engine nicely - Speedtouch on there can supply them.

Yeah I think a chip would go down well on this one, it`s very lazy........but gets there in the end. Just returned from my drive with the gearknob in my pocket...it`s a wood effect thingy that looks just rank.


Time to find a new one.

[bavarianretro]

A 325i swap is the best way to liven up a lazy 320i. Straight swap. Easiest upgrade ever. The b20 is usually a super smooth engine though.