Any ideas where to find E30's?

[e30dd]

Hey guys,

It's been a few years since I've posted on here... But I'm back in the process of finding an E30 again. Been scouring Craiglist and haven't found too many (I am being pretty picky, as I have time).

I was wondering if anyone had any other places to check! I'm willing to make a decent trip (Canada, Idaho, Oregon, maybe even Cali) to find one.

My requirements:

1987-1991 3 Series (325, 318, i, is, e, es)
4 door
Any color
5 speed
Preferably not modified

My absolute perfect dream:
87-91
325es
Alpine White
Sedan
5 speed

If no one has any ideas, that's fine, I'm also looking for some BMW people to talk with! I miss being in the car world and am pretty excited to finally find a daily!

[e30dd]

Also,

This post has irked me a bit, I'm not sure how to interpret the engine swap... Are they really that straight forward? Or are there problems I need to look for?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/4863604669.html

[HarukoE30]

easy pass! Not exactly how the 325ix engine was a "performance" engine. You'll want to be patient as prices have a bit of tax attached to them. Since you don't want modified, the link car is a no go. It's the body style and etc. of the 325 "e" which was for economy, with an 325ix engine.

If I remember correctly, the blacks and oil parts are different between the 325i and ix. Just pass and stick to what you want, I had to jump on a plane at a moments notice to cali for mine. So worth it though :up:

Happy Motoring

[e30dd]

easy pass! Not exactly how the 325ix engine was a "performance" engine. You'll want to be patient as prices have a bit of tax attached to them. Since you don't want modified, the link car is a no go. It's the body style and etc. of the 325 "e" which was for economy, with an 325ix engine.

If I remember correctly, the blacks and oil parts are different between the 325i and ix. Just pass and stick to what you want, I had to jump on a plane at a moments notice to cali for mine. So worth it though :up:

Happy Motoring

Haha I've been keeping an eye out in order to do that as well, but then my budget changes so I'm not 100% sure if I'd like to do that.

Also, I like to get a chance to fully check out a car before I make a commitment like that (flying expenses!).

[e30dd]

Can someone tell me why this front end looks so... short/stocky? I'm used to the flat front end and this one just looks off... Is the vert an entirely different front end?

http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/cto/4857422319.html

[Quadrajet]

Hahaha that whole image is squished toward the center of the picture, that's why!

[Farwest92]

Isn't good at resizing pictures?
Ask them for more pics.

[e30dd]

Isn't good at resizing pictures?
Ask them for more pics.

Hahaha that whole image is squished toward the center of the picture, that's why!

Fair enough lol, but I've seen a few that have that look.

Vert is the same front end though?

[LateFan]

Seems like I've seen a few 4-doors out there lately. Seattle / Yakima / Spokane CL. Just keep looking…and don't believe the photos, go see it.

[e30austin]

That black car isn't worth $400...let alone $2000...

[e30dd]

That black car isn't worth $400...let alone $2000...

Is that an over exaggeration? /e no sarcasm, serious question! haha

I've considered emailing him and getting more pics/info and talking him down. But I am definitely worried about the whole core support BS, as I hate having a car without a straight frame.

[e30austin]

No. That thing should be parted and taken down to the crushers.

[e30dd]

No. That thing should be parted and taken down to the crushers.

Haha alright, thank you!

[cferb]

easy pass! Not exactly how the 325ix engine was a "performance" engine. You'll want to be patient as prices have a bit of tax attached to them. Since you don't want modified, the link car is a no go. It's the body style and etc. of the 325 "e" which was for economy, with an 325ix engine.

If I remember correctly, the blacks and oil parts are different between the 325i and ix. Just pass and stick to what you want, I had to jump on a plane at a moments notice to cali for mine. So worth it though :up:

Happy Motoring

The 'i' engine is the "performance" engine, he doesn't mean it's special for the ix. It's not that bad of price if it checks out, but I'd definitely take it in for a PPI before even considering it with all the work that's been done.

Is that an over exaggeration? /e no sarcasm, serious question! haha

I've considered emailing him and getting more pics/info and talking him down. But I am definitely worried about the whole core support BS, as I hate having a car without a straight frame.

Yes, that's an exaggeration, and just flat out wrong, really. But a new core support doesn't mean the frame is bent, in fact it's probably not, it does though mean it was in a front end collision. And I'd be a little concerned about chasing the idle problems. I think both of these are a "pass" in your case.

You guys are ridiculous. $2k may be a bit on the high side but good luck finding anything better for less than about $1500. Just because a friend of a friend found a perfect running 325is for $500 doesn't mean that's what they're worth.

I'm not really seeing anything for sale right now I would recommend to be. Just keep looking, it can take a while to find the right one. Keep an eye out on here as well, they come up somewhat regularly:

http://bmwpugetsound.com/vbb/forums/for-sale.10/

[e30dd]

The 'i' engine is the "performance" engine, he doesn't mean it's special for the ix. It's not that bad of price if it checks out, but I'd definitely take it in for a PPI before even considering it with all the work that's been done.



Yes, that's an exaggeration, and just flat out wrong, really. But a new core support doesn't mean the frame is bent, in fact it's probably not, it does though mean it was in a front end collision. And I'd be a little concerned about chasing the idle problems. I think both of these are a "pass" in your case.

You guys are ridiculous. $2k may be a bit on the high side but good luck finding anything better for less than about $1500. Just because a friend of a friend found a perfect running 325is for $500 doesn't mean that's what they're worth.

I'm not really seeing anything for sale right now I would recommend to be. Just keep looking, it can take a while to find the right one. Keep an eye out on here as well, they come up somewhat regularly:
http://bmwpugetsound.com/vbb/forums/for-sale.10/

Awesome man, thanks a ton!

I'm in no rush to get one, but I'm not sure how much longer my RS will hold up. I consider 1500-2000 a decent deal for any running half way decent looking car, but do want to be kind of picky since I'm not in a situation where I need a runner immediately. I had my hands on an amazing 91 325is for 1800 when I first signed up for this website (~3-4 years ago) but couldn't gather the money at the time and had to pass it up. Praying I'll be able to find another deal like that!