M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
PAPER OR PLASTIC => For Sale => Topic started by: johnnyboy93 on May 07, 2012, 02:57:44 AM
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Im looking for a 88-91 318is. or an e36. Prefer a 5 speed manual and for it to run, I also prefer to get one that has no major rust issues and mostly stock. Because I am on a bit of a budget (with prom and graduation coming up) I have roughly 1200.00 to spend. (willing to negotiate though)
I am willing to travel as far as Omaha, NE to the west.. Cleveland, OH to the East..Minneapolis, MN to the North... and Nashville, TN to the South.
It doesn't have to be in absolute perfect shape, just needs to be drive. :o
Thanks for your time.:D
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The E30 318is was offered for only one year in the states (1991), but finding one with a manual transmission shouldn't be a problem.;)
IMHO your $1200 budget is a bit optimistic and probably about $1K low, but that being said, I hope I'm made out to be a liar.:D
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IMHO you won't find a e30 coupe for that money. They go for $2-3k in decent shape.
BTW, all e30 M42's were built with a 5-speed (except for the occasional 'vert)- Kefla's having a bit of fun with you...
Buy an e36 coupe instead:
Pros - they're far easier to find, a bit larger inside and somewhat more modern looking. Better rear suspension and superior HVAC. Easier for wheel upgrades & later 3-series mods.
Cons - the early models are not as well made as the e30, it's a little heavier, and it's definitely not as well loved.
Another alternative is the e30 sedan. They're harder to find (only sold in '91) but far cheaper. I paid less than $1K for mine, though it needed a bit of work.
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That budget is the killer.
IF you find a car to buy for that money, you are going to be required to instantly drop another grand or more on maintenance to get the car properly roadworthy.
That's been my experience.
I paid a good chunk more than that for my 318is, but it's a nice, relatively low-mileage car. And I still put about $700 into it fixing locks, replacing motor and tranny mounts, and a bunch of little crap like that as well as replacing the engine's timing components.
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WAY out of your travel (actually not too much further)
http://jxn.craigslist.org/cto/2967417886.html (http://jxn.craigslist.org/cto/2967417886.html)
but hold out for the dream man
No pic :(
http://jxn.craigslist.org/cto/2967417886.html (http://jxn.craigslist.org/cto/2967417886.html)
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yea, I know, I've been looking forever for one.
I happened to stumble upon one in the chicago land area, not too long ago, but I was a day late. Just my luck eh? I do like e36s, and I wouldnt mind buying one, but they are just as hard to run into. I don't mind getting my hands a bit dirty to get it to run to be honest I'm not looking for a show car. But I'm not looking for a rust bucket either. I can deal with minor rust here and there, its understandable with older models.
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Dave's right in that I was teasing you a bit in my post. I don't mean to sound discouraging; just being realistic.:)
If it's still available, I'd be jumping all over the one zacrl1230 linked in his post. It sounds too good to be true, but maybe that's what everyone else thinks and in the search for a '91 318is you can't leave any stone unturned.
Jackson is only four hours away from Chicago and a U-Haul car dolly is ~$75/day.
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Keep looking, you'll find one! I found this one locally about 3 weeks ago and grabbed it for $1300. Yes, it runs and drives.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/darkandroid1234/318.png)
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That's a pretty car...there are deals out there, no doubt about it. Patience & luck are both required.
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I am still turning stones and I have had a few pm's but oddly enough when i respond they dont respond...
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I'd send another PM to be sure they went through. Your post count is low but I don't think there are any limits on sending messages.
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Just hang in there, the right car will come up.
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ever find something???
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3003817624.html (http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3003817624.html)
or a 325 in your neighborhood
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/3041540750.html (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/3041540750.html)
Needs a clutch in OH
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/3016024274.html (http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/3016024274.html)
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http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=248096 (http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=248096)
this guy is ready to sell obo him @1200
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That would be a really shitty thing to do, lowball him for less than 1/2...
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I would definitely pass on that car. That's not minor rust and if you would like more reasons then PM me.
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as dumb as it sounds but you find the best deals on craiglist NOT by searching for "e30" or 318is etc etc... search for "vintage bmw" "3 series" "old bmw" "89 bmw" "91 bmw" etc... i have found many e30's that didn't come up when searching for typical e30 words... old people and others who don't know what they have will list them under the most random listings.... haha
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as dumb as it sounds but you find the best deals on craiglist NOT by searching for "e30" or 318is etc etc... search for "vintage bmw" "3 series" "old bmw" "89 bmw" "91 bmw" etc... i have found many e30's that didn't come up when searching for typical e30 words... old people and others who don't know what they have will list them under the most random listings.... haha
Yeah "e30" doesn't help on CL or in any conversation with the average person for that matter "old bmw" is the best CL search IMO
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Just picked up a 2nd 318is, this one has 4k worth of parts and upgrades with it, way under 2k running and driving thanks to a member here!
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you bought the half sc'd one??
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Yeah, it's a good project, very solid dispite the pictures. It will probably be the one I keep and I'll sell the slicktop. Yeah, It's almost completely taken apart, and ugly as the worst kind of sin, but it's a pretty decent start because it's a local car and low miles. I am a little scared of trying to get the s/c sorted out because I don't feel confident running an RRFPR, but I know NOTHING about other solutions such as MS/MS2. It has a Vortech SFMU on it, but I cannot verify it's function. I think first step is to check engine condition and put afr boost and fuel psi gauges on it and unleash the bypass valve. Project 1 is to find a place to work on it, My complex is on my ass about working on cars. Here it sits in my parking space:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/darkandroid1234/th_2012-06-06174644.jpg) (http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/darkandroid1234/2012-06-06174644.jpg)