Help me please...

[macinnis]

I am a noob on E30's and have been looking around for one.

I found 2 cars:
a 84 325e with a m52 swap. He is asking 6k. I know that 84 is a early year for the E30's.
a 89 325is that is stock. He wants 3k. My plans for this car would be a 24v swap. Preferably the S50/52.



My question is:
What are the differences from the newer to earlier E30's?
Is $6k a good price for the car? From the pictures, it looks somewhat clean.
Or should I go for the second car and do it my own way?


The 84- http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=237206
The 89- http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...source=message

Your wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[FunfGan]

It all depends on how clean it is, and how well done the swap is. That seems like a decent price if its done well. Some pics would help you, and others, out tremendously though!

[macinnis]

It all depends on how clean it is, and how well done the swap is. That seems like a decent price if its done well. Some pics would help you, and others, out tremendously though!

I wasn't quite sure how to add pictures directly so I posted the links.
Thanks

[PeteD]

84 325e -Early model differences: Bumpers, no airbags, high rear wheel arches, pop out rear windows, no love. Most people don't like the early models because of the ugly bumpers and the "e" had the slower engine. I like the early models.

89 325is This is a sought after year for the e30. You can make the "is" motor fast at a low cost. That particular car looks like it needs a little TLC and some suspesion to be great.

Both prices seem like a good deal for the buyer. You really have to go an check them out though.

[macinnis]

84 325e -Early model differences: Bumpers, no airbags, high rear wheel arches, pop out rear windows, no love. Most people don't like the early models because of the ugly bumpers and the "e" had the slower engine. I like the early models.

89 325is This is a sought after year for the e30. You can make the "is" motor fast at a low cost. That particular car looks like it needs a little TLC and some suspesion to be great.

Both prices seem like a good deal for the buyer. You really have to go an check them out though.

For the 84, couldn't I buy some euro bumpers? With coil-overs, would the high wheel arches still be very noticeable?
Thanks for the response

[PeteD]

That would be ideal, they are expensive - when you can come by them and to really do it nice you need the MTech 1 kit. I like the high wheel arches - you can stuff big wheels under the car and still add an upgraded suspension without the wheels disappearing into the fender.

You could always get a body kit, or convert new plastics bumpers (the rear requires a lot of work).

Also, if you don't know much about cars, it might be better to get the 89, seeing as it has the original engine/transmission. This way buying parts or taking it to a mechanic (if you do that) will be easier. If you get the swapped car you have to realize there might be different parts from different cars of different years etc. Not a big deal, but just be aware.

[Vince30]

Are those fake 5 point harnesses necessary for the whole 190hp of the m52?

The 89 looks like a better buy to me, half the price for a cleaner start.

[slammin.e28]

Are those fake 5 point harnesses necessary for the whole 190hp of the m52?

Spine crushers FTW!