Motoring
How to modify a classic BMW E30
SlammedUK's Jordan Clarke interviews the owner of a modified BMW E30 to find out how he did it and how much it cost.
This month’s ‘Car of The Month’ brings us to a personal favourite classic car of mine, the iconic BMW E30, and a car that we’re seeing more and more within the modified world – which is great to see!
West Donovan is a lab technician from London who I met at the SlammedUK Gravity Show during the summer. He had his modified E30 with him, and I wanted to know more about the build. I met up with West to discuss his car, his thoughts on the current modified car world in the UK and any future plans he might have.
I think the reason I'm into cars so much is it's an expression of your own personality, being able to put your own touch on something has always fascinated me
The modified BMW E30 stands out in the crowd
© Tristan Young
How did you get into modifying cars? What motivates you to do it?
I got into cars not long after passing my driving test. I used to be massively into motorbikes, but that fizzled out once I got behind the wheel. I think the reason I'm into cars so much is it's an expression of your own personality, being able to put your own touch on something has always fascinated me.
Why an E30? I imagine you wanted to go for a classic, but any reason for the E30 specifically?
My neighbour has had an E30 convertible for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always loved the shape. I kept up with Mike from Stanceworks’ blog on ‘Rusty Slammington’ and that was always a big reason I went classic BMW. Once I broke my Clio for parts, I set my mind on an E30 from the get-go. Weeks of looking and I finally found the perfect one – two door, red coupe, chrome bumper and 55k genuine miles. Very unheard of now to be honest, but it needed some love. The rear arches were rusted, and the paint was fairly flat, and it didn't have a MOT. Perfect for me as I wanted to bring it back to life, put my own touch on it and have a project to work on.
The wheels are 16” BBS RS’s, 16x7J and 16x9J with custom turbo fans
© Tristan Young
What was your favourite thing – and most challenging thing –about the build?
The most challenging thing about the build was probably the deadline I set myself, which was the SlammedUK Gravity Show 2018. Nothing like putting pressure on yourself to get something done in time, but also just the sourcing of parts etc. was a major hold up. There are a few rare bits on the car such as the Taifun front grill conversion and the Heckblende on the back, they were really, really tough to get hold of, but all worth it in the end.
A question everyone wants to know but doesn’t like to ask, what sort of money has this build cost you? Initially for the car and then modifying?
Well I lucked out with the car as I only paid £750 back in 2014. You'll struggle to buy a full interior for that now, it's crazy! I’d say I'm probably £7,000 in up to this point, but a lot of the parts due to their rarity will hold their value so it's more of an investment to be honest.
Inside the BMW E30
© Tristan Young
What are your next plans for the car, will you be doing anything major over winter?
Plans for winter are a general tidy up. The engine is coming out and being smoothed, a set of twin weber 40's are going on, and I'll play about with the fitment.
What has been your favourite car event that you attended this year and why?
My favourite event this year I’d say was the Gravity Show. It was my first time attending and having the car on display for the first time at such a sick venue meant a lot to me. Will always hold good memories for that reason and many others.
Heckblende rear
© Tristan Young
Watch our new series Drift Queen with YouTuber Queen B as she embarks on a journey of a lifetime to learn how to drift and modifying her own drift car at the same time
