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The Dirty Drifters – Road Trip Australia

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Engineer TalkReviews

Top 5 Reasons the BMW E30 Has Still Got it

written by Adam December 4, 2016
Top 5 Reasons the BMW E30 Has Still Got it

Why on earth would you want to buy a 25 year old German car? Here are 5 reasons why newer is not necessarily better in my review of the iconic BMW E30.

Driving Engagement

The car of today is awash with convenience and comfort, but it has been said you only truly find yourself outside of the comfort zone. While you won’t find any 7 speed dual clutch transmissions or intelligent cruise control here, such things shortly appear superfluous to the peppy growl of the little 126kW, 2.5 litre straight six engine channelling its efforts through a short and sweet shifting 5 speed Getrag manual gearbox. Whilst this little Bavarian bruiser may struggle to show it’s behind to a modern hot hatch, the sensation of pace and connection from behind the wheel will convince you otherwise. While the performance credentials may fail to impress on paper, 0-100 km/hr in 8 seconds and a standing ¼ mile time of 15.7 seconds is not going to win many performance car awards in 2016, the BMW E30 is the classic case of the whole result being more than the sum of its parts.

Tahnee showing off the E30’s underrated style.

Style

In 1988 the ruler was the tool of choice for the designer elite, with which they chiselled the e30 3 series in all its Teutonic goodness. Style is subjective but there are only two types of people in this world, those who adore the E30 and those who are wrong.

Plush interior makes it sensually inviting.

 

Practicality

With its boxy styling, skinny pillars, low beltline and large windows the BMW e30 offers a spacious and airy travel environment. It may lack conveniences now taken for granted such as cup holders and a proper centre console, but this little wonder wagen is built for driving not drinking! Unlike many of its modern equivalents you can even fit 2 moderately sized adults in the back seat without first removing their heads, always a bonus. I have even had a surfboard within its 2 door confines, and once channelled my many years Tetris experience to squeeze in a full size engine crane without so much as removing the passenger seat.

A good looking gearstick.

Cost

A clean manual E30 325i can be had for around $11000, with lesser models such as the 318i often going for a good deal less. Whilst that is expensive for a 25 year old car, prices have been rising steeply in recent years and will likely be worth much more in the future provided they are maintained to a high standard. Ah maintenance, the Achilles heel of complex German engineering you say? Well in this instance that is not the case. The e30 325i is one of the most robust and reliable cars ever to come out of the factory in Munich. By modern standards it is remarkably simple, with electric windows, mirrors, and an on-board computer being the most complicated options on the car. The M20 straight six engine is very robust, requiring only basic maintenance and regular 90 000km (60k miles) timing belt changes to keep ticking along nicely. That is more than a passing reference too, as the M20’s mechanically adjustable valve-train rockers commonly emit a faint ticking noise whilst the engine is running, perhaps bothersome but nothing to worry about.

Fuel consumption is perfectly acceptable for a vehicle of this vintage. Throughout my ownership experience I have found I average 10L/100km, good for at least 600km from the 62L fuel tank.

Parts can be harder to source locally than the average car, but online parts availability and pricing for the e30 is excellent with countless suppliers just a mouse click away. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to swing their own spanners and can afford to wait for shipping, but I admit it could be troublesome or expensive for the layman servicing his daily driver at the local mechanic.

Out and about on a cruise in Perth, Western Australia.

Motorsport Success

The e30 M3 is the most successful touring car ever produced and whilst the 325i shares as much with the M3 as Stephen Hawking shares with Jennifer, the family connection is much more obvious. The e30 M3 is a shining symbol of motorsport success and the 325i is the substitute product for the man (or woman) on the street. For the budding enthusiasts among us, the e30 has some of the most comprehensive aftermarket support I have ever come across, in addition to reams of information from a very large enthusiast following. With such support it is possible to upgrade the vehicle to almost any point, from a lightly fettled street car through to 500 horsepower S85 V10 engine swaps.

A racing machine.

So you want a drivers car on a budget? Can’t choose between classic style, rewarding driving and reliability? For he who must have it all, the e30 might be just the ticket…

BMWGerman Car
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Adam

Adam is a qualified Mechanical Engineer and auto enthusiast who loves escaping into the wilderness. He's a 'Mr-Fix-It' kind of guy that can give you a detailed rundown on just about anything with an engine! His side passions include motorcycling, snowboarding and making sure Tahnee doesn't get into too much trouble (it's a full time job).

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Sunset State of Mind. 😎🎨🏝️ #magneticis Sunset State of Mind. 😎🎨🏝️

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Orange you glad to see us? Not as active on Insta Orange you glad to see us?

Not as active on Instagram as we would like to be, but still very much together and enjoying life! 🧡😜

Currently enjoying a holiday break in WA before returning to tropical life in Cairns. 

#mindariemarina #love #Perth #westernaustralia #perthisok
We were recently given the chance to test drive th We were recently given the chance to test drive the all-new 2021 BT-50 XT on Far North Queensland's famous Bloomfield Track! 🌴

Is it really the complete package? Find out in our latest review! 👀🤔

➡️Click on link in bio or visit
 dirtydrifters.com.au/mazda-bt50-review
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Check out our epic GoPro footage from white water Check out our epic GoPro footage from white water rafting the glorious Tully River in FNQ the other weekend. 💦🤙

Longer version is on our Facebook. Thanks again @ragingthunder 👊😁
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🔸Adventure Rafting Tully River, FNQ🔸 We had 🔸Adventure Rafting Tully River, FNQ🔸

We had the wildest day out rafting in the rainforest waters of Far North Queensland's Tully River, considered Australia's best rafting river! 💦 🤙

We smashed through grade 3 & 4 rapids amid spectacular scenery while holding on for dear life. Tahnee's mouth was open the whole time 😂

Thanks to our skipper 'Freddy' and @ragingthunder for the most adrenaline pumping experience we've had in a long time. Epic GoPro footage coming next. 
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Had a busy week, or feeling anxious? Why don't you Had a busy week, or feeling anxious? Why don't you de-stress with a little bit of Platypus watching... 👀 🙃

While scouting for Platypus in the creeks and rivers of Far North Queensland, we were lucky to get up-close to this little guy who was quite preoccupied with feeding! 

It was a privilege to see this iconic Australian animal living their best life where they rightfully belong.
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We are happiest when we're outside, exploring. 🌿🐄😀
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Guess who made a 2 second TV appearance?!? Thank Guess who made a 2 second TV appearance?!? 

Thank you @destinationwa for featuring us in your "Kununurra part 2", filmed at the iconic Pumphouse Restaurant.

🎥 YouTube.com/c/DestinationWA
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🔸Millaa Millaa, FNQ 🔸 Our Perth to Cairns 🔸Millaa Millaa, FNQ 🔸 

Our Perth to Cairns venture is nearing completion! After Undara, we meandered 171km up the road to the edge of the Atherton Tablelands, to a small town called Millaa Millaa. 

Millaa Millaa is a favourite of ours because it hosts one of Australia's most photographed waterfalls - Millaa Millaa Falls, famously seen in a number of hair-flipping advert commercials. But this is not the only waterfall in this stunning region - in fact, the entire Atherton Tablelands is incredible, and one of the many reasons why we decided to make the move over to FNQ. 

We stayed at Millaa Millaa Caravan Park in one of their 'rainforest lots' and couldn't recommend it enough as a great introductory taster to the rainforest life that now awaits us!
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🔸Undara Experience, Part 2🔸 Have you ever 🔸Undara Experience, Part 2🔸 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a restored railway carriage?

Admittedly, it wasn't a thought that crossed our minds until we heard that Outback Queenslands "Undara Experience" offers this award-winning accommodation. 

Grabbing at this unique opportunity, (and it's hard to say no to Tahnee's enthusiasm), we paid to stay in a beautifully restored, turn of the century, railway carriage surrounded by Australian native wildlife.

This was a worthwhile fun and novel experience. Plus we now get to say that we slept in a railway carriage! 😂😁🚂
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thedirtydrifters

Sunset State of Mind. 😎🎨🏝️ #magneticis Sunset State of Mind. 😎🎨🏝️

#magneticisland #horseshoebay #Queensland #thisisqueensland #farnorthqld #sunsetlovers #sunset #sunsetphotography #sunsets #island #islandlife #townsville #magneticislandtourism #australia #exploringaustralia #farnorthqueensland
Orange you glad to see us? Not as active on Insta Orange you glad to see us?

Not as active on Instagram as we would like to be, but still very much together and enjoying life! 🧡😜

Currently enjoying a holiday break in WA before returning to tropical life in Cairns. 

#mindariemarina #love #Perth #westernaustralia #perthisok
We were recently given the chance to test drive th We were recently given the chance to test drive the all-new 2021 BT-50 XT on Far North Queensland's famous Bloomfield Track! 🌴

Is it really the complete package? Find out in our latest review! 👀🤔

➡️Click on link in bio or visit
 dirtydrifters.com.au/mazda-bt50-review
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#dirtydrifters #australia #mazda #farnorthqueensland #bt50 #dualcab #review #carreview #mazdabt50 #livingincairns #fnq #fnqlife #cairns #travelaustralia #daintree #adventure #Queensland #thisisqueensland #qld #exploringaustralia #4x4 #4x4australia #4wd #overland #bloomfieldtrack #capetribulation #explorefnq
Check out our epic GoPro footage from white water Check out our epic GoPro footage from white water rafting the glorious Tully River in FNQ the other weekend. 💦🤙

Longer version is on our Facebook. Thanks again @ragingthunder 👊😁
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#dirtydrifters #travel #aroundaustralia #tully #roadtripaustralia #ragingthunder #australia #Queensland #FNQ #thisisqueensland #exploringaustralia #waterrafting #gopro #whitewaterrafting #adventurerafting
#adventuretime #fitness #tropicalqueensland #farnorthqueensland #nature #rainforest #outdoors #watersports #exploringaustralia
🔸Adventure Rafting Tully River, FNQ🔸 We had 🔸Adventure Rafting Tully River, FNQ🔸

We had the wildest day out rafting in the rainforest waters of Far North Queensland's Tully River, considered Australia's best rafting river! 💦 🤙

We smashed through grade 3 & 4 rapids amid spectacular scenery while holding on for dear life. Tahnee's mouth was open the whole time 😂

Thanks to our skipper 'Freddy' and @ragingthunder for the most adrenaline pumping experience we've had in a long time. Epic GoPro footage coming next. 
.
.
#dirtydrifters #ragingthunder #Queensland #actionsports #exploringaustralia #fun #thisisqueensland #alive #aroundaustralia #tullyriver #farnorthqueensland #nature #tullygorge #watersports #watersports #rainforest #whitewaterrafting #FNQ #adventure #travelaustralia #adventurerafting #aussies #roadtripaustralia #australia
Had a busy week, or feeling anxious? Why don't you Had a busy week, or feeling anxious? Why don't you de-stress with a little bit of Platypus watching... 👀 🙃

While scouting for Platypus in the creeks and rivers of Far North Queensland, we were lucky to get up-close to this little guy who was quite preoccupied with feeding! 

It was a privilege to see this iconic Australian animal living their best life where they rightfully belong.
.
.
#Queensland #platypus #cairns
#farnorthqueensland #platypuses #athertontablelands #wildlife #animals #australiananimals #queenslandtourism #nature #thisisqueensland #qldparks #travelaustralia #travel #camping #adventure #adventureaustralia #roadtrip #exploringaustralia #wild #wilderness #australia #nativeanimals #dirtydrifters #aroundaustralia
We are happiest when we're outside, exploring. 🌿🐄😀
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Guess who made a 2 second TV appearance?!? Thank Guess who made a 2 second TV appearance?!? 

Thank you @destinationwa for featuring us in your "Kununurra part 2", filmed at the iconic Pumphouse Restaurant.

🎥 YouTube.com/c/DestinationWA
.
.
#dirtydrifters #australia #aroundaustralia #roadtrip #westernaustralia #wa #kununurra #aussies #roadtripaustralia #travel  #travelaustralia #seewa #destinationwa #pumphouse #explorewa #westoz #kimberley #exploringaustralia
🔸Millaa Millaa, FNQ 🔸 Our Perth to Cairns 🔸Millaa Millaa, FNQ 🔸 

Our Perth to Cairns venture is nearing completion! After Undara, we meandered 171km up the road to the edge of the Atherton Tablelands, to a small town called Millaa Millaa. 

Millaa Millaa is a favourite of ours because it hosts one of Australia's most photographed waterfalls - Millaa Millaa Falls, famously seen in a number of hair-flipping advert commercials. But this is not the only waterfall in this stunning region - in fact, the entire Atherton Tablelands is incredible, and one of the many reasons why we decided to make the move over to FNQ. 

We stayed at Millaa Millaa Caravan Park in one of their 'rainforest lots' and couldn't recommend it enough as a great introductory taster to the rainforest life that now awaits us!
.
.
.
#dirtydrifters #aroundaustralia #roadtripaustralia #australia #Queensland #thisisqueensland #exploringaustralia #millaamillaa #chasingwaterfalls #waterfalls #millaamillaafalls #visitaustralia #australian #seeaustralia #visitqld #travel #camping #travellingaustralia #fnq #rainforest #travelaustralia #adventure #campingaustralia #campinglife  #roadtrippers #roadtrip #roadtripoz  #waterfall #athertontablelands #travelqld
🔸Undara Experience, Part 2🔸 Have you ever 🔸Undara Experience, Part 2🔸 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a restored railway carriage?

Admittedly, it wasn't a thought that crossed our minds until we heard that Outback Queenslands "Undara Experience" offers this award-winning accommodation. 

Grabbing at this unique opportunity, (and it's hard to say no to Tahnee's enthusiasm), we paid to stay in a beautifully restored, turn of the century, railway carriage surrounded by Australian native wildlife.

This was a worthwhile fun and novel experience. Plus we now get to say that we slept in a railway carriage! 😂😁🚂
. 
. 
. 
#dirtydrifters #aroundaustralia #undara #undaranationalpark #lavatubes #roadtrip #train #roadtripaustralia #australia #Queensland #thisisqueensland #exploringaustralia #railway #restoredrailwaycarriage #carriage #uniqueaccomodation #travelaustralia #roadtrippin #roadtripoz #travel #adventure #adventureaustralia #exploreaustralia #seeaustralia #qld #outbackaustralia #outbackqueensland
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