325e

[kjgraz]

So... I'm be buying my first E30 tomorrow. Its a 325e 4-door in nice condition, I know the e is the economy model but as I understand the 2.7 is highly tunable correct? also the body is in great condition fresh paint, everything works and it has a recent state inspection. The dash is cracked and seats/interior is in great condition.The tac is broken but everything els in teh cluster works. The odometer reads 215 and IS working. Im paying about 1k. I thinks that's a solid price all things considered? Is there something that would make this car NOT worth 1000?
EDIT: forgot to mention has it has solid maintenance records for the entire life of the car

Thanks

[Simon S]

meh - sounds about right.

Solid body alone can carry the value up to $1K

Like any used vehicle there's a lot of variables that play into it (maintenance records/history, tires, auto/manual, etc. etc.) Hard to say without seeing and looking over the car in person

As far that the 'e' - I'm not well versed in that area but generally, yeah the low end torque on those models is enjoyed by some - fixed up/swaped out by others.

[kingston]

I think that's a pretty solid buy. Understand that the Sedans are not as valuable as the coupes, and the "e" models are not as desirable as the "i" or "is" models. If the body is clean, and the A/C works, then that's a pretty good buy.

As far as being "tuneable,' I don't think I agree with that. You can get a chip that will add some HP and torque, but the redline is still really low, and it still won't be that quick. What you can do is to purchase a lot of parts from an "i" model to bolt onto your block, including the "i" model head (complete with cam and double valve springs), intake manifold, throttle body, AFM, various vaccuum tubes, injectors, ECU, wiring harness, etc.

Unfortunately, that will give you a pretty low-compression head. It will be an improvement over what you have, but still won't be very good. What it WILL be good for is forced induction. The low-compression setup that you would get is good for adding a turbo system. But man, that is a lot of money and effort!

I have a`88, which has the SETA (super-ETA) engine. It's much closer to an "i" model than the `87 and prior engine. The redline is also higher than the pre-`88s. Might be worth it to look for a later model...

In short, you'll have a nice little car, but not one that is terribly easy to get much more out of. Good luck!

[urbancynic]

My first e30 was an 86 325e. I loved it because it reminded me of my old vw diesels, only faster.

They aren't as quick as an i or is, but with a chip they can be pretty good.

The low end torque and fuel economy is perfect for a daily driver. Thats why my second and current e30 is an 86 325es. Fueled it up today - 34.7 mpg mostly highway.

If you don't have documented proof or it done recently prepare to do a timing belt and water pump.

[kjgraz]

Im kinda rethinking my plan. I was originally going to get this and either turbo or supercharge it...but now i'm thinking I might just cruise around in it during the summer and sell it in a few months. I have seen some 325e's on ebay/r3v that had way worse body/paint/interior sell for about 1.5-2.5....so ill just do it live hahah

[kjgraz]

ya, new water pump last year and new timing belt 4k ago

[kingston]

I've never seen a supercharger for the M20. Turbos are out there, though... Question for you: if you sell it, what are you going to buy next?

[kjgraz]

I've never seen a supercharger for the M20. Turbos are out there, though... Question for you: if you sell it, what are you going to buy next?

another e30 hahahahahah. already obsessed and I don't even own one yet. Most likely a coupe 325is

[Butler]

I say buy it as long as you're not expecting a race car. It can still be a very fun car I love mine! The torque is nice.

[kjgraz]

I say buy it as long as you're not expecting a race car. It can still be a very fun car I love mine! The torque is nice.

Ya, my expectations are not high on the speed end. however I do hope it handles okay..

[kjgraz]

Picked the car up today. Turns out, it was an es! I basically drove it all day hahah!! I absolutely love it. still needs a bit more power tho. turbo maybe?

Will post pics tomorrow

[long tall eta]

Picked the car up today. Turns out, it was an es! I basically drove it all day hahah!! I absolutely love it. still needs a bit more power tho. turbo maybe?

Will post pics tomorrow

ebay chip and a 3.25 lsd and your good to go.

[e30Hungry]

Picked the car up today. Turns out, it was an es! I basically drove it all day hahah!! I absolutely love it. still needs a bit more power tho. turbo maybe?

Will post pics tomorrow

Congrats, But if your going to sell the car in a few months, whats the point of turboing it.

[kjgraz]

Congrats, But if your going to sell the car in a few months, whats the point of turboing it.

Well I originally thought it was going to be an e. it didn't seem like it was worth it to do all the engine upgrades. Now I want to keep it hahah. Only issue I see now is the 4doors haha :/

[blindwOw]

it is still an eta...just with the sport package