89 vert, original mtech2 and hardtop

[E30arian]

I need your expertise opinion and input. I have this 89 vert with 189000 miles with original mtech 2 all around, including the hardtop and original 4 lugs 16" bbs rs, I have replace almost everything in the engine and suspension, so it runs like a champ. My question is that how much can I get for this as it sits? Or I should keep it and get a new paint job, cardinal interior and m54 swap. I would really appreciate your knowledge and ideas.

[reelizmpro]

I'd say $6-7k without the hardtop. Sell that separate if u want more money. The kit isn't original to the car (not an appearance package) so the question is how well was it fitted and installed?

[E30arian]

Thank you for your input, kit is well fitted on the car, it's just need a need paint job, but should invest more into it as far as bigger engine and cosmetic?

[e30tron]

im in LA let me know if youre selling the hard top separate.

[DELPHINtimecapsule]

Are those rs003?

[E30arian]

yes sir

[KIRIEIW]

My car is very similar, interested to see what people think the value is on it as mine might be forsale this May at Bimmerfest. Is the kit OEM? You should see BMW stamps and part numbers if so.

[E30arian]

All OEM kit around

[mbonder]

From what I've seen, the more work you put in, the less money you are going to get out. These cars, although they are getting older, are not 60s American muscle cars, or old-school air-cooled porsches, so there is a limit to what you can get out of them, even in pristine condition.

Generally from recent sales you can expect these kind of prices for various e30 models (considering excellent condition examples, prices will be lower if condition is less than that):

e30 m3: $25-35k-->These have seen the largest appreciation over the last couple years
e30 mtech vert (real mtech): $10-18k
e30 mtech vert (appearance): $7-10k
e30 318/325 late model: $5-8k
e30 318/325 early model: $4-8k

Generally, the prices have risen across the board for clean examples over the last couple of years as the prices of the m3 have risen (although not nearly as exponentially). Keep in mind these are prices for stock excellent condition cars, once you get into swaps and suspension mods and wheels the game changes, although barring the most exotic, usually not by that much.

An example of what I mean is a friend of mine purchased a late model 325is that had an s50 swap with e30 m3 5 lug, all oem mtech II kit and a fresh repaint for $16k after delivery. Although it's got a lot of really nice parts on it, the price didn't really reflect the total cost to put all of it together. Which clearly illustrates the diminishing returns of modifying a car.

Parted out you'd expect something like this:
-s50/e36 trans: $2500-3000
-e30 m3 5 lug: $2500
-mtech II kit: $2000
-Alpina recaro seats: $800
-Stromung muffler: $600
-Repaint: $3-5k
-Wheels/Tires: $1000
-H&R/Bilstein Suspension: $800

So you can see that basically, the car ends up being free when you total up all the money that was spent on modifications. Generally, you'll never get back what you spend on modifications, so expect 25-50 cents on the dollar, definitely diminishing returns.

So if you are looking at it as an investment I would stop right there, sell the hardtop separately and then sell the car. You're not going to get much more beyond about $1500 for the hardtop and about $6k for the car.

If you want to own an e30 and enjoy driving one of the greatest cars BMW ever built, than its not really about what it costs so modify it within your financial means and enjoy driving it, don't add up all the money you spent and hate yourself for spending it because you know you'll never get it back upon resale. Me personally, I own my e30s with the intent to never sell them, so whatever money I spend is for my enjoyment, not for investment. I've got retirement accounts and financial advisors for that.

[E30arian]

Wow, amazing input. Thank you very much for all the knowledge and advise. Even though I love this little toy, but I'm trying to raise funds for purchasing the e30 m3. But thanks again :D

[mbonder]

If that's the case then I'd sell it and put the money aside where you won't touch it. Save up to buy the best condition m3 you can afford, in the long run, the clean examples are going to appreciate beyond where they are now.

[mr2peak]

Honestly you should have all the funds to buy the M3, and sell this car to use as a fund to freshen up the M3, or fix it if it breaks.

That said, I passd on purchasing your car because, while the kit might be genuine, the car is not an original MTech 2. The interior is also quite personalized. Parting out the kit, the hardtop, and the wheels and selling the car as clean stock vert might get you the most $$ in return.

[rcsoundn1]

Fitted is not a word people!

[e30devo]

Fitted is not a word people!

"A fitted sheet!" It's a word.

I would love to buy the hardtop, please let me know.

[E30arian]

Thanks for your correction :)