**Moderators, please delete this thread. I purchased a donor car and performing the swap myself. Thanks! **
I'm in the market for an S54 swapped E30 coupe. If you're contemplating selling or have any leads, please either post on this thread or pm me.
I don't have any preference on color or year of the car. Must have a clean title. Regarding price range, I'm not sure how much a complete E30 (non-M3 platform) with an S54 swap would go for nowadays. I'd say max $21K, but that is purely dependent on the build quality. If you have a different opinion about my price point, I kindly request for your justification.
After doing a bit more research on the price range, I'd say $18K - $21K for a well sorted car. A "well sorted car" in my definition is a car that I can drive comfortably on the street; full interior and creature comforts. Without going too much into detail, here's a breakdown of what I consider is a well sorted car:
Exterior Condition (8/10) - Doesn't have to be original paint. No vinyl wraps. Minimal rock chips and dings/scratches.
Interior Condition (8/10) - Worn front seat bolsters are expected on older cars. Little wear is fine, but no tears or cracks. Same condition for the rear seats.
Motor:
-S54 with proper maintenance record (post ownership is fine). Also, preventative maintenance on common problem areas is a plus; rod bearings (especially for pre-2003 - 2003.5 models), VANOS.
Drivetrain:
-ZF Transmission with OEM clutch and flywheel
-Optional: Getrag 420g Transmission
-Z3 2.7 turn to lock ratio steering rack
-Diff upgrade
Cooling:
-Traditional fan with clutch fan is fine
-Optional: Electric Fan
Brakes:
-I prefer a non-manual setup, but anything that works and stops the car is fine.
Suspension:
-Stock ride height with OEM struts and coils are fine. No blown struts or cut springs. No air suspension.
-Aftermarket struts/coils or coilovers are fine also. Again, no blown struts or cut springs. No air suspension.
-Optional: 5-lug conversion
Requirements:
Must have A/C, Heat, Radio, Functional Gauges and Panel Lights, Power Steering, no electrical issues
My definition of a car that is not well sorted is basically an E30 with 4/10 exterior and interior condition, minimal creature comforts; basically, a car that I'm unable to drive comfortably on the street (includes track cars). Price range for what I'd offer for a car in this condition is $12K - $14K. Anything above $14K, I'd probably just buy another E46 M3 or purchase an o-k-a-y condition E30 and built it myself.
I've found a few candidates and they're both really promising cars. Asking price is still too high. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.
Thanks everyone for your help so far!
I'm in the market for an S54 swapped E30 coupe. If you're contemplating selling or have any leads, please either post on this thread or pm me.
I don't have any preference on color or year of the car. Must have a clean title. Regarding price range, I'm not sure how much a complete E30 (non-M3 platform) with an S54 swap would go for nowadays. I'd say max $21K, but that is purely dependent on the build quality. If you have a different opinion about my price point, I kindly request for your justification.
After doing a bit more research on the price range, I'd say $18K - $21K for a well sorted car. A "well sorted car" in my definition is a car that I can drive comfortably on the street; full interior and creature comforts. Without going too much into detail, here's a breakdown of what I consider is a well sorted car:
Exterior Condition (8/10) - Doesn't have to be original paint. No vinyl wraps. Minimal rock chips and dings/scratches.
Interior Condition (8/10) - Worn front seat bolsters are expected on older cars. Little wear is fine, but no tears or cracks. Same condition for the rear seats.
Motor:
-S54 with proper maintenance record (post ownership is fine). Also, preventative maintenance on common problem areas is a plus; rod bearings (especially for pre-2003 - 2003.5 models), VANOS.
Drivetrain:
-ZF Transmission with OEM clutch and flywheel
-Optional: Getrag 420g Transmission
-Z3 2.7 turn to lock ratio steering rack
-Diff upgrade
Cooling:
-Traditional fan with clutch fan is fine
-Optional: Electric Fan
Brakes:
-I prefer a non-manual setup, but anything that works and stops the car is fine.
Suspension:
-Stock ride height with OEM struts and coils are fine. No blown struts or cut springs. No air suspension.
-Aftermarket struts/coils or coilovers are fine also. Again, no blown struts or cut springs. No air suspension.
-Optional: 5-lug conversion
Requirements:
Must have A/C, Heat, Radio, Functional Gauges and Panel Lights, Power Steering, no electrical issues
My definition of a car that is not well sorted is basically an E30 with 4/10 exterior and interior condition, minimal creature comforts; basically, a car that I'm unable to drive comfortably on the street (includes track cars). Price range for what I'd offer for a car in this condition is $12K - $14K. Anything above $14K, I'd probably just buy another E46 M3 or purchase an o-k-a-y condition E30 and built it myself.
I've found a few candidates and they're both really promising cars. Asking price is still too high. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.
Thanks everyone for your help so far!

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