Yea, I'm not taking about project cars, which can always be had for peanuts.
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
I didn't realize you were speaking only of nice cars.
No e30s again.
I don't know if this is too far, but there is a 1989 325i with just over 100k on it at pick n pull south central in dallas. Its wrecked so I assume it ran until that point. http://row52.com/Vehicle/Index/WBAAD1303K8836414
I wish i could get to it but it is about 8 hours (with no traffic) from my house to dallas.
Thanks for the heads up, though
No e30s again.
That is not even a project car, but a parts car.
It was worth $300 5 years ago, and still is today?
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
Wow, an E30 just sold for $20,000.
The same car sold for $13k in 2014.
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-bmw-325is-7/
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
I used to get myself cheap e30s with a little time left on their tags as winter beaters and to keep the miles off my clean one. My last one was a 318i Touring I bought for 300€ two years ago. Now it's actually impossible, the cheapest running ones with TÜV cost about 2000, and are 316i.
My 80k miles '325i vert I sold for 3600 3 years ago - biggest mistake ever. For one in the same condition I now have to pay double, and it'll have more miles.
The valuation of certain 1980's BMW's are still undervalued and will only rise in the future, IMHO. The E30 M3 as well as the E28 M5 cars are already selling for twice the original sticker price. The only "special" BMW that has yet to pass the original selling price, with a few exceptions, is the E24 M6 cars but, I see their value only rising as well, especially considering how fewer M6s were made compared to M3s. 1700ish in the US is damn rare by any standard. With the M3s, M5s and eventfully the M6 cars values rising it can only be expected that "lesser" exclusive/performance/limited versions of the E30 will rise in value as well. Yes, parts cars will probably still remain reasonable (I just bought a 1989 325ix for $500.00 with rust issues) but, clean, decent mileage, unmolested examples of the E30 will probably only rise in value.
I agree. Other points which I think are contributing to the rise of the E30's are that classics only really become classic when the hit 25 years of age (antiques at 30+). The last model year run for the E30 was 1991 (92 for the vert). The E24's last model run was 1989. These cars are are now maturing in age.
I think some E24 M6's will eventually surpass or match the M3s with the exception of the limited EVO's etc due the your mention of low numbers.
All well maintianed clean E30's will continue to rise along with many other 80's cars as they come to reach classic age status. E30's are so well positioned because of what they meant to the market at the time. Think 57 Chevy's, Mustangs or Corvettes but Euro.
I am lucky to own both a low miles 1988 E24 M6 and now also a low mile 89 E30 325ix Dinan Turbo which I'm in the process of refreshing its' mechanicals.
Only time will tell and anything can happen either way. I just go with what I love and willing to pay what I can afford at the time.
Max
Regards
Max
---------------
88 BMW M6 60,000 original Miles or 97,000KM's (Canadian spec example)
89 BMW 325ix Dinan Turbo 69000 original Miles
72 Triumph STAG 37000 original Miles
Last edited by OnTheFence; 11-15-2017 at 08:29 PM.
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
yup. prices are not coming down, that's for sure
No e30s again.
Need to edit the title to $12000
If your e30 runs bad, switch to Megasquirt first. Then try new spark plugs, cap and rotor, wires, oxygen sensor, crank shaft position sensor, coolant temp sensor, air flow meter, idle control valve, throttle position sensor, digital motor electronics unit, harmonic balancer, fuel injectors, engine harness...
175,000 mile E30 325i just sold for $16k on BAT
Remember when people said $3000 was too much ?
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-bmw-325is-28/?
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
ha ha ha
No e30s again.
Seeing these price increases wants me to keep my E30 for as long as possible.
On the same note, I am having a similar issue with the original post when it comes to W124. With exception of the 500E's, these cars are really undervalued. I put my car up, which is a 90 300E absolutely in mint condition for $5k. I had people offering me half that. Like, seriously? This guy wants to buy a near-mint condition Mercedes-Benz for less than the price of a some single options on a new car? Some used cars are extremely cheap right now. I don't really see how a finely preserved piece of German engineering from their golden days is worth less than $3k, but there are still exceptions to this. I'm thinking E34 and W124's will soon be on the way up as well.
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7l...rJvxZHr_00nuhA
Current cars: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E, 1991 BMW 320i M-Tech II, 1991 Mitsubish Galant AMG Type II, 1992 Nissan Figaro, 1993 Toyota Chaser Tourer V
In Germany, a clean E30 325i in stock form with around 150.000 to 250.000 kms can be seen between €15.000 to €20.000
If some work is needed, such as rust, maintenance etc expect to see a small drop of anything between €3.000-€5.0000
There are two or three nice clean E30 325i 4 doors 1988-1990 models with around 200.000 kms going for €16.000-€18.000 and need virtually "nothing". One of them just saw a €5.000 rust repair bill, including documents and pictures.
Garage models, some have 30.000 kms up to 60.000 kms, never saw winter etc and 1-2 owners are touching €30.000.
As a rule of thumb in Germany, an E30 325i for €10.000 or less should be avoided, unless you want a resto project/track car/build etc.
My 1990 E30 325i 4 door (with factory LSD, AC, ABS, M-Tec 2, leather interior) is considered a "rare combo" in EU. I got my car for €12.400, original documents from the 1st owner in Switzerland who moved to Stuttgart in 1997 with all papers to prove. I got my car in a decent condition, till i realized the PO took the car to a shop that did very sloppy work on the cylinder head (leaking oil at cylinders 1,2,3 and 4). Tore everything down and replaced everything i could find "while i am in there". New engine mounts, transmission mounts, clutch kit, resealed transmission, front and rear engine seals, all new ignition system, all new cooling system, new wheel bearings all round, rebuilt all 4 calipers, every sensor replaced (except AFM).
I spent around €4K right now, and put a good 120 shop hours myself (i really take my time to be certain everything is torqued and checked to be in spec). The only "issue" i have now, is someone tampered with the TB stop screw and i can not seem to get the TPS calibrated correctly (idle too high or too low, still trying to figure this one out).
But when i took my car to the dealership for parts, one sales man wanted to get it on the lift to inspect it (he had free time) and he liked how dry it was, how everything was "nice and solid". He asked me, what was done, told him how i did all that work myself and he even asked me if i wanted to sell it.
Honestly, i got the E30 because i wanted a simple to work on machine, RWD, LSD, classic inline 6 cylinder and one hell of a handling machine. Something i can drive regardless of weather, have fun, point A to B, practical and if anything goes wrong, no special tools or computers are needed. Clearly the E30 is an old girl, but she is reliable, dependable and still shows modern machines a thing or two when it comes to grip and handling.
I have no intention of selling it, in fact if things work out for me in life, i may get another one. If life throws me some "bad eggs" and i have no choice but to sell it for survival, that is another story.
I got my 1987 325i Convertible Dinan for free from my parents. It was falling into disrepair and dad could not do the work anymore. I have dropped close to $3000-5000 in it replacing, brakes, suspension, electrical, engine parts that need replacing or missing. The brake booster was very hard to find and got a rebuilt one for 200. Seems like half of the damned screws in the car were missing. I have replaced all that i have found. The trim pieces are unbelievably expensive. I just paid $150 for rocker panel molding strip (new). Paint needs some help, but that will be the last thing i do. Very little rust. Ill get pics up eventually.
When i was getting insurance from haggerty, they felt 6000 was the low side of valuation even with the bad paint. He said 8000 may be a better valuation until i get it completely on the road.
1987 BMW 325i Convertible
“Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary… that’s what gets you.”
Jeremy Clarkson
I don’t get why my E63 which is almost mint condition is only worth 15k. It only has 54,000 miles on it! The car was originally 100,000+ . I think it’s because BMW came out with every series they could. The 850 looks just like a 650. We’ll all be driving M22 soon*♂️
this is why I haven't sold the 88 we picked up last summer. it runs, but needs a little work. I thought about selling it but its not in the way and isn't costing me anything to store so might as well hold on for a while. once I clean up the garage, I will put it in there so its not getting sun damaged
No e30s again.
People say $3,000 is too much for a run of the mill E30 that needs some work. People do still find them regularly for that price in some parts of the country. I've never heard anyone say $3,000 is too much for a show-room condition example with high-end upgrades. You're being silly and obviously trying to compare two very different things.
Edit: Literally just looked out of curiosity due to this post. This car popped up right away at the top of the search results. Due to location, probably a rust free car, 89', so good bumper model. Claims to run great. We all know it's gonna need some work, but as I said, no one says $3,000 is too much for a show-room car. You pay $3,000 or less for a car that drives, but you plan on fixing up and having fun with. This one is $2,500.
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/...904096878.html
Last edited by firstRWD; 06-07-2019 at 04:03 PM.
I will say that I after 7-8 years I am finally getting around to getting my car back to reliable working order. I hung onto even though I thought the value had basically fallen to nothing for a vehicle that was in the condition it was. The car itself was actually quite impressive looking at first glance, and I did put a lot of money into it over a 3 year period. Lots of little upgrades and tasteful mods. Unfortunately I couldn't sort out some electrical gremlins at the time and it's sat idle since. The car is otherwise mechanically sound and I had replaced a lot of important parts, however the body does have a bunch of spots that could be repaired. I had basically written off ever doing that as I just saw it as a waste of money, but now I'm starting to question that.
After 7-8 years away from forums like these and keeping track of cars for sale, I am seeing a much smaller stock of vehicles available. Around the time I stopped keeping track, you could find a ton of options for $2500-4000 and unless the car was in very good condition it wasn't worth more than $5000, some very nice models were $6000-8000, and the odd one would go for $10-12k if it had a ton of money dumped into it.
Now, at a quick glance, I am seeing average looking cars listed for $6000-$12k, with a few that I don't even think are that impressive listed over that.
Keep in mind this is in Canada and our dollar stinks right now, but it is interesting to see an uptick in prices. Maybe I can justify putting a little work and money into mine after all.
Last edited by jays325is; 06-18-2019 at 01:48 AM.
I'm now seeing 125k mile E30 asking for $10k
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
All I know is that I continually have people come up to me in parking lots and say one of two things...
”I remember having an e30. Wish I still had it.”
”Would you sell it?”
The answer to the second question is found in the first statement.
Last edited by elder30; 06-17-2020 at 04:15 PM.
Elder30
1990 325i Convertible
Automatic | Cinnabar Red
Greenville, South Carolina
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