to buy or not to buy?

[tcheb]

If paint is not affected, the dent can be easily fixed for 100-200$. Engine rebuilds are cheap as long as you do the job yourself. Especially on a 4 cylinder.
I myself like the red interior.

[e30:)]

i dont know about where you love but there are better deals thank that.. but its up to you, i said under 1000 becouse i have seen better 325is for a grand.

[metalsoul]

Nothing wrong with having a running project if you're capable of doing the work yourself to save on labor, but if you're already preparing to sink in another grand or more than I agree with the aforementioned, you can buy a great running e30 that isn't the prettiest loking for anywhere between 2k and $2500. Then at least you know the beast you're dealing with.

[Cyrix2k]

318i + dent + iffy motor = sub $1000 territory.

[Kershaw]

i think the bell curve distribution of poll results show you that the seller is asking for too much.

[DerRoteBaron]

Dot-R on the right side fender already, might have been hit in the past or has some rust issues.

[idanity]

pros vs. cons

PRO;
its an e30.
5 SPEED manual
black
huge room in engine bay
lots of expensive maintenence already.
title will always say 318 (sleeper if swapped w/crazy engine)
84= no more emissions
SUMMERtime- sunshine. perfect shadetree time.
fun car.
the forums with help and used parts are great.

cons
318 powerless panther
red int. (well, imo)
engine ticks


I drove a 82 datsun with piston slap for 2 years, and sold it for 100more $$ than i paid for it.
ticks mean nothing, sure its not pristine, but it runs.

check the intake, look for resin that would be a sign of loose valve guides.

good news is, you could easily find another engine and rebuild it in your freetime, port/ polish whatever.
ive seen 318s last forever.

the swap is the easiest part, i blew mine up and 6 months later, was rolling again w/2 hours a day and only on sunny days at that (this is seattle btw)

i say buy what you want, and in 6-8 months you could have a concours car. or a great track car, turbo, whatever you want.

motivation is key,
are you motivated to learn how (i can say, i have never found an easier car to tune than my e30).


come rain or shine, drive or pull this car to the e30 picnic and happy trails