How about this car...

[Jand3rson]

1989 BMW 325i, 2-door, delphin-grey, 140k, PERFECT body, I mean not a dent. Full black interior, one very small 1-inch rip in headliner near backseat "Oh-shit" handle, cylinder head replaced 2 years ago due to timing belt breaking. Engine runs very strong, car runs great, one small oil leak. $2500.

Here's the catch. It's an auto.

Now before everyone freaks out, this is not all bad. I can't drive for another 6 months, which gives me plenty of time to accquire all the parts needed for a 5-speed swap without having to worry about downtime. Jordan and I could do the swap in 1 day.

This is the car I want, minus the gearbox. I wanted an 89 specifically, and I really like delphin grey.

What do you guys think?

*EDIT* He also needs time to find something else first. This gives me time to save up the remaining $500-600 I would need.

[nando]

if you have the means to do the swap, I say go for it, especially if the body is in good shape. oh, have this one professionally checked out, I'm sure you've already learned your lesson though :)

[BS87]

If i win the lotto, i swear i i'll buy you 3 e30s just so you can stop running around looking at so many, wondering which to buy :D

[Jand3rson]

just so you can stop running around looking at so many, wondering which to buy :D

Isn't that what you do when you are looking for a car?

Why pass it up if it checks out fine, looks great, and is a great price?

A 5 speed swap is NOT hard. In fact, I have already found a parts car (88 325i) with everything I would need, that I am just waiting to hear back on.

[Jon325i]

I wouldn't let the slushbox deter you from purchasing.....it sounds like a nice car and the price is definately a good one. If you think you can live with the auto-trans until you can swap it over, go for it.

Just an observation here: I periodically check a few classifieds for used E30s that are on the market. One thing I have noticed is that auto-trans cars always (ok ok...97% of the time) are in fantastic shape cosmetically and mechanically. The owners of these cars typically don't thrash them about much and (more often than not) are garaged. Not too long ago I spotted a nice '90 Lachsilber 325is for sale....a 9 out of 10 in every respect. Only downside, slushbox. And that's an issue that can be resolved with some time and money.

Jon

[Jand3rson]

I wouldn't let the slushbox deter you from purchasing.....it sounds like a nice car and the price is definately a good one. If you think you can live with the auto-trans until you can swap it over, go for it.

Just an observation here: I periodically check a few classifieds for used E30s that are on the market. One thing I have noticed is that auto-trans cars always (ok ok...97% of the time) are in fantastic shape cosmetically and mechanically. The owners of these cars typically don't thrash them about much and (more often than not) are garaged. Not too long ago I spotted a nice '90 Lachsilber 325is for sale....a 9 out of 10 in every respect. Only downside, slushbox. And that's an issue that can be resolved with some time and money.

Jon

EXACTLY. Auto's don't get romped on nearly as hard as manuals, and are generally not owned by people who would drive them hard. I have actually been enteraining the idea of buying an auto and swapping for a while. They are almost always in better shape, are not driven as hard, and are cheaper.

And I know I can live with the slushy, I can't drive it until December anyway. But I can work on it until then. The best part? I can do anything that will require any kind of downtime without having to worry about it at all. I can get every single bug worked out and it can take as long as I want.

[Clay'87IS]

Do it! It sounds perfect, what are the chances of you finding this same car in 5 speed anytime soon?

Get it.

[Jand3rson]

Do it! It sounds perfect, what are the chances of you finding this same car in 5 speed anytime soon?

Get it.

So far, I'm planning on it. :up:

[Spencer]

Delphin owns and it sounds like a great car.

Spencer

[MR 325]

Sounds like a great car Josh. Everyone is right, auto cars are generally owned by the older crowd [not in their teens and 20's] and are almost always well cared for. And usually they probably never pass like 4000 at most because it shifts for them so the motor is pretty ,much never revved up.

Anyway, blah blah blah... Buy it! Delphin cars look hot.

[Digitalwave]

My car is a testament to the pampered auto cars...

Josh, I know you and Jordan are 110% capable of doing the swap, and you would actually do it right away, so as long as you REALLY check the car out top to bottom, make sure its clean and straight (not like the white car), then I give you the thumbs up on this project.

[e30evolution]

where is it located.... i might have to go check it out

[diegom6]

Josh, sorry to high jack your thread, but, what happened to the white e30 you got a while ago? or you are looking fo another one?

[///M42 sport]

I'd say go for it. But have another member check it out before to negotiate anymore.

BTW you should make your sig into a poster or something.
________
Paxil Class Action Lawsuit

[e36sport]

Delphin gray is hot, it sounds good. Do a thorough inspection first though, doesn't seem like you could deal with getting a car that'll crap out on you.


But yeah, get it.