WTB: Swapped S52 E30 Coupe

[JJCTHE1]

Hey guys, so while I am quite new to this forum, I am no stranger to BMWs. I have been an M3 owner since the late 90s, I currently have an E36 and an E46 M3 coupe along with some other non BMW vehicles in my small collection. I am actually one of the early Roadfly members, a forum that has long died out. I am active on Bimmerforums and M3Post.

I am in the market for a properly swapped and documented E30 coupe with an S52 motor. I am also now heavily considering finding the right donor car and handling the swap with my own resources. So if you have a nice clean Alpine White Coupe, please PM me! Mileage or transmission does not matter - just needs to be rust free.

I am also looking for a true unmolested E30 M3 as well to keep as such (i.e. not swapped).

While I do have push notifications up on the normal sites and I am great at finding things, I actually purchased both of my current M3s by posting a wanted ad on the M3 forums. Here are my "must haves"

-Must be a coupe
-Must be gray, alpine white, silver or black exterior (Prefer Alpine)
-Must have documentation
-No rust or salvage titles

I will travel anywhere for the right car, but I prefer something that was driven in a no salt climate during its early years.

Budget:

12k to 25k for the right swapped car
6k to 13k for the right donor car
35k to 40k for the right M3

[Joe G]

You might consider reaching out to Levent at Guten Parts - if he doesn't have anything, odds are he knows of a few candidates.

That or EAG (Enthusiast Auto Group) - they probably won't have a swapped car, but they definitely have a few e30 M3s...but expect to pay a premium. They only sell the best of the best.

[JJCTHE1]

You might consider reaching out to Levent at Guten Parts - if he doesn't have anything, odds are he knows of a few candidates.

That or EAG (Enthusiast Auto Group) - they probably won't have a swapped car, but they definitely have a few e30 M3s...but expect to pay a premium. They only sell the best of the best.

Joe,

Thank you so much! I have never heard of Levent, I will reach out now.

Very familiar with EAG, while they have some nice cars, I am looking for something I can actually drive. Their E30s are more like museum pieces.

[e30_troy]

Have you seen this one on BaT? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-bmw-318is-44/

[JJCTHE1]

Have you seen this one on BaT? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-bmw-318is-44/

Yes I did, it was originally sold here a few months ago for 12k which I probably would have bought.

While I like the car, if I am buying a swapped car at a premium I wanted it to be done by a professional. That one is nice, but the build was done in someones garage, the interior bothers me and I would need to swap that for something more stock or some M Cloth, which is about a 5k job doing it right.

I am sure I will find other things in person that would need to be redone. I love the glass out repaint and like the wheels, but what makes me hesitate is its someone elses garage build, the guy who bought it is already selling it and I think it would need another 6k for it to be right in my eyes.

Specifically the interior and the AC. Who knows what else may come up - maybe nothing at all - but for me, its not a good fit.

Its already at 15k, by some of the comments it may be going higher, I think they are some great photos and I am sure the car is nice, but I also think photography plays a big roll in that car as well.

[e30_troy]

Agreed - if I were in your shoes I'd be looking for the same at that price point). Didn't realize it had been listed on here previously.

[JJCTHE1]

Agreed - if I were in your shoes I'd be looking for the same at that price point). Didn't realize it had been listed on here previously.

Yea I missed the listing over the summer, but I would have snatched it up at 12k and put the money into making it right, even at that its still a bit of a risk but thats part of the game. At 15k, which will probably go to 18k, plus the 5%, plus shipping - no thanks.

I will find the right one for sure. I really appreciate you taking the time to post the link though, that is the feedback I am looking for!

[mjweimer]

I realize that you state a preference for a coupe, however I am aware of a clean swapped sedan that has recently come up for sale:

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/1989-bmw-e30-325i-rust-free/6762657021.html

The seller is active here on R3v - AWDBOB - and I can vouch for his integrity, having dealt with him both as a buyer and seller.

Good luck with your search!


MJ

[JJCTHE1]

Thank you, this one does look great and it comes close, color is on, its a car that appears to be done right and I can easily do what I want to this one to make it my own, however I am looking for a coupe only. The sedan is a deal killer for me. I do appreciate you taking the time to post the link, thank you so much.

I realize that you state a preference for a coupe, however I am aware of a clean swapped sedan that has recently come up for sale:

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/1989-bmw-e30-325i-rust-free/6762657021.html

The seller is active here on R3v - AWDBOB - and I can vouch for his integrity, having dealt with him both as a buyer and seller.

Good luck with your search!


MJ

[shootnjunky]

So a nice cirrusblau is a no go?

[JJCTHE1]

So a nice cirrusblau is a no go?

That could work!! What ya got?

[shootnjunky]

I could be swayed for the right price.

Check out the pics on ig under vntg_e30

[ButtJuice]

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...756513227.html

[JJCTHE1]

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...756513227.html

Thank you guys for posting all of the links - I saw the black coupe as well, that is the kind of quality build I am looking for just not my taste in suspension and interior - looking for something with more BMW homage. I dont know anything about bagged suspensions on BMWs, but I am sure that is a nice car. I bet that interior is top notch!

[PacificExposure]

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/d/1989-bmw-325i-e30-with-s50/6744814811.html