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WTB: E30 S54 swap

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    WTB: E30 S54 swap

    **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!

    Last edited by biiemu3; 01-02-2018, 09:16 AM.

    #2
    You need to put a price range

    Otherwise you are wasting everyone's time.

    Also say things like what you have to have (AC, clean title, 5 speed?) or dont want (colors, track cars etc).
    Last edited by Javier h; 11-29-2017, 11:41 AM.

    Comment


      #3
      Agree with Javier.

      Present some more info to a potential seller and they may be more inclined to start a discussion with you.

      Also, I would add your search into your signature, that way more people will see it. When I am ready to find my next E30 I will be doing something in my signature along the lines of "Know of an 88 325is for sale? Please PM me" or something along those lines. I would probably include the link to a WTB ad I would create, where a lot of my desires/information was contained.

      Would be worth the time/hassle for you in your search.
      My previous build (currently E30-less)
      http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=170390

      A 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Offroad in Inferno is my newest obsession

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Javier h View Post
        Otherwise you are wasting everyone's time.

        Also say things like what you have to have (AC, clean title, 5 speed?) or dont want (colors, track cars etc).
        Originally posted by MR E30 325is View Post
        Agree with Javier.

        Present some more info to a potential seller and they may be more inclined to start a discussion with you.

        Also, I would add your search into your signature, that way more people will see it. When I am ready to find my next E30 I will be doing something in my signature along the lines of "Know of an 88 325is for sale? Please PM me" or something along those lines. I would probably include the link to a WTB ad I would create, where a lot of my desires/information was contained.

        Would be worth the time/hassle for you in your search.
        Thanks for the great feedback! I made some edits. Additional requirements will be added later this week; work takes priority for now.

        Comment


          #5
          Thank you. The only one that comes to mind with those specifications is this one:



          issue is I am not sure he is selling anything but the fact that he had a thread going might give some indication. Either way, the thread gives anyone a potential feel of what these things are worth in a given condition.

          I'll pass on the link with the guy that wants $75,000. I am sure at that price he still has the car.
          Last edited by Javier h; 11-29-2017, 02:18 PM.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by Javier h View Post
            Thank you. The only one that comes to mind with those specifications is this one:



            issue is I am not sure he is selling anything but the fact that he had a thread going might give some indication. Either way, the thread gives anyone a potential feel of what these things are worth in that condition.

            I'll pass on the link with the guy that wants $75,000
            I was just about to post this exact thread. Hes local and will sell it for the right price which is probably around $20k
            Simon
            Current Cars:
            -1966 Lotus Elan
            -1986 German Car
            -2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

            Make R3V Great Again -2020

            Comment


              #7
              How about a RHD Mtech2 touring? Above your budget but a nice build. Looking for around $40K . Almost everything has been rebuilt including the engine

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Javier h View Post
                Thank you. The only one that comes to mind with those specifications is this one:



                issue is I am not sure he is selling anything but the fact that he had a thread going might give some indication. Either way, the thread gives anyone a potential feel of what these things are worth in a given condition.

                I'll pass on the link with the guy that wants $75,000. I am sure at that price he still has the car.
                Originally posted by 2mAn View Post
                I was just about to post this exact thread. Hes local and will sell it for the right price which is probably around $20k
                Thanks guys! I've updated my original post. I spoke to the owner of car the other day. It's not exactly what I'm looking for, but if the price is right, I'd buy it and revert it back to a more street friendly car.

                ...the search continues

                Thanks, again for all the help!

                Originally posted by Shftr8 View Post
                How about a RHD Mtech2 touring? Above your budget but a nice build. Looking for around $40K . Almost everything has been rebuilt including the engine
                Thanks for the offer, but I'm currently only in the market for an E30 coupe. Good luck on the sale!
                Last edited by biiemu3; 12-04-2017, 11:11 AM.

                Comment


                  #9
                  I'd give up ro 50k for the right unicorn...they're just not our there

                  Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
                  Current Cars:
                  2016 PORSCHE GT3 RS
                  2017 FERRARI 488GTB
                  2018 RAPTOR CREW CAB
                  1991 318is SLICKTOP H&R SPRING SEMA CAR
                  1991 318IS SLICKTOP STERLING SILVER
                  1990 325ic BRONZIT/AUTO :)
                  1989 E30 M3 (SOLD AWAITING SHIPPING)

                  On Order:
                  2018 DODGE DEMON

                  Searching for:
                  CLEAN E30'S
                  S54 DRIVETRAIN
                  E30 DASH
                  E30 PARTS

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by 2mAn View Post
                    I was just about to post this exact thread. Hes local and will sell it for the right price which is probably around $20k
                    Yup what he said.
                    E30 S54

                    Comment


                      #11


                      you are in luck. see link!

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by TheDirtyS54Thirty View Post
                        Yup what he said.
                        David - It was great talking to you the other day. I have lusted over your car ever since it was featured on the Smoking Tire some years ago, and I have no doubt that you have a well sorted car. Life happens and with shift in priority, it's just not the right car for me at the moment. My price point (above) was just an honest judgement based on market, nothing personal to you. There is a buyer out there, just be patient.
                        FYI - As a price point, an S50 swapped E30 just sold for $10,000 on BAT.

                        Originally posted by e36garagequeen View Post
                        Thanks for sharing the link. I actually came across the same ad while sipping on my morning coffee. Possibly an E30 M3 (my fun car) S54 swap coming real soon. ;)

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by biiemu3 View Post
                          David - It was great talking to you the other day. I have lusted over your car ever since it was featured on the Smoking Tire some years ago, and I have no doubt that you have a well sorted car. Life happens and with shift in priority, it's just not the right car for me at the moment. My price point (above) was just an honest judgement based on market, nothing personal to you. There is a buyer out there, just be patient.
                          FYI - As a price point, an S50 swapped E30 just sold for $10,000 on BAT.



                          Thanks for sharing the link. I actually came across the same ad while sipping on my morning coffee. Possibly an E30 M3 (my fun car) S54 swap coming real soon. ;)

                          I don’t understand what a s50 swapped e30 being sold on BAT has to do with my car. Comparing apples to oranges
                          E30 S54

                          Comment


                            #14
                            I have a 90 coupe. 50k mile s52 swap, 5 lug swap, z3m steering rack, r134a ac/heater, etc.

                            If you'll consider a S52 swapped car.

                            Comment

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