Looking for a clean E30 PNW

[Adalbert]

I’m new to this forum but not to BMWs. I’m in the market for a clean, late model E30.

The short list of what I'm looking for:
- manual transmission only
- as original and clean as possible (solid interior, original paint)

- documented service history, clean Carfax
- open to coupes and sedans, but no convertibles
- prefer non-sunroof cars, but not a deal breaker


I can guarantee any potential seller the car would be:

- adult owned by a BMWCCA member
- garaged
- only enjoyed in good weather (I already have my E92 for daily driver duties)


Let me know what you might be interested in selling.

Cheers!

[djjerme]

What's your budget? Because to check all those boxes, you're going to be in the neighborhood of 8-10K at the least.

[IronJoe]

I thought the same thing - sounds like a dream E30 for many of us here. A fully documented original late model slicktop manual coupe/sedan is going to demand a significant premium. Check Bring a Trailer for what some comparable cars have sold for recently - they are out there, but pretty desirable.

Any preference on 4 or 6cyl? There are a few concessions you can make that would drop the price. First of which would be the manual transmission - auto E30s are typically more reasonably priced and an auto-manual conversion is pretty straightforward.

[Adalbert]

Agreed, a clean car will cost you and that budget estimate is pretty good. I did see the 325is on BaT but can't stretch that far.

I've gotten feedback that a slicktop car will be very hard to find so it is only a preference. I also prefer the inherent smoothness of an I6 but a clean 318i might persuade me. I know the 318is cars have a cult following.

I've seen some very nice E30s running around here on the Eastside so I know they are out there, but all I tend to see on CL are the beaters, projects, (untastefully) modified cars, etc. I'm hoping someone on here who might be thinking of selling their nice example will let me know.

[djjerme]

So then what kind of budget are you trying to fit? 10K? 5K?

You can find a super clean, clean Carfax E30 with not a full history for between 5-10K. It'll probably out last you, and will just gain value. Plus, you can still drive it.

[Adalbert]

$8-10k would probably be the top end for me.

[rob-redm]

good luck with your quest..

[bmwm42]

find it outside of the pnw it isn't hard

[Adalbert]

good luck with your quest..

Thanks, Rob.