Found in someone's back yard

[laptop4079]

First off I'd like to introduce myself I've never been to this sub-forum before because frankly I've never owned an e30. I'm mostly on the Z3 and E21 side of things but I'm Ryan from Houston, Texas and my friends send me a pictures of cars they find that I might need for parts and he sent me this thinking it was an E21.
this.jpg
(sorry for the quality of the picture)

I can make out a trunk spoiler and what could be bbs rims which would be a good clue in the e21 world as an IS model but I'm not well versed in the world of E30's and was hoping one of you guys could identify what model it is and what would be a good price to pay for it if he's willing to sell it.

[mybimr]

aluminum (aka "diving board") bumpers = pre-1989
judging from what little I can see of the tail lights, they look like the smaller ones...so it's not a 1988 model.
My guess is 1987 or 86. It looks like it still has a badge on it, but the 318is, 325es, and 325is were cosmetically virtually identical, so you'd have to see it. They can be "re-badged" by the owner, so check the number of cylinders and the tachometer. 4cyl = 318, 6 cyl with 6,500 rpm redline = 325is, with something like 5,500rpm redline = es
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ght=325es+tach

to me, anything less than $1k is fair due to the paint. if the body is rust free, it could be a nice project starting point for someone like jordan!

[laptop4079]

Are they Any hard to get back up and running if it Sat for a long time? My 320I Took me 6 months before I got her to turn over

[roguetoaster]

Are they Any hard to get back up and running if it Sat for a long time? My 320I Took me 6 months before I got her to turn over

Hard to get it running depends on so many things. If you have someone else with a good running car of the same type to take parts off of for testing purposes you'll be much better off. That's all assuming that the engine isn't toasted already due to a broken t-belt or other issue.

As far as the model, it's likely powered by an M20B27, and the wheels do not denote any trim level on E30s as any car could be ordered with them/most wheels have been changed after 25+ years.

If it's rust free and cheap it might be worth it if you feel like doing paint, otherwise you'd be better off getting a known, running, decently painted E30.

[laptop4079]

I went and looked at it today and took some pictures. the engine has been torn apart to some extent by an 'amateur' mechanic but all the parts are in the trunk. it's a 325is
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I'm not looking for a running car specifically, at least to me if I get something that doesn't work and make it work it means a lot more than just going out and buying it.

[roguetoaster]

I'm not looking for a running car specifically, at least to me if I get something that doesn't work and make it work it means a lot more than just going out and buying it.

I certainly do understand that mentality. However, E30s are not yet so valuable as to be able to bring this one back to a condition that could result in a future sale without being grossly underwater. Therefore, as with any car, I suggest that you buy the best one you can afford, as more money spent up front often nets a better car considering the realities of time and money.

[mybimr]

I'm about to finish my project, and can safely estimate that you're looking at a min $5k in parts plus your labor, without getting to the paint. I'm guessing 3 to 4k for a decent job. If that scares you, then I would pass. If there's no rust, it should be restored. Otherwise it's a parts car

[laptop4079]

I looked for rust and the only spot I saw was surface rust on the door. Interior is unmolested and looks like all the parts are in the trunk.

[mybimr]

well, there you have it...offer $500-1000 for the car as-is, and then welcome to your 2nd wife! And to see what $15-20k investment with a lot of labor will get you, check out Jordan's project (also in houston). He's just about finished:
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ern-drivetrain

[hotdish]

That's a 325e intake manifold...

[Kershaw]

^ Yes, it also has a eta harmonic balancer on the crank. It's smooth, not toothed for the CPS. And more worrisome is the fact that the cluster, which looks unfucked with, has a 7k rpm redline. So I'm betting it's a 325is that someone put an eta motor in it and they could never get it running because the CPS is different.

Something has been fucked with. $500 is totally worth it. The closer you get to $1000, the more it becomes about how much you like this particular car. I wouldn't pay over $1000 for sure.

[laptop4079]

I did notice that the engine on the valve cover had some writing on it like it was in a salvage yard but I didn't think anything of it. I've lost interest since it had a swapped motor. If anyone in Houston wants the location of it PM me

[Stück]

Looks like an 87 325iS that someone swapped a lowly 325e engine into....

[mybimr]

Looks like an 87 325iS that someone swapped a lowly 325e engine into....

I thought it looked like your next project!

[Stück]

Nah. I have no interest in that basketcase.