Official e30 pricing thread

[jasonbk]

1991 316i (m40b16) imported from Germany to Canada

when I first got it(washed, waxed and replaced steering wheel)

Has none of power options that North american e30 had(i prefer that except having no a/c in summer)
Some euro goodies like euroweaves, smileys, grille, bumper trim, tow hook, clock, etc
100% stock(radio, suspension, original window stickers)
New tires, brakes, recent timing belt.

I paid $4000 for mine in 2011 august after seller did safety + emission.

Needed nothing (as advertised) mechanically so far except very basic maintenance like fluids and filters(it's my only car and daily).

No rust (hard to find in Canada, that's why I paid $4K for base model).
Paint is 7/10, looks good from 5 feet but has fair amount of scratches, swirls, chips and some dents
Interior is clean, mint dash, replaced broken ashtray, torn shifter boots, and etc.
Has big dent on the rear fender, tiny bubble on each side of front fender (about 5mm diameter)

as it sits now.

[CrusherCurtis]

Also, this thread seems somewhat similar to the thread "How much has your e30 cost you?"

...Just pointing that out...

Completely different. The idea was to make a thread that to that showed a real value of e30's, not who much you've dumped into it. Unfortunately it seems anyone who paid more that $2000 is afraid to post.

[Rsully70sev]

Also, this thread seems somewhat similar to the thread "How much has your e30 cost you?"

...Just pointing that out...

[Rsully70sev]

How did you get your insurance to insure you for $10k? Just curious.

I'm guessing he had stated/agreed value insurance. Usually it's granted through companies like American Classic, Haggerty, etc. There are quite a few requirements though...

I looked into it a while ago and I was told:

-Minimum age of 25
-ZERO accidents/tickets
-Cannot be your primary car (must have a second DD)
-Only allowed a certain amount of miles per year

...and I'm sure a few things I'm forgetting. You can state it's value what ever you want I believe, a local friend (who's middle aged, a police officer [I'm sure that's a golden ticket to insurance companies], and meets all the other requirements) told me he has his e30 insured up to $30,000 no questions asked-because that's what it would take for him to build an exact replica if it were totaled ::knocks on wood:: ... I believe you can state whatever you want, it will simply adjust your premium accordingly.

Also, IIRC his yearly premium was not outrageous at all. I remember it being very reasonable for what it covers, you just have to meet the requirements, dot your "i's" and cross your "t's".

[mkcman17]

bought this 1989 325is 5spd, running, clean title, carfax first owner for $900. drove it home dead bone stock. craigslist.









two and a half years later, for better or worse...

[mr.vang]

i bought my wannabe turbo eta for $1000 with smog paper
first day i got it home



after many sweaty man hours and $1000+ in parts

[NV325i]

$1100 for car



$500 for new top and $900 for new leather

[stamar]

I bought mine without tires for 1200

new tires 300 so 1500 in all reality.


Ok um..... many hours of labor in fact ive worked on this car more than any other in my life and ive had it for 1 1/2 years.

1 major breakdown, guibo.

Ive put in 500 in parts but my labor is like 400 at minimum wage


I am out 2400 to break even. the problem is most of this money is in stuff nobody buying a used car carees about. like I put on all new hoses coolant plugs differential oil and trans oil etc etc. but thats only going to pay off for me if i drive it till its at 300k miles.

Im also an amature car dealer and Im used to making about 3 times as much as I put into a car ( that I dont drive granted) so in all sense this e30 business is a total failure as far as flipping cars. I would never buy another one.

[randomsv650]

Paid $1400 for this 2 years ago. Got it from a kid in Philly moving out to CA. Car was from VA. 130k on the clock.

Timing belt blew on my way home, go figure, but all in all not a bad deal still on the car i dont think. Before and after pic below.

[DisgustipatedAP1]

Paid $3500 for my 75k mile 1986 eta in 2006 (maybe early 07).

Don't want to think about the investment costs

Coil overs, clutch, Bilsteins, paint, 2.7i conversion with ARP/MLS, custom exhaust, Zinder rear apron etc

Few months before accident in 2012


In Feb of 07 (interior still looks as good)


Got in a car accident last month, insured for $10k, got $8k and kept the carnage.

How did you get your insurance to insure you for $10k? Just curious.

[evandael]

I bought a bone stock running 86 eta with 170k for $1500 in 2009, put roughly $2500 and 8k miles into it and sold it on for $3500 in 2011.

I just bought an 87is for $1000, driving with mods and clean title and no rust but serious electrical needs with 272k miles. it will not retain much in the way of its original drivetrain, and I'll probably never sell it.

[flyboyx]

that sux! sounds like the insurance treated you fair?

[ForcedFirebird]

Paid $3500 for my 75k mile 1986 eta in 2006 (maybe early 07).

Don't want to think about the investment costs

Coil overs, clutch, Bilsteins, paint, 2.7i conversion with ARP/MLS, custom exhaust, Zinder rear apron etc

Few months before accident in 2012



In Feb of 07 (interior still looks as good)





Got in a car accident last month, insured for $10k, got $8k and kept the carnage.

[DaveNorCal]

Paid $5000 for 1990 white cabrio with 140,000 miles, five speed, reupholstered seats in vinyl, crack-free dash, good top with clear rear window, magnaflow exhaust, 16X7.5 Borbet wheels, and not a speck of rust. The paint looks good at ten feet. Several very minor dings.
I replaced the timing belt, several vaccuum hoses, front shocks, rear shock mounts, AC belt, strut bearings, top lid struts, and radio. Bought a set of euroweaves I have yet to put on it so I'm about $7000 in.

[F34R]

Where do you cook your meth?

Not sure what you mean by that?