M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
FAQ / REFERENCE => M42 Buyer's Guide => Topic started by: goober on November 08, 2010, 08:08:56 PM
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I've been in contact with an owner of an alpine white 318is and it is in good to excellent condition, with just under 130k miles, no big scratches, dents, or tears. The interior is just as fine as the exterior. However when discussing the price, he said $5500 firm, before inspection. Now, I'm not quite sure whether or not that is a steal, or an overpriced car. Please leave your thoughts,
Thank you
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I'm guessing overpriced.
If it's completely functional, even the A/C, with fresh shocks and updated springs and a complete service history it might be worth that much. 130K miles is very low for the age, and it's the coupe; they're worth much more than the sedan. My 4-door was less than $1000 but it had 266K miles and needed a diff.
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It has fresh bilsteins, new 15" konig silver rewinds, an a/c, fair to good interior, no tears.
He pretty firm, however I still need to pay shipping...
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I'd want a pristine car for that much. No cracks in the dash, perfect sport seats, solid body, etc. I'd say a good low mileage 318is is worth about $3500. I'm not in a very high-priced market though. If you decide to buy, the weak points on the car are the timing chain (especially the cam gears), the diff and the A/C. None are that hard to fix but all are expensive.
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Goober - that seems fairly high. I know there is a guys selling one in Tacoma, WA (hour away from Seattle) for $3200. He posted up in the for sale section. I dont know where you live, but that would be worth checking out. I agree with Dave, that the pricing should be right around 3-4k depending on condition and wear. Good luck man!
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http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/2047756008.html
Here's the link if you are interested. I thought about checking this out myself ...
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I dont know how to post pictures to show you the car, but I'm thinking $5500 is too much so I probably wont buy it, thanks though.
That car seems pretty good Gerta, thanks for telling me, I'm really set on an e30 318is and alpine white is even better.
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You won't be disappointed. They're not very fast, but they make up for it just by being fun. I'm not sure I can explain it...but if you're a car guy you're going to love it.
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yeah way high also one in salem oregon craigslist pretty good condition for 3k and a 325is for 2200 and both look really nice interior and all
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Hey the guy dropped his price to 2999 ... If you are serious about one of these cars and live close you could offer him 2200.
Gerta
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Stay away. THe car could be a wash when you get it. and that 6K out the window. Look for a car thats a few hours away that you can drive and go pick up with a friend. I drove from SC to Texas with a friend to pick up a e36 318i with a downing on it.
Trust me when you are there talking with cash in hand he will bend on the price.
Also for an extra 2K you can find a nice e36 m3
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An M3 would be a great ride too. I intend to get a Dakar Yellow coupe for my next car. Not as tossable but oh so much faster.
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If this car had only around 50,000 orig. miles, one owner, garage kept, detailed service records, profile gasket replacement by dealer, along with being perfect mint condition.
Yes, it would be worth $5500.00 to somebody.
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I paid $3600 for a car with very minor paint issues and 77k original miles in october of 2008 in Portland, OR. it was a 318i (4 door) however -- which I prefer for some reason on E30s. I also also came with a dealer-installed moonroof. Car was pretty much pristine.
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Over priced 2000-2500
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It all depends on location... to get an better idea of pricing, try to find other E30's in that area and then you'll have a better idea of what it's worth. Up north they are on the high side of things, but an occasional bargain comes along.
Good luck with your quest!
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It does sound a little high. For that money it should have at least euro weavs or RS's. A little over a year ago one sold in PA for 7500 and the guy that sold it is regretting it. There was a nice one in MN with 112K that went for 9K I think. Both cars were PERFECT.
I wouldn't let mine go for less than 5K and it's not for sale at the moment.
John
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thats a little too high goober i barely bought mine a week ago its a 91 318is alpine white as well and he was selling it for 5500 but i lowered it to 4500 and the interior is near mint jus the front seats are a lil bit torn and its lowered with a swap engine with another m42 and tranny that barely has 70k on it and everything works jus the a/c doesnt blow cold. but it was kinda a steal for me. i say offer him less dont go for 5500