Still trying to find a E30

[MisterMiniS]

Hey geys, I just posted this in FS/WTB thread, but figured I would post here cause I im not looking for something across the US. Also, you all helped a lot last time I was trying. Got really busy with work and life. Anyways...


Needs:
• Late model (just not a fan of divingboards…I know they can be tucked, but meh)
• 325 i/is (no eta or 318 )
• Manual
• No rust!
• Great running condition (mechanical)
• M20B25…Some engine swaps are ok

Likes:
• Close to stock…some mods are ok, but I don’t want a track/drift/autocross car
• 2 door…4 door is ok if nothing else is available
• Decent paint and exterior would be nice, but low on my list of concerns.
• Black/red/silver exterior ideally, not too firm on that

Travel:
• I have been looking around the Colorado area a lot recently and have been not finding anything. So, I am willing to drive. However, I am limiting it to a weekends worth of driving…so like 12ish hours away.

Please send an offer. I would like to find a close to stock car and mod myself rather than get an expensive (comparatively) heavily modded car.

Anyways, I have been looking for a couple months without any luck. I appreciate the help.

[iamsam]

I have a car that meets ALL your needs, but it is M42 powered. Which makes it better than an M20 car in my book...

BONE stock 1991 318is, brilliantrot, pretty good shape all around, but not perfect. It is rust-free however.




some pluses:

- CRACK FREE dash
- everything is there, un-molested
- complete sound system w/ CD deck (novelty to me)
- Runs/drives great
- I am the third owner, 2nd owner owned it since it had like 30K
- first owner was the daughter of the Owner of a BMW dealership in Denver

Some minuses:
- I had to replace a fender and bumper due to a scrape-up, I have pics of the process, no frame damage, the car is still straight.
- Vinyl cracking in driver's seat left butt-bolster
- needs a new T-stat (stuck open)
- not necessarily a "low mileage mint example" (its a "high mileage mint example" @ 210k, but don't be scared)

[lambo]

^ Quick question, is it a salvage title?

[hyperE30]

^ Quick question, is it a salvage title?

don't think so.. plus I know Sam takes care of business with his cars and makes sure everything works even before he buys, so good seller here and will walk you thru if go check it out!!


p.s... the m42 is a good motor

[iamsam]

don't think so.. plus I know Sam takes care of business with his cars and makes sure everything works even before he buys, so good seller here and will walk you thru if go check it out!!


p.s... the m42 is a good motor

why thank you sir!

No, not a salvage title, clear title.

Here's a pic of the damage before I fixed it:


And I apologize I do not have a good "after" pic, these two are the best I've got, and please note, I have since installed the trim pieces that are missing in the pics, also the car seems to have + camber after I lowered it off the jack:

[MisterMiniS]

Sweet

Sooo, the reason that I wanted a 325 i/is is because I have plans to turbo the car and having the 6 cylinder would be a lot better then than a 4 due to airflow and all that stuff. I honestly have not looked into how well the engine that car has works with a turbo ideally getting 300 whp.

Does the car drive straight?

[blefevre]

You are right. A M20 is going to provide more power for cheaper when doing a turbo. Of course a M42 CAN make 300, it will just cost money.

[blefevre]

Also, I would drive both a M20 and M42 car. If your plans fall though and you are stuck with the stock car then make sure you like how it drives. They drive very differently. Each have a different feel.

[lambo]

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2206386095.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2203521952.html

[MisterMiniS]

M20 vs M42

I have driven a few M20's but no M42's, so I am lacking there.

Also, Lambo, the first post is a former drift car, so fuck that. And I have called the second one and never got a response. I appreciate the help though!

Honestly, how much would it cost to hit 300 whp if a turbo a m42 and do all the work myself...can weld also and possibly make manifold...never tried.

Also, would turboing an m42 to 300 whp require built internals or will stock work like the M20?

[monkeytaco]

Sam, give me a sweet deal on that car! Gogogogo!

[iamsam]

Sooo, the reason that I wanted a 325 i/is is because I have plans to turbo the car and having the 6 cylinder would be a lot better then than a 4 due to airflow and all that stuff. I honestly have not looked into how well the engine that car has works with a turbo ideally getting 300 whp.

Does the car drive straight?

Yep the car drives straight and doesn't shake. There is some fine print here: the weaves/tires (that are SHOT) pictured DO vibrate, but I bought some b-caps and brand new tires from Clark that are mounted now and DO NOT shake. So it's up to the buyer which wheels/tires he wants.

M42s love turbos. Of course the power threshold is lower than an M20, but has a much MUCH higher badass level. I have seen turbo M42s put out 350 whp, but that is with rebuilt internals. factory motor internals I have seen 250 whp or so. M20 turbos can make 300 whp easily w/ no engine building, I have also seen 800whp M20 turbos.

But I am no turbo guru. However, give these threads a read:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=188951&highlight=turbo

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=147223&highlight=turbo

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=160817&highlight=turbo

I have driven a few M20's but no M42's, so I am lacking there.

Honestly, how much would it cost to hit 300 whp if a turbo a m42 and do all the work myself...can weld also and possibly make manifold...never tried.

Also, would turboing an m42 to 300 whp require built internals or will stock work like the M20?

I believe you can get 300whp without modifying internals, but you would need to get head studs, head gasket, etc. I have heard of people using M20 turbo manifolds cut/welded and turned upside down. The build may cost anywhere from $1000 - 3000, but like I said, I don't know very much about this. I am sure David will give you a higher number for the price, because he likes to get the most expensive of everything, and doing it "right". ;)

Sam, give me a sweet deal on that car! Gogogogo!

like what kind of a sweet deal??

[blefevre]

I highly doubt you can hit 300whp with stock internals. This is only coming from my supercharger knowledge. 250+ you are getting into pretty risky business. If cost is your main concern, stick with the M20.

[MisterMiniS]

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2203521952.html

Does 3500 seem fair for this car? if not, what would you all think is a fair price?

[blefevre]

Depends who you ask. It is not easy to find a local car that is CLEAN and well taken care of and plastic bumpers. If the car is clean then it's up to you if it's worth 3500. I payed about 4 times the price that some people think is a "good price", but w/e we are only dealing with a few grand...

Anything over 3500 for a stock E30 you really need to be thinking about what you actually want.