e30 316 - looking for info, testing waters

[Socialvegetable]

So, let me start by saying that I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to e30's (BMWs in general, if I'm being honest), and I've been lead to believe that you lot are kind and helpful enthusiasts.

My dad, a lifelong mechanic, bought this e30 316 from an enlisted customer who was going abroad and needed to get rid of it. I'm not certain if the last owner imported it, or a previous owner got it here. It's titled and my dad DDed it for a few years, but it's been parked since '08, when he moved on to a cheaper beater. Needs a rebuilt carburetor, battery, fluids, the typical stuff you'd want to replace on a car that's been sitting. The 4spd manual is in good shape as far as I know.

Now, it's a little rough, with some typical East Coast body rust, the foam spoiler is weatherbeaten, and the rear glass seal is likely trash, but I don't know for sure if that's lead to any leaking. That said, I don't know how many other e30 316s are in North America, so I don't know how desireable it is.

Thoughts, questions, additional info for me?

My dad's been wanting to sell for years, but he's also a bit of a car hoarder, and he'll never move to sell it on his own. I just want to see it go to someone who can and will give it the restoration it needs.

I have a bunch of photos here: and I'll include a couple in this thread.

[5Toes]

Dude so sick!

[Socialvegetable]

Dude so sick!

I think it's got some great potential, I just don't have the resources to take it on. I've already got one project car on the chopping block, and a too-long to do list for my DD.

[der affe]

Since it has been federalized, you may want some shots of the speedo and the interior to see what else has been "american-ized".

Btw it has a factory foha ( i think that is the brand) aero kit installed on it also.

[Socialvegetable]

Since it has been federalized, you may want some shots of the speedo and the interior to see what else has been "american-ized".

Btw it has a factory foha ( i think that is the brand) aero kit installed on it also.

Shots of the gauge cluster, interior, and rust/age damage are in the album linked in my original post. I just didn't want to drown the thread in photos. As far as I know, the aero is all OEM, as you said.

[der affe]

Yea, I missed the link in the first post.

Btw, that body kit is pretty rare and not stock per say, but an accessory offered by BMW.

[mikeedler]

I hated those carbs back in the day- they never worked correctly. looks like it is def. has potential.

[defaultName]

Never knew that any E30's came with a 4 speed! Learn something new each day.

I know it's a feeler but it may help to post an idea of how much you would like to get for the car.

Btw it has a factory foha ( i think that is the brand) aero kit installed on it also.

I think the kit is by Pfeba. The spoiler definitely is and front lip too I think. Not really sure about the rest.

[Socialvegetable]

Never knew that any E30's came with a 4 speed! Learn something new each day.

I know it's a feeler but it may help to post an idea of how much you would like to get for the car.



I think the kit is by Pfeba. The spoiler definitely is and front lip too I think. Not really sure about the rest.

Thanks for the info. Part of the reason I posted here is because I really have no idea what this car is reasonably worth. It's rare and e30s are trendy now, but it's also the lowest spec model in the family tree, and it needs work. If someone's willing and able to. Invest the time and money to do something different with an e30, then there's some value there, I'm just not sure if the novelty of being an imported 316 outweighs the negatives.

[Shangsta]

imo no one is going to care that its a 316(as in the fact that its a 316 and there is not alot of them in the us is not going make it worth more than any other euro import). This car will probably appeal to someone looking to do a swap and have a early euro trim car.

[frankie591]

Ya the bumpers and other euro goodies are where your value is. I don't think anybody taking an a project like this would ever keep the carb'ed m10 in there.

[Unearth078]

where in pa?

[Wschnitz]

Those clock tachs, lol

[Socialvegetable]

where in pa?

PMed

[petrolhead]

Did anyone notice that's an E21 pictured in the tyre pressure-sticker? :)
Interesting that it has no original side indicators although it's a 1985 car.