Tough decision.

[Raxe]

My friend recently bought a 2003 330ci, which means he's going to sell his 1989 alpine white 325is. I currently have a zinnober 1988 325is and a lachssilber 1988 325 (2dr 5spd). My problem is that I really want to jump on this opportunity to buy his car (he just rebuilt the engine, it's got the leather interior and sport seats, many options since it's an IS, etc.), but I'd need to sell my 325.

My 325 has been a project car for the last year, it's currently sitting in a garage stripped right to the metal inside and out. It just came back from the body shop in September after getting almost all of the rust repaired, brand new front fenders, and the front end straightened out after a collision the previous owner had. I've got the money and resources set aside to finish the project, so that's not a concern. I've also collected together a pair of plastic bumpers to replace the aluminum ones, and I've got a new set of Koni shocks and Dinan lowering springs for the car.

What I'm really having a hard time deciding is whether it's better to finish the car and keep it, it'll be beautiful once it's finished in its brand new paint, bumpers, lowered and without a flaw in the entire body, or whether to buy this 1989 325is which already has plastic bumpers, rebuilt engine, is already lowered and has a lot more options than my very basic 325, but won't have brand new paint and won't have a perfect body.

I'm seeking opinions on whether I should keep the 325, finish it and enjoy the beauty in having a car I've transformed from regular to impressive, or to buy this 325is which is a better car all around, but won't be as beautiful as the restorified 325.

Thanks for your time,
Raxe.

[WillisE30]

Depends on how far you are into your project and how hung up on the car you have. I know my car doesn't have a perfect body, you couldn't tell from even five feet but I know and that does bug me. Ultimately it's up to you.

[maniacmatt]

The way I see it is that mechanical work is alot easier and cheaper than body work. I would finish your 325 and then lower and do what ever else you like to it.

Where in Alberta are you? Details on your friends IS including asking price?

If you're around Edmonton I'd even be happy to help you with the mechanical work.

[Raxe]

I live in Edmonton, actually. :p

I'm fine with the mechanical, I've got connections with Bavaria so I do all of my work there. Thanks for the offer though! ;)

This is was my 325 last time I saw it, mid January.



The front is as stripped as you might imagine.

The project has gone pretty far already, it definitely won't be finished until late summer/fall of 2007.

[WillisE30]

In that case, keep the 325.

[Nlando]

Finish your car. You will likely be happier that you stuck with it once it is done.

[Silence*]

Go check it out. Test it, put it on a lift & check it over. Don't rush, as your possibly giving up a great car.

[mrsleeve]

Damm dude did you sand it all the way down? Shit for 25 bucks some aircraft coating remover would have made things go lots faster.

[mikeedler]

your car is probably pure surface rust these days if thats what it looked like last time you saw it.
easy, keep em all, and have 3.

[Jscotty]

Yeah, if you can buy the white one and still keep your project car, that would be the way to go. You could always sell either car later on if your money gets short or you just cannot afford to keep 3 cars.

If you are forced to choose between one or the other then finish the project car. You made an investment and you should get a return on it. Even though you might not be able to get any amount of money back on your investment, you will reap the rewards of being able to drive a nice car. Scrapping the project at this point would only be a waste of money. Over the next couple of years I think that there will be more people looking to part with their E30 and this will not be the last good deal that comes along.