Looking for a 91 318is in the STL area

[SRV91]

Wondering if anyone has any knowledge of a fair condition 91 318is in the Saint louis, MO area?

[DesktopDave]

They're hard to find sometimes. I couldn't find anything really close to you, but there are a few further away:
http://terrehaute.craigslist.org/cto/3185399159.html
http://racine.craigslist.org/cto/3242187975.html
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/3264366202.html
This one seems nice enough for the trip:
http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3264739776.html
 
 
This is an odd one, caught my eye:
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3255234899.html
 
This one just needs another M42:
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/3266065611.html

[DesktopDave]

Or take a vacation down to beautiful Daytona Beach, FL:
http://daytona.craigslist.org/cto/3238867108.html
 
And Orlando!  I can sorta understand the Vader seats, but the rear bench too?
http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/3237618106.html

[SRV91]

can ya find anymore for me?

[DesktopDave]

LOL
 
They're honestly not that common.  I'd wait until you find just the right one before you pull the trigger.  The e30 is a great car, well built and reliable.  Frame rust will quickly take that from a great car to a salvage yard ornament.  The motors also have troubles with the cooling system.  If you can get by both thos troubles you'll be OK.

[SRV91]

well I've found a few that I have the cash for/willing to take the trip to grab. One guy won't get back to me, other has rust as you seen. So it's just whatever  I guess

[DesktopDave]

I've seen worse as far as rust goes.  I'd steer clear of anything I didn't think I could tackle myself.  I've been surprised at some of the jobs I've tackled after the fact.  But I have a garage, decent tools and an understanding wife...
 
Body work is expensive, it'd be much better to find a car without it despite a far higher price.  From what I've seen the rust always goes further than it looks.
 
Wait for the right car, or another alternative is to consider the e36 model instead.  It's a better car IMHO, though not as much fun.  The early models pre-1996 tend to have a lot of annoying trim/body/paint issues, and the car doesn't get the love the e30 does.  But they're common and cheap - you might be able to snag a bargain.
 
The 318Ti is also a excellent candidate - it's an e30 in all but name.  They're well loved cars but surprisingly rare and typically either thrashed or expensive.  Try to find a cheap Club Sport and you'll see what I mean.
 
Then when an e30 turns up, sell it off & get the older car.

[SRV91]

Hey dave, you have been my light in this new dark tunnel I call the world of e30s. How do you feel about this one? http://rmn.craigslist.org/cto/3204101790.html Got him to knock down 500

[DesktopDave]

e30 FTW!!  Keep at it - took me three tries to get just the right car, and I've already been through five e30s so far!
 
I'm thinking he's about $1500 too high, but that's me. I bought virtually the same car (mine is also red but had the tan vinyl comfort interior) 2 1/2 years ago for $800. But mine had some troubles - 266K miles, dead A/C, mild overheating and needed a new diff as well.
 
The sedan is great fun but keep in mind it's missing quite a few of the iS bits. Worse, the sedan was a one-year-only bargain-basement BMW in '91, so likely it sold from dealer stock with no options. You couldn't get one with an automatic, cruise control, premium sound nor the glass moonroof. The basketweave alu rims, leather seats, ski bag, rear headrests and the sport interior were also n/a from what I've seen. I'm also pretty sure 99% of them were either red, white or silver.
 
On the good side, that car is one of the rare 'slicktop' cars. They're sought after for rallying as the sunroof delete option drops a lot of weight (20 pounds or so) off the top of the car.

[SRV91]

Alrighty, thanks for the info again

[SRV91]

Good news dave. 318i in Racine is back on, guy finally got back

[DesktopDave]

*fingers crossed*
 

[SRV91]

:]

[SRV91]

http://imgur.com/HWyoj%2cNJ8UT%2cYPhqi%2ceVav9%2c772q2%2cFWcOI#3 What do you think of this condition dave