found a 325es, think it's worth it?

[xaaronx]

i've been in love with these cars for quite some time but never bothered because they're hard to come by where i live. well, i found an 86 325es (is that the only year they were made in the US?) for $1500. it has pretty gnarly paint fade and a few small rust spots (but the quarter seem okay). the rust is along side of where the sideskirts would be and a surface spot where it looks like a large piece of paint chipped. the odometer also stopped at 160k so mileage is kind of unknown and the passenger window motor is bad.

i'm waiting to test drive it this friday but i'm just curious if you guys think it's worth the price or if it should be even lower because of the few problems.


somewhat unrelated note, did the 325es come with LSD?

edit: here's a picture of it. you can see the surface rust to the right of the door handle.

[F34R]

Too much, get it lower or walk away. Rust is an issue, plus the old DB bumpers are ugly. Spend 400-500 more and get the plastic bumper 325iS.

The "S" stands for sport, and the LSD is standard on those models. As is sport seats(called recaros by n00bs) and three spoke steering wheel.

[xaaronx]

cool cool. what's the deal with the odometer? is that common by any means? he says he recently replaced the idle control unit and idle control valve but doesn't mention anything else. i guess i can give him the 20 questions when i go to look at it/drive it.

[ak-]

First of all, it really depends what you want. Restoration project? DD? Winter beater? Car for the family to use? Personal toy? Think of that along with your financial status.

Yes the ODO dies around that mileage sooner or later from the plastic gears melting inside the cluster from the sun. It looks to be at stock height so suspension is most likely worn to hell for a 20+ year old car. With all those little things you mentioned, especially rust, you can do way better in my opinion Aaron.

If you don't get that car for $400 - $600 in relation to what you want to do with it, I would walk away if I was you.

And your comment on "is that the only year they were made in the US", are you talking about the eS in general or E30's in general?


Goodluck!

[Pac1373]

I think $800 or so would be an "OK" price.
IDK what your local e30 market is like, but thats my gut feeling.
I have paid less for more, but I have also paid more for less...if you know what I am getting at. depends on what YOU want.

also...

where you SEE rust, there is MORE unseen rust. this is a fact. and rust IS an issue.

[Cabriolet]

i sold my almost mint condition 1986 325es with no rust. good paint. rebuilt engine, new clutch, breaks shocks, cat, etc... for $2700. cost me 2500 for all the repairs. give him no more than $500. its gonna cost you 4k to get to good DD condition.