Thoughts on this 325e that is local to me - should I buy it?

[pmollins]

So the specs are: (that I know of):
'85 325e Brilliantrot coupe
beige sport interior seats have cracked leather, and there is a hole / tear in the drivers seat leather with a bit of bolster missing.
300+ kms (Canadian) (oddometer has stopped)
5 speed
uncracked dash
all BMW oem glass
sunroof - mild paint bubbling.
starts well
might have a vac leak
ICV seems to have issues
may overheat a bit, or the thermostat is misreading
there is rust, but not super bad for a canadian car
paint is a 5 or 6 out of 10, maybe a 4 when you include the few rust bubbles and flaking pain on the lips of the wheel arches
Don't know if the AC blows cold yet
seems to ride a bit high as if the suspension was replaced but not the right suspension was installed, or maybe I'm just used to seeing all the lowered ones on here :)
on both the drivers side and passenger side the floor where it meets the wheel arch is either rotted all the way through (passenger) or super soft (driver)
full tool kit
original bottle caps
asking price - $3500 Canadian so about $2600 USD.

I want to start a LS swap project into an e30 coupe, preferably a brilliantrot. If you were me, would you pick up this car, or what else would you look for to help make your decision?

[325e '87]

So you basically just want the body and interior of an e30? I think that’s a lot of money for what you want, since they’re the worst parts of the car.

If you can repair the rust, paint, and redo the interior and stay in your budget with the LS idea, I’d say offer $500 and be okay with paying $1000.

[pmollins]

That's a very good point. The other thing is that I'd likely use it as a daily driver, until I'm ready to do the swap, which will start next summer.

[dnguyen1963]

So the specs are: (that I know of):
'85 325e Brilliantrot coupe
beige sport interior seats have cracked leather, and there is a hole / tear in the drivers seat leather with a bit of bolster missing.
300+ kms (Canadian) (oddometer has stopped)
5 speed
uncracked dash
all BMW oem glass
sunroof - mild paint bubbling.
starts well
might have a vac leak
ICV seems to have issues
may overheat a bit, or the thermostat is misreading
there is rust, but not super bad for a canadian car
paint is a 5 or 6 out of 10, maybe a 4 when you include the few rust bubbles and flaking pain on the lips of the wheel arches
Don't know if the AC blows cold yet
seems to ride a bit high as if the suspension was replaced but not the right suspension was installed, or maybe I'm just used to seeing all the lowered ones on here :)
on both the drivers side and passenger side the floor where it meets the wheel arch is either rotted all the way through (passenger) or super soft (driver)
full tool kit
original bottle caps
asking price - $3500 Canadian so about $2600 USD.

I want to start a LS swap project into an e30 coupe, preferably a brilliantrot. If you were me, would you pick up this car, or what else would you look for to help make your decision?

The floor rots should be a big red flag.

[MR E30 325is]

The floor rots should be a big red flag.

Agreed. There is always more rust. Always.

[e30RS]

I think you can find a better car if you wait. Especially if you are looking for a daily until you do the swap. Best of luck.

[laidback93]

Rust is always a deal breaker for me. Been there, done that. Always ends in frustration.

I'd wait for a better example.

[pmollins]

thank you all. the lot I saw it at, also gave me pics of the areas that are rusted, one had already been repaired - badly. the more I look at the car, the more i see it's frustrations thanks again

[Stanley Rockafella]

why don't you come out west.
There's always decent ones for sale!

[laidback93]

why don't you come out west.
There's always decent ones for sale!

Yes true.

But that's gonna cost you! ;)