Daughter's E30 (325ic)

[95BMWIC]

I recently acquired my third E30 this summer and just wanted to drop a few pictures for the forum..

I own a sweet 1991 325i (is package) with 210,000 miles. It is my daily driver and have owned the car for 2 1/2 years - I bought it with 160,000 miles. I have invested a lot of time to keep it reliable and roadworthy.

I also own a 1990 325ix with 190,000 miles - It is my son's daily driver. He is in college and I have spent a lot of time keeping this car in mechanically good shape. It has a couple of dings and a smashed front fender - but mechanically it is in great shape and reliable to let my son drive.

My daughter is now of driving age and I decided to look for another E30 for her - she has commented that she likes my car - and since there isn't much I haven't done on the E30, it just made sense to buy one for her.

I discovered this little gem in Omaha Nebraska - The dealer had listed this car for $5995 in early Spring - but the car never sold.. Apparently the owner of the dealership drove it during the summer.. As summer elapsed into Fall the price dropped and dropped and dropped again until it was $2995.. and then I sprang into action..

Here is what I saw:

[95BMWIC]

The car has suspension issues and the timing belt change is unknown. The car has 105,000 showing on the odometer - and by the looks of engine bay and chasis - very well could be. It runs beautifully,compression is 152 across all 6 cylinders and absolutely no rust. The body was in great shape (a fender had been repainted - but done well) The car had issues with the top - it leaked. So I offered the manager $2500 cash and after some non-negotiating - (It was either $2500 or I would find another one) I left with a car for my daughter.

I wasn't worried about the convertible top as I had located a top in a junk yard in central Iowa a couple of months ago. The junker IC was for sale with an asking price of $1400 but it was a non-running car. It would crank - but not start. I was interested in it - and when checking compression- I discovered it had a broken timing belt. I told the manager of the yard - but I dont think they believed me - anywho I decided to wait to see if they would set it in the yard...

6 months later (and after I purchased the red IC for my daughter) I got a text from a fellow mechanic that it had been set for parts.. I immediately got in my truck and set out for picking..

This is what I bought:

[95BMWIC]

I know the value of this rare item - you rarely see them under a $1000 and if you do they get snatched up pretty quick - so I didnt share anything about the location of the junked vehicle.. The top is in fair condition - seals good and intact - no rips on the top, however there are some tears on the bottom of the roof (the area where it sets on the vehicle).. The liner needs re-attached as it hangs down.. not bad for now.. (No spanner, and no cover plates unfortunately)

Luckily the bolts were in the boot - as the top originally was just sitting on the car - attached only in the front. How much you ask? $250 cash.. Paid.

Another lucky tidbit - the soft top on the junk car was in beautiful shape - so I removed it for $150 (frame and all) with 6 bolts and replaced my daughters ripped top in about 45 minutes. (I now have a frame for sale if anyone is interested)..

I picked the ellipsoid headlights $100, the computers $20, lightbulbs, gauge cluster $35, and an interstate battery for $35 (manufactured Jan /2014) along with other little items..

Nice haul and a nice little addition to the convertible.. I think it fits in to our family of cars quite well..

[jllphan]

cool story, quite a nice collection your building there.

[CorvallisBMW]

Wow, nice score on the car and the parts!

[95BMWIC]

Thanks..

can't figure out why pics aren't showing up? I dont use a host - never have - my other threads are fine.. I just use "manage attachments" and upload from my computer..

[Benjamin_Button]

Wow!!! You lucked out on that top

[N2MYE30]

Your driveway like you! Nice collection. :up:

[K20RI_211]

That's a tremendous deal on the hard top. Well done.

[EyExR]

Cool story. Lucky kids. :)

[95BMWIC]

Interior..

[CorvallisBMW]

ugh, those seats are mint! Awesome.

[peter321]

I hope that airbag works. I would definitely check it. After my experience, Ill never let my children drive an older car. Just my .02

[animal]

sweet

[Vivek]

I hope that airbag works. I would definitely check it. After my experience, Ill never let my children drive an older car. Just my .02

I'd rather it not work than have a 25 year old airbag explode in my face, but I'm interested in hearing your reasoning.