New e30 purchase - ***Can import from any country***

[Razor2014]

Just a color preference. Really the later bronzit with clearcoat looks kinda silver, it's not bad IMO, I miss mine.

If you're going to this much trouble though I'd hold out for the perfect car for your tastes, there are plenty out there.

Look through here

http://seattle.craigslist.org/cta/

http://portland.craigslist.org/cta/

I know it's a ways away but the PNW is e30 mecca, only thing is because of that you gotta be quick sometimes. Cars don't rust much either here, even though it's wet there's no salt.

eg

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4450535144.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4457574615.html

What I have noticed is there really isn't many $10 - $12k e30's offered that are near stock and in superb condition unless they are an M3's which I have no interest in because of the $25K+ price point. There seems to be a lot of $1.5k to $7k e30's out there that are pretty good but something is a little off, like it has a swap, no AC, some rust, cracked dash, 150+ miles, etc. I know the e30 is a very old car just thought there would be more examples in the $10 - $12k range that are basically 95% stock, low miles and pretty mint condition.

[cferb]

Don't love the bronzit but is it just a colour preference or was the paint quality of the bronzit known to be inferior?

Just a color preference. Really the later bronzit with clearcoat looks kinda silver, it's not bad IMO, I miss mine.

If you're going to this much trouble though I'd hold out for the perfect car for your tastes, there are plenty out there.

Look through here

http://seattle.craigslist.org/cta/

http://portland.craigslist.org/cta/

I know it's a ways away but the PNW is e30 mecca, only thing is because of that you gotta be quick sometimes. Cars don't rust much either here, even though it's wet there's no salt.

eg

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4450535144.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4457574615.html

[Razor2014]

Not sure why you are looking in the UK and Germany, most cars you find there are going to have at least some rust. Why not just look in Florida and the US, the shipping will probably be a lot cheaper too.

100% agree! My goal is to find a low mileage, close to stock as possible, great condition e30 in Florida. Would make my life a lot easier. Just not seeing many options out there.

I mean look at this one from Europe, $7,000 USD, 1 owner, only 15,800 miles!!! Obviously would need more pics to get a better idea of rust but it seems like a pretty mint example. Biggest issue for me is the lack of AC over in Europe and how much it would cost to have a proper one added.

http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/bmw-316i-original-25-436-km-1-hand-scheunenfund-berlin/193235768.html?lang=en&pageNumber=1&__lp=53&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=specifics.mileage&makeModelVariant1.makeId=3500&makeModelVariant1.modelId=7%2C8%2C9%2C75%2C10%2C76%2C11%2C12%2C13%2C88%2C14%2C77%2C15%2C56%2C78%2C72&makeModelVariant1.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant2.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant3.searchInFreetext=false&minFirstRegistrationDate=1980-01-01&maxFirstRegistrationDate=1993-12-31&maxPrice=6000&ambitCountry=DE&transmissions=MANUAL_GEAR&export=ALSO_EXPORT

[10Toes]

Not sure why you are looking in the UK and Germany, most cars you find there are going to have at least some rust. Why not just look in Florida and the US, the shipping will probably be a lot cheaper too.

[Razor2014]

Lots of attention on this wagon LOL.

Not looking for a wagon.

Also, not in to the 'Italian M3' would prefer to get a smaller engine, regular e30 that is in excellent condition. If one comes around in my budget that is a 325 that is great but a 320, 318 or 316 is fine if in tip top shape:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C460949

Keep the ideas coming, thanks!

[fiveightandten]

Here you go!

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...450399509.html

That thing is still kicking around, eh?

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=316347

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collectors-E...p2047675.l2557

[Eddie Lives On]

Friend of mine bought two tourings and had them imported to Canada. 324td and 318i. He paid 800 euros for the diesel, and 600 for the 318. The freight cost him about 1700 Canadian (roughly 1550 us) for one, 2000 for the other one.

If I were you, I'd lurk ebay and other ad platforms, get to know some EU folks from here and have them check out a few cars for you. Freight will be the same for a rust bucket or the most nicely kept example, so just be patient. Heck, my friend got euro grilles and brand new, in-box euro smilies, as well a set of euro bumpers in perfect condition for 250 canadian. He just threw those in the touring before putting it on the boat.

Good luck.

[RocketJohn]

Stay away from the 2.4 Turbo Diesel motors... this was BMW's first foray into diesel. Not a good motor.

[Conki]

I am fairly sure that the euro 318IS came with the S14 engine, the same engine as the E30M3. Personally, if I were you I would be looking for one of them.

The Portuguese and Italian 320IS models had the 2 liter version of the S14, that's what I'd get if I were purchasing from Europe.

[Vivek]

Interesting here in the USA they would kill just to have a Wagon that clean + it is diesel

Seriously. I've seen ONE e30 wagon in person in my life, and that's the first I've seen on a CA craigslist.

[amcink]

To be honest I like everything about it except the fact that it is a wagon. Thank you though.

Interesting here in the USA they would kill just to have a Wagon that clean + it is diesel

[rzerob]

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=10

[rzerob]

I am not a fan of red either. And the engine in that isn't a S14, it looks like a M42. It is nice though, I like the hounds tooth/plaid seats. But they are not sport seats.

I didn't realize you were going to pay someone to install the A/C. I was just saying you can get the parts to do it fairly easy. It is going to be a lot of work. I don't know what a shop would charge you. You are probably better off just getting one with A/C already installed for the prices you have been looking at already.

I looked into the euro 318IS and I was wrong, it didn't come with the S14. The one that came with the S14 was the Italian and Portugal 320IS. I remember seeing a thread of a new owner buying one from across the pond and I couldn't remember the details. Sorry for the misinformation.

[Razor2014]

http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat...rt=ALSO_EXPORT

Pretty nice, mileage getting up there.

rzerob, what do you think?

Wonder how much it would be to install an AC in to her?

[rzerob]

Personally I don't like it. But I was just joking around. Some people love the color, it is just not for me.

As for parts for your car I don't see you having to many issues getting what ever you need from the US. Shipping is going to hurt you.

Installing A/C shouldn't be much of a problem either. People part out their E30's over here fairly frequently. I am sure you could get the entire setup fairly cheap. But again, shipping is going to hurt.

I am fairly sure that the euro 318IS came with the S14 engine, the same engine as the E30M3. Personally, if I were you I would be looking for one of them.

Good Luck on your search.