Bring a Trailer Auctions, E30 edition

[JimmyP]

That was pure buyer red mist. It had to be.

Then again, I guess if you have an E30M3 thats missing the "correct" engine and trans and you are doing a full resto,,, yeah you "need" the engine and here is one for sale.

People have been paying stupid money for the cars, so for some deep pocketed collector whats $14K for a hard to find motor with all accessories and a NLA engine harness.

I understand "how" $14K happens,,, but I hate that it did happen.
Damn if I wasnt planning on racing E30Ms until I stop racing,,, the multiple S14s I have stashed in my basement could pay off my house LOL.

I remember buying them off the idiot swappers for $2k!

[ForcedFirebird]

I remember buying them off the idiot swappers for $2k!

A local customer/friend has an e30m3 and was looking for an s14 the same time Blunt was swapping in the v10. Called Blunt about it, he was selling it for $6, customer was about it, called Blunt back a few hours later and it was gone. Another local just scored a rebuilt s14 for $12k for his 2002 project...e30 tax is getting out of hand.

[JimmyP]

$12k for a complete fresh S14 is really not all "that" bad.
If it was in fact a complete and fresh built motor by a known reputable builder, thats not crazy. Something on stock bore or 1st over, stock crank or 1st under,,, thats OK.

Its the $14K for what in my mind is a core,,, thats crazy.

[ForcedFirebird]

$12k for a complete fresh S14 is really not all "that" bad.
If it was in fact a complete and fresh built motor by a known reputable builder, thats not crazy. Something on stock bore or 1st over, stock crank or 1st under,,, thats OK.

Its the $14K for what in my mind is a core,,, thats crazy.

Hard to say. I just did a .100" over "m50" lol...and I would be weary of anything over a .025" crank. If it leaked down and the bearings looked OK, that's a different story., but I agreed with the previous statement "e30 tax is getting out of hand".


I used to get e30's free, or in trade for labor at my shop, now late 30 and 40-somethings are spending 5 figures on them without blinking an eye. I remember the days when they were as cheap, or cheaper than the e46 chassis is now, and doing suspension swaps for less than a Benjamin as a side job.



Just signed the 9th lease at my shop, and had a smaller place 2yr prior....gosh I'm getting old. :(

[2mAn]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-bmw-baur-tc-e30-euro-with-m3-engine-trans-swap/

[Rusty.Piranha]

1988 BMW M3

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-bmw-m3-64/

[2mAn]

man I guess the E30 drought is over! haha

[jeenyus]

Ah, the M3 rear lower body panels that cover up the massive wind trap by the spare tire well are freaking awesome and I want them. I saw someone put them in their car without much modification too. I want.

[cory58]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...ne-trans-swap/

I know a Bauer isn't for everyone, but that seems like a steal at $7,300.

[djjerme]

Meh. It's the US "S50", so it wasn't a desirable swap. And #BecauseBauer. If it had been the Euro S50, I'd have bet it hit 10K. Easily.

[Ludwig]

I'm usually quick to hate the US S50 too, but in that Baur i think it was the right choice. Maybe a M5X B28 would have even better, Baurs are not racecars and not overly stiff, so an Euro S50 would have been overkill anyway. 7300 still is a steal, i would have bet on more than 10k

[e30austin]

Meh. It's the US S50, so it wasn't a desirable swap. And #BecauseBaur. If it had been the Euro S50, I'd have bet it hit 10K. Easily.

What is wrong with an S50B30 US? They are a great engine.

Do agree with the Baur comment. You either love them or hate them.

[2mAn]

1987 S52 swapped 325i

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-bmw-325is-46/

[2mAn]

1987 M3

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-bmw-m3/

[JimmyP]

1987 M3
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-bmw-m3/

Thats a nice fucking car.
Why oh why didnt BMW let US cars have all those cool cloth interiors.
Im sure some jackwagon will post some bullshit about it, but thats a really cool car.