Cost of factory quality paint job?

[andydoubleu]

Sorry if this has been covered but I was unable to find the information I needed via the search bar.

I have been looking across the country for the perfect e30 but unfortunately I am on a time crunch for personal reasons. I have found an amazing candidate but it is red. I was wondering how much I am looking at to get an A+ paint job to change the car from red to alpine white (maybe Porsche cream white - Chiffon). I know if it very expensive and you get what you pay for, but I am willing to pay. I am sure the much of the cost is labor (Panel/Trim/Engine removal) how much is saved by leaving the engine bay (I really don't want to do this)?

Also, do you guys have any recommendations for paint shops in the bay area?

Thanks,

Andy

[e304me]

Around 5K, not worth it for a car you havent even bought yet. By red car, see if the color grows on you, and look for white one in the meantime?

[andydoubleu]

That's what I figured. Its has just been really hard finding e30's for sale that meet my criteria. I am being too picky but I was hoping a high budget would unearth some excellent examples. I will probably just look for a stock car with no rust and build it myself. Plus I know that doing it that way will be the most fun. It just becomes hard because I have done this before and never get around to working on the car... Damn work schedule... haha

Thanks for the reply.

[30THIRTY]

I would say more than 5k red to white is a nightmare

[Asbradley21]

I was quoted at 3 grand same colour respray. Just leave it red..

[e30s50dan]

...I also was quoted 3k for my m3.. Dang!

[Timp]

That's what I figured. Its has just been really hard finding e30's for sale that meet my criteria. I am being too picky but I was hoping a high budget would unearth some excellent examples. I will probably just look for a stock car with no rust and build it myself. Plus I know that doing it that way will be the most fun. It just becomes hard because I have done this before and never get around to working on the car... Damn work schedule... haha

Thanks for the reply.

Patience paid off huge for me. I checked craigslist and other online sources every day in every state west of Colorado - I actually got pretty good at scanning the classifieds... After three months or so I ended up getting a car in Long Beach for $2000 in very good condition. You can see it here. It was owned by an old lady who had a full service history. I feel I got a good deal. You can too, just wait for the right one.

Edit: Just read the bit about you being in a time crunch.

[mr2peak]

I just got an Alpina shell for $300. Actually a whole car with a blown motor. So that's one way to change color.

[Wanganstyle]

Sorry if this has been covered but I was unable to find the information I needed via the search bar.

I have been looking across the country for the perfect e30 but unfortunately I am on a time crunch for personal reasons. I have found an amazing candidate but it is red. I was wondering how much I am looking at to get an A+ paint job to change the car from red to alpine white (maybe Porsche cream white - Chiffon). I know if it very expensive and you get what you pay for, but I am willing to pay. I am sure the much of the cost is labor (Panel/Trim/Engine removal) how much is saved by leaving the engine bay (I really don't want to do this)?

Also, do you guys have any recommendations for paint shops in the bay area?

Thanks,

Andy

Ideal not to change colour, but if you are dead set on a full proper colour change and resto, I can put you in touch with factory service for chassis with full OEM factory spec finish application in the bay area. Wont be cheap, but its not nearly as insane as reputed to be.

if you search bodywork threads, there is another member who did a cabrio e30+ e30m full OEM sheetmetal, and had the work done @ OEM BMW factory style facility in the SF bay.

IF you had lots of time, we could ship the entire car overseas to get less costly factory labor..... take advantage of FX rates lol

[CW325]

i read an article once about vinyl coating the whole car, maybe look into that

[Kershaw]

$8000 is where you should be looking to spend for a quality FACTORY paint job.