First E30: Dirt cheap, Dirty Diamond

[Club Dirty]

Hey everyone!

I have been looking for a project car to keep for a while, with my main intention to use as an autocross car. I have never autocrossed, and i really want to but only with a pleasure car.

I have been fortunate to pick up a 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 at the start of the year, but miss tinkering on cars. looked on Craigslist for Miatas/e30s, and i found my car....who ch turned out to be in my neighborhood!

1986 BMW 325es. 5 speed, black with red interior. Runs and drives great, slight idle issue, electrical gremlins inside, but the major problem was the dent in the back. previous owner had it for a year, but decided to be a drift king in the rain and backed it into a guard rail :(

Anyways, i picked this car up for $500. I think I got a steal, despite its issues. 164k on the odometer. Car included 2 extra bottlecap wheels and tires, car cover, full tuneup parts, wrx sti exhaust 9?), and a craftsman jack and jack stand kit. I would have been an idiot if i didnt buy it, or so i tell my non-car friends.

I am addicted. I will make a build thread soon, but wanted to say hi and make myself know on the forum. From what i have read, it looks like a great place.

Only question: any tips for the rear? i am thinking the easiest route would be to cut a rear clip from a donor car and weld it in along the panel sides, about as deep as the battery compartment.

[ANDRÜ]

Not bad for $500, I havent seen cheap e30s in a long time, regardless of condition. As for the buttocks, it looks like the best would be to cut the rear clip off a donor. It may be easier to take it in pieces though, focus on each quarter, then the center plate area, but Ive never done it before. Some product on the seats will help alot too!

[MaxBell]

What's the back seat look like? M3 interior? My 325e came with the same interior. Really cool!

(Lemme know if you want to sell it. ;)

[mkcman17]

Yikes, that car is in a pretty bad way. It would be more cost effective to buy another shell and swap parts over.

[efficient]

Imo If your going to cut out the rear end ypu should convert to late model lights and plastic bumper.

[Luke Girard]

Not bad for $500, I havent seen cheap e30s in a long time, regardless of condition. As for the buttocks, it looks like the best would be to cut the rear clip off a donor. It may be easier to take it in pieces though, focus on each quarter, then the center plate area, but Ive never done it before. Some product on the seats will help alot too!

I bought mine in December of 2013 for $300 no body damage and all I did to get it running was replace the cylinder head.

[KIRIEIW]

Mine was free

Anyways, OP I agree that you should get a clean shell and swap the parts into it, unless you just want a track rat.
That steering wheel and spoiler alone will get you ~$250 on eBay, nice pick up.

[Club Dirty]

Thanks guys!

I just saw a 1991 318is absolutely mint on craigslist for $950. I contacted the owner after 10 hours of being posted, and it was already gone. Besides my car and his, I haven't seen any cheap ones around.

I am in the middle of a timing belt swap, and want to keep the car super low budget. As soon as I am able to drive the car some more and autocross it, then I will make the decision on what direction to take the car. So far (knock on wood), the car has been great to work on.

The rear clip I have decided that If I go that route, I would keep the small taillights but try to weld in a facelift lower valence. That might be a pita though.

[anokES]

NOO not late model taillights. no good

[mkcman17]

Is there a crease in front of the wheel well too?

[itskingsteelo]

not bad for 500
good luck with the build

[Club Dirty]

Is there a crease in front of the wheel well too?

Haha well yes there is! On both sides, barely noticeable on the passenger side and slightly noticeable on the drivers side.

Besides where the dent is, the car is 99% rust free. It has vogtland (?) lowering springs, and the rear looks like koni struts. Haven't been able to deep dive into the front yet, the it looks like stock shocks and am hoping they have been filled with a newer strut.

Once I get the timing belt sorted out, the plan is to drive it to my folks garage about 1.5 hours away for a weekend of tinkering. My current place has no garage or driveway. In fact, the car is a 5 minute walk from mine. I get some weird looks changing the timing belt over the couple of days I've been at it, but I have gotten a lot of components which is nice

[Club Dirty]

This is my daily, which I have grown to like more and more everyday since I've had it.

[lemansguy]

nice little project man! where in VA are you located?

[Club Dirty]

nice little project man! where in VA are you located?

Charlottesville