Is my 1991 318is worth investing in? ***pics***

[fiftytakedowns]

Hey,

I recently got a 318is and really enjoy the car, but in the back of my mind I dont want to throw to much money at the car, because of its title.

It's got a salvaged title, because it was impounded, and not payed off in time. the car was never in an accident.

Im about to do the suspension, and Im wondering how deep I should go, in terms of what i should replace and with what quality.

Any thoughts? Would i get decent money back if I sold it?
It is a non-sunroof.
recently detailed also.
(pics before detailing)

[Bimmerista]

Sure why not? If it hasn't been wrecked & its a solid car, then go for it!

If it had a salvaged title BECAUSE it was in an accident & it was repaired in a "half-assed" manner, then you should re-consider.

[ZM Blue Devil]

clean her up, adjust suspension and you will fall in love with the m42. Non sunroof, non rust cars are sought after, so I think you will be happy to keep her. Keep us posted.

[Aptyp]

just because you used word "investment"... NO


e30s are not investment material, they are hobby/money-sucking material.

[stegosaurus]

Go for it; if you're good to the M42 it'll treat you well. I've had the same kind of thoughts about my car (paid too much for what I got) but every step you take forward feels really good.

[nickpdx]

It's worth investing in for your own enjoyment if you like the car. In terms of recouping your expenses...in all likelihood you won't.

[m3_eater]

So much fun. Keep it and keep the M42 as well.

[TDE30]

Investment? Probably not.

Deal? Jah.

It's not a good car to flip due to the title issue, but to have a decent 318is sans sunroof would be worth the salvage title alone. Suspension-wise, I'd just go with the typical Bilstein Sport/H&R Sport setup, great for DD and adequate for auto-x/DE.

[iamsam]

No! do not put money into this car!! sell it to me now!!!

[Simon S]

e30s are not investment material, they are hobby/money-sucking material.

yeah- in 'totaled out' scenarios w/ insurance companies, non-salvage-titled examples don't turn out well.. they're so old and there's such a saturation of other vehicles on the market- that one is not likely to be happy with settlement.. (in such a scenario, it is typical for a true enthusiast to strip out the 'good parts' for transfer to new e30 shell)

what you've got is somewhat of a 'cult car' (especially due to lack of sunroof) (the 'formula' of that car embraces a beauty of weight distribution and balance). certain people know and appreciate what an e30/318is has to offer- but majority of population will not.

that said- if you're thinking 'investment' in terms a rewarding bang-for-buck [project] car, then you couldn't be sitting any prettier.

[iamsam]

no seriously, if there is no rust, maintain the bejeebers out of it, keep it clean, be downright anal about it, and you can be fully justified in dumping money into it. The car will increase in awesomeness proportionally with the money you pour into it.

And if maintained, your car will only appreciate in value.

[SamE30e]

Hey, it's my alpine twin. Minus the black spoiler.

[fiftytakedowns]

wow! great responses! I feel better about getting some new suuspension components.
(BTW i was going to get lowtec 60/50 w/ billy sports, I *need* my cars slammed). Apparently the fact that its salvaged not due to an accident does not matter, that makes me feel better. I know cars are money pits anyway, what I meant by investment, was that I would get lowballed in the future because of the title.

I was just hesitant in picking up some parts that are kind of superficial. like the front lip, lowering springs, and wheels, not really necessary, but are nice to add to the car.

Plans: Reiger style lip 145$ on ebay ftw, 60/50 springs lowtec or other, good friend has a set of 16/7bbs RKs w/ spacers, nuts, and caps, and extra tires they are asking 600 for. so its a hefty dollar and making sure I am making the right decision first if I follow through. Maybe trade Tan Is interior for Black if anyone is willing. :/ Mark D chip and call it a day.

[Motorsports]

I say keep it. Looks like a very solid car.

[ZM Blue Devil]

reiger lip and slammed a bad combination... This lasted about a week

HR race with Reiger