resto? or resto!

[papertiger]

Hi everyone -- new member -- first post.  I've been a proud owner of a 91 diamond schwartz 318is black on black for about 5 years.  The car has close to 300k on the clock and it's showing its age -- rust and a banged up front quarter panel.  I bought the car on a whim to replace a vw that I owned that was having a huge electrical problem.  Just recently -- two years ago -- I started to appreciate the car for what it was and I planned on a ground up resto.  After talking to a few local experts I was told not to and to try and find another as a more solid start.  Unfortunately I can't seem to find another diamond schwartz 318is.  I understand that the 318is was a only built between 89 and 91(?) and I would like to own/restore a relatively rare/unique e30.  I've also seemed to fall in love with this car and would like to hold onto it for as long as possible.  I guess I'm just looking for both positive and negative feedback from everyone to get a better idea if the car is actually worth rebuilding.  First and foremost would be to get the exterior solid first and then work on the drive train.  BTW -- I would have the body done professionally and I would do the mechanical (mostly) myself.  I wouldn't say that money is not an option, but I'm open to spending around 15k.  I would like to get a solid/respectable daily driver out of this.  What do you all think -- any suggestions?

[Slowered318]

$15,000 should afford you an engine rebuild, complete paint job (with some new panels), and all the drivetrain and suspension goodies you will need. The real question is if the chassis warrants a complete restoration, if it's been in an accident you should really have it professionally looked at. The unibody on these cars gets tired after 20+ years and 300,000 km's so it's really your call on this decision.