So here's the dilemma, and also, hello!

[deac0n]

I'm new to this forum, so I figured I'd introduce myself, and then see if you guys had some advice.

I'm Carlos, and I currently do not own an E30, but I'm working on it. I want it to be my agressive street DD. and before you ask, no, I'm not some young punk kid who wants to race, I'm just a(n older) guy who wants a fun project DD. (I've been driving for 20+ years, if that gives you any indication)

So here's my dilemma: I've been trying to find the perfect car.
- 89-91 Coupe (plastic bumpers FTW!)
- Manual trans
- black interior
- power everything

I have about $3k to spend.

Now, I realize that I am going to have to make concessions, but here's my issue, where does the good deal of a "not perfect" car be become less of a good deal because of all the extra work?

For example, I've found 2 decent cars local to me.

1) 88 325is, auto, tan interior. Needs some "minor work" (no ac, no ps, manual sunroof crank busted, odometer dead) 200kish miles. ~$2k

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/3614880999.html

2) 91 325ic, auto, black interior, metal bumpers. Very clean. ~$3k

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/3622071167.html

Do I go with one of these, or do I keep looking?

Your opinions would be awesome.

[craiggroves91]

Welcome!
Both of those don't meet your criteria, so I am a little confused.

The 1988 is metal bumper (but is a direct plastice bumper swap)and auto, but it looks like its pretty clean for the most part. If its really an is that is cool too.

The 1991 is a vert w/ metal bumpers and autotragic. You said coupe, plastic bumpers, and 5 speed!


I'd continue being patient and wait for a car to pop up that meets more of your wants. It will most likely happen at some point!

If you do some research here on the forums you can learn what to look for when buying an e30.

Off the top of my head I'd ask the current owner about and inspect for yourself the following things:

Rust
Timing belt/water pump
Routine maintenance like oil changes
Maybe headgasket replacements?
Bushings all around

When you're buying a car that cheap you may have to take care of some of these yourself, which really isnt that expensive if you DIY

GL!

[deac0n]

Yeah, neither car fits, but they are as close as I've gotten, so far.

I'm actually leaning away from the vert, simply because there is a fair amount of the year here that I'd have to keep the top up, and it doesn't seem worth it for the short time to have the top down.

[SmokeE30]

well if your set on a plastic bumper car get a 88+ car. 88's and up were the facelift models, though the 88 model year still had metal bumpers on it plastic bumpers are a direct swap since it has the later style front valance and rear arches so no modification is needed besides bolting the bumpers on.

manual transmission cars are in high demand however if you are comfortable with your mechanical ability e30s are pretty damn easy to convert from auto to manual. and all the stuff to swap one over wont run you more than $600 even less if you know where to look.

most of the e30's interior is black no matter what the color of the seats and door panels but seats and door panels are pretty easy to swap out and can be had in whatever color you want on the forum so i wouldnt pass up a good car just because it has the wrong color seats.

as far as power everything, about the only no power things you will find on an e30 are some cars got a manual sunroof not really a terrible thing if you dont mind looking like a cowboy trying to rope a steer while operating your sunroof, and early (84-85) 318's could have maual windows but thats not common to find.

Overall you should be concerned with maintenece, e30s will last forever with proper maintenece, make sure you get a car that looks like it was properly maintained or you will be the one paying to bring it up to date with the ageing parts that should have been replaced throughout its life.

good luck :)

[bmw325csi]

Keep looking. The cars you posted have almost none of the things your looking for. Be patient, don't spend your money and maybe even try to save some more. The perfect car will pop up if you keep combing C-list/Forums every day.

[deac0n]

Yeah, I'm thinking waiting is my best bet. I'm getting a little impatient, because I'm really in need of a second car, but I'd rather wait and get the right one.

I figure if I can find an manual trans 89-91, in my price range, I'll jump on it. Until then, I'll be watching.

[mbonanni]

That first one looks clean as hell. I would look at it, and if you like it, offer $1500. If they say no, then walk away.

The car is only two away form your criteria. The plastic bumpers is not a deal breaker. They can be swapped EASILY. The auto can also be switched out to a manual as well. If you can get all the parts then I am sure there are local r3v'ers that will help.

[BamaE30]

Carlos,

I like the Black car also and is two swaps away from what is ideal for you. Though no air in Texas is a bugger but it can be fixed.

I have an 88 vert auto from San Marcos that is sun burnt badly on the hood and trunk this car shows none of that... and if it's a Texas car you should not have rust... run a carfax.

I also have a 92 black on black vert 5 speed with less than 100k got to tell you it took a long time to find (8 years) and when found it was just sitting on the side of the road with a for sale sign.

Good luck, Jeff

[Emre]

Not to be a downer, but you're looking for a plastic-bumper coupe with manual trans. That's pretty much what everyone wants. It's not realistic to think you'll be able to find a clean one for just $3k. If you do find one at that price, it's almost certainly going to be beat to sh1t.

Having said that, keep your eyes open for a '91 318is. That's going to be your best bet.

[Kevinl]

I got mine for 3k doesn't have black interior and needed some work and still does, but at least I feel fairly confident that it isn't gonna break down on me. seats could use redone and the clear coat is shot.

I bought it in October and I have not really seen any since that are in that price range

you are looking for the most desirable e30 aside from the M3

[Cletonius]

I like that '88is of the two.

I'm with the others, you're looking for the most desireable combination so you may have to settle. I picked up my '90is for under $3k a couple years ago. I've got a little surface rust happening but that's what happens in IL.

If you've got the skills and space, the '88 has the potential to be exactly what you're looking for for less than the $3k budget. Plus, if the tan sport interior is in good shape, I'm sure you'd have no problems finding someone to swap you with their black interior.

[deac0n]

So more info on the 88:
It has a leaky rear CV boot (he called it an axle boot)

It runs, but it seems like there's quite a bit that will need to be taken care of right away, and I want to do as much of it as possible. I'm trying to decide if it's a good starting point for $1500.

Is there any real benefit to the IS over the I?

[deac0n]

Did some searching, looks like there is no real benefit to the IS over the I.

😝

[Pac1373]

I would give my left nut for a "Texas car" with some minor mechanical fixes required at $1500...

now, do you enjoy wrenching? do your own mechanics on your projects? swapping an M20 will not be too difficult if so, and wont cost you more than a couple hundred bucks most times...that is a worst case scenario for engine mechanical...

I hear the trans swap to 5 speed is straight forward, and not expensive...

these can be done in stages (unless the thing is pooched). I have swapped an e30 interior in an afternoon (at a leisurely pace I might add)

and as stated the bumpers are a bolt on affair...

the question is, what level of project do you want?

[BROKINBIMMER]

That black 88 looks like its a pretty good deal, if I were you I'd make an offer...