Value: Bone Stock vs Modified

[94530inh]

Hey Everybody,
I've got an Alpine White 325iA sedan with 65k original miles. It's in excellent shape. I don't really know what i'm doing with it. I've thought about converting it to 5 speed and S52, upgrading the suspension and adding some big 5 lug wheels, but this car is great the way it is and I have an 85 M635CSI that checks all the boxes. I know that modifying the car could possibly make it worth much less in the future and that E30 prices are steadily climbing.

What do you guys think? Should I upgrade the car and not be concerned about preservation? Yes, it has low miles, yes it's completely original but will a slush box e30 sedan ever be worth anything, even with it's low miles?

https://i.imgur.com/yot9lo5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/VtgtJRs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JiWYwej.jpg

[Sonny]

I notice the value is down if anything I'd say keep the beauty as she is. Get a second one for dirt cheap , trust me check out craigslist and OfferUp, and fix her up. Keep the classic a classic.

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[e30davie]

Don't build a car for the next owner, build it for yourself and enjoy it. Start wrenching and forget about what its "Worth".

[94530inh]

Don't build a car for the next owner, build it for yourself and enjoy it. Start wrenching and forget about what its "Worth".

True, but I've got the M6 for when I feel the need for speed..

Maybe tuning the suspension and throwing in a 5 speed is the move.

[e30austin]

Do what makes you happy.

[coldweatherblue]

Keep the M20, upgrade the suspension to bilstein/h&r sport, get a nice set of 4 lug wheels and swap a manual trans.

Or whatever makes you happy.

At this point for a really nice stock low mile E30 I wouldn't swap it.

[SkiFree]

Do what makes you happy. BMW's that have been tastefully modified always hold their value well (2002 QUALITY restomods still bring in great moolah).

If it was mine, I wouldn't bother with 5-lugs, but hey, you do you.

[rturbo 930]

If it were mine, I'd swap the auto for a 5 speed, and leave it alone otherwise.

[Jaxx_]

Personally, I think a lightly modified car with good ownership history will bring the right buyers. Too modified and you will turn people away. I agree that mild suspension and a 5 speed swap is enough. Adding 5 lugs and an S52--I think that will be too much for most who are looking for a clean car.


With that said, if you are interested in preserving value--an automatic 325i sedan isn't the E30 that people will search for. It will be a manual 325is, of course.

[DOC-K]

IMHO...Anything mild is probably not a problem...just keep the original parts to "make it back" to original
I think that auto to manual at this point in its life is a 50/50 choice (for if you want to sell it at some point)
In addition i don't think the a sedans will become a "collectibles"

[flyboyx]

generally, people that buy these cars do not want automatic transmissions. I don't care how low miles your car is. swapping to a 5 speed will not decrease the value of the car. I agree with above. if it were mine, I would swap the trans, swap in h&r sport springs with koni shocks, a tasteful set of wheels(save your original wheels), add an lsd and leather sport seats if your car doesn't have them already and drive down the road a happy happy man.

[agent]

In addition i don't think the a sedans will become a "collectibles"

<pedantic>

Unless they are a convertible or a touring, they are *all* sedans.

</pedantic>

[roguetoaster]

<pedantic>

Unless they are a convertible or a touring, they are *all* limousines.

</pedantic>

[94530inh]

This slush box seems to be going for good money. Bronzit and an auto with diving boards and accident history.. Half the miles... Could I expect mine to bring similar money?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-bmw-325is-35/

[laidback93]

This slush box seems to be going for good money. Bronzit and an auto with diving boards and accident history.. Half the miles... Could I expect mine to bring similar money?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-bmw-325is-35/

I'll have to keep up with this particular auction. Makes me wonder what market value will be for my Bronzit.

252K on the clock will never make it get high dollar, but it's not getting sold anytime soon.

That being said, I think a manual swap will not hurt value. If anything, it would increase it.

All depends on the buyer.