Buying a E30 but what Model? - Page 2 - United Bimmer Community

**defkon99** · 08-01-2005, 02:29 PM

yea the updated steering wheel looks like the ones found in most e36's

**hamann318is** · 08-01-2005, 03:02 PM

I'd swap out the airbag wheel ASAP if you get one.

**defkon99** · 08-01-2005, 03:07 PM

can u explain why?

**hamann318is** · 08-01-2005, 03:12 PM

They are an afterthought in the E30. The car was designed in 83 and wasn't designed for airbags. BMW just threw them in there.

The bags are all old, and they use phosporous injection which will give you chemical burns went the bags go off.

You're safer with a seatbelt and no airbag in the E30.

**defkon99** · 08-01-2005, 03:21 PM

ok cool great Input! so if its got one get an original or aftermarket. sweet!

**bex325** · 08-02-2005, 01:01 PM

late model body style came out in 88, albeit with aluminum bumpers still, however the swap to plastic bumpers is fairly straightforward. Airbags began appearing in 90, i believe, and yes, they are pretty pointless. The best year for the 325is is 89, as it had the plastic bumpers, no airbag, and ellipsoid headlights. You are pretty lucky in the us, as the e30s tend to be fairly cheap ie under 5000 usd, here in canada a late model 325is in good condition will go for over 10000 cdn. Good luck on finding a car, you wont regret buying an e30!