Looking at getting my first e30

[Nmullin11]

Looking to pick this one up for cheap as it seems it's mechanically in good condition but not sure how much it would cost to repair the body.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4515201788.html

Currently have a 2015 Wrx daily so this car would strictly be a project car that I'd like to use for autox eventually.

Perhaps an s50 or s52 swap.



What do you guys think of the car/ price?

Can you find parts for these in pick your own part junk yards or are they rare?

From the looks I would need a fender, bumper, hood, radiator, radiator support, and headlights.


Really dead set on getting an e30 2door non-convertible with the inline 6.





Appreciate your guys input as I'm relatively new to the e30 community.

[dlmrun2002]

Seeing rust on the trunk floor in the 2nd photo I'd pass and keep looking.
The front is toast too…

dlm ny country

[roguetoaster]

Simply buy the best one you can, even if that is within a set budget.

As to the one you listed, I would expect to spend ~$1000 without paint, if you do all of the work on your own, to get it back in decent shape. That assumes the frame is not distorted, in which case it's scrap. Parts are relatively easy to find for E30s, and can be had on here/craigslist/ebay/at recyclers.

Just be aware that once you get an E30 you may well become strangely obsessed with it.

[Nmullin11]

I already find myself strangely obsessed and I don't even have one, lol.

I think if the frame is alright I may try to pick it up, as long as there's not really bad rust.

He said "there's rust in the usual area, right side under the opposite side of the muffler. Common e30 rust spot, not big."

I'm just happy to have found a 325is with a 5 spd and a coupe. There not exactly all over the place. At least I can't find them.

[heatmakerz]

Pass. That is substantial body work and if you save a couple grand more you could have a solid platform.

[agent]

That car could be a good candidate for a part out, but not at $1800.

[Nmullin11]

Thanks guys, I guess I'm still searching.

Hoping to find a coupe that is 5 spd in decent condition for around 2500. If you find one or see a craigslist post for one in northern virginia, pm me.

Thanks

[Nmullin11]

May have found the one guys!!

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/4535143251.html

Check her out. Looks clean, but then again there cellphone pics.

[agent]

You know the 318 is a four cylinder, yes?

Really dead set on getting an e30 2door non-convertible with the inline 6.

[Nmullin11]

You know the 318 is a four cylinder, yes?

Yes I do, I'd prefer the straight 6 but not sure I'll be able to find it in my price range. I'll continue to look but most important to me is 5 spd with minimal rust and a good body.

Plan on swapping engines in a year or so anyways so the 4 cyl may hold me over. They have like 140hp I think?

[roguetoaster]

Yes I do, I'd prefer the straight 6 but not sure I'll be able to find it in my price range. I'll continue to look but most important to me is 5 spd with minimal rust and a good body.

Plan on swapping engines in a year or so anyways so the 4 cyl may hold me over. They have like 140hp I think?

Be patient.

If you are dead set on swapping engines maybe it's a good idea to start with one of the less desireable early 318i(s) (M10 powered @~100hp, like the ad you posted) or on of the 325e/es(s). Should net you a lower price at entry, and you can leave the other cars to be appreciated in more of less stock form for others.

Just don't go in to the purchase expecting an E30 to be fast (thus why you would want to swap engines), because they simply aren't. IMO too much power ruins them and detracts from the very special feel of the platform.

[NoM54me]

$2k is mighty steep for that riced out-looking 318. $1,000 maybe, but only if the floor doesn't look like Fred Flintstone's ride, and the seller throws in that Olds V8. There's your engine swap!