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      07-12-2011, 11:27 PM   #1
1cleanm6
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Need help purchasing a 1988 E30 M3

Hello guys,

For 1 year ive been on the hunt for a Red e30 m3. Ive finally found the exact car I want only problem is its in Northern California and being sold at an auction as a consignment. Im fine taking the risk of not knowing what I'm getting as long as I can get it picked up for the right deal. Ive seen a lot of e9x m3 owners talking about experiences with their/others e30 m3s before on this forum. Vehicle is a 1988 model with 151,000 original miles and in amazing condition from pictures with hefty modifications done to it. What kind of problems do these cars have that I should be informed of? I wish it were local as Id have my friends dad check the whole vehicle out and let me know, unfortunately im not in that position.

According to the list on window of mods(see attached picture) it seems to have had a loving owner who loved modding it. If i were to buy a stock one, id do it EXACTLY like he did, so this vehicle is perfect for me. Auction is tomarrow 7/13 at 1pm with a bid amount of $11,500 (im highest bidder as of now). I'd really really like to pick this vehicle up and any help would be greatly appreciated. Lastly, how much would this vehicle be worth with all thats done to it? Id imagine about 22,000 atleast, correct? Is there anything wrong with vehicle from pictures ive posted?

thx boys
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      07-13-2011, 01:06 AM   #2
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That's a beautiful m
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      07-13-2011, 01:12 AM   #3
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well good news is one of the previous owners was in the E30 M3 special interest group (SIG). go to bimmers.com and email Fillipo the VIN and description. maybe he can give you some details on the cars history or put you in touch with the previous owner even.

I must say its very sad to see such a rare vehicle end up in an auction. Did the previous owner trade it in on a new one?

condition wise, hard to really tell. someone could have redlined the crap out of it after it being sent to the auction house ruining the motor. the "Dont Fork" on the windshield worries me too. was it already lifted with a forklift and damaged?

The car has 150k miles. the motor doesn't. it looks very clean. 2.5L strokers are popular. you really need to have a specialist that knows these cars look at them.

Since its going up for auction I guess its down to a gamble really. You could have a nice car there or you could end up with a basket case needing $15K in repairs. Maybe thats why its at an auction. Missing rear interior is bothersome too.

Hope you know what you are getting into. You said you have been looking for over a year, but you don't know much about the E30 M3? Its going to be a very expensive lesson!
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      07-13-2011, 01:18 AM   #4
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If this is the same car that's been advertised (probably is as the owner was asking way too much for it) it's not been street registered in some time and isn't smoggable in it's current condition.
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      07-13-2011, 01:28 AM   #5
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if i were going to buy an E30 m3, i'd want it to be as close to stock as possible.
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      07-13-2011, 01:32 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karussell View Post
well good news is one of the previous owners was in the E30 M3 special interest group (SIG). go to bimmers.com and email Fillipo the VIN and description. maybe he can give you some details on the cars history or put you in touch with the previous owner even.

I must say its very sad to see such a rare vehicle end up in an auction. Did the previous owner trade it in on a new one?

condition wise, hard to really tell. someone could have redlined the crap out of it after it being sent to the auction house ruining the motor. the "Dont Fork" on the windshield worries me too. was it already lifted with a forklift and damaged?

The car has 150k miles. the motor doesn't. it looks very clean. 2.5L strokers are popular. you really need to have a specialist that knows these cars look at them.

Since its going up for auction I guess its down to a gamble really. You could have a nice car there or you could end up with a basket case needing $15K in repairs. Maybe thats why its at an auction. Missing rear interior is bothersome too.

Hope you know what you are getting into. You said you have been looking for over a year, but you don't know much about the E30 M3? Its going to be a very expensive lesson!
Thanks for the bimmers.com reference, ill check it out! Unfortunately, theres no way to know why or how it got to the auction. Everything is sold in an AS-IS condition. No one at the auction is allowed to drive the vehicle really, so I know kids didnt take it for a joy ride. The whole "fork life" thing worries me. If the vehicle is truly in a Run & Drive condition, why would they put that? Im guessing its just a precaution, just incase. Im hoping if theres any engine issues, Ill take it to Gintani and theyll do everything. The rear seats not being there doesnt concern me at all, isnt that what all the truck junkies do? I just need a nice "pillow" for all these issues, i already put 2k repairs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kitw View Post
If this is the same car that's been advertised (probably is as the owner was asking way too much for it) it's not been street registered in some time and isn't smoggable in it's current condition.
This is why I put this here! Can you please give me more details. How much was he asking for it, do you member? Im not suprised its not smoggable , it doesnt have cats im sure.
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      07-13-2011, 01:37 AM   #7
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i think it's nice... If it was a little messed up from what i can't see, it would be a fun project =)
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      07-13-2011, 09:12 AM   #8
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I agree with what was posted... I would want an e30 M3 as close to stock as possible! I'd pay a premium for that and with less mileage.
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      07-13-2011, 09:13 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1cleanm3 View Post
Lastly, how much would this vehicle be worth with all thats done to it? Id imagine about 22,000 atleast, correct?
mods decrease the value of cars like this; almost all cars, actually.
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      07-13-2011, 09:14 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by booch View Post
mods decrease the value of cars like this; almost all cars, actually.
+1
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      07-13-2011, 09:29 AM   #11
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Goodluck bro, wish you do get it, and if you do put everything back to stock... keep it and dont drive it... LOL... thats what i would do.

or get this and do the restoration yourself.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...490713548.html
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      07-13-2011, 08:45 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean05 View Post
Goodluck bro, wish you do get it, and if you do put everything back to stock... keep it and dont drive it... LOL... thats what i would do.

or get this and do the restoration yourself.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...490713548.html

These things aren't garage queens. They're meant to be driven. This one has the good basic engine mods that make it more fun on the track. I'd buy it and put in a cage first thing. Then I'd start replacing worn parts with modern track oriented pieces. That's how these cars are supposed to be treated.
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      07-13-2011, 08:48 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Radiation Joe View Post
These things aren't garage queens. They're meant to be driven. This one has the good basic engine mods that make it more fun on the track. I'd buy it and put in a cage first thing. Then I'd start replacing worn parts with modern track oriented pieces. That's how these cars are supposed to be treated.
I agree!!
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      07-14-2011, 01:06 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Radiation Joe View Post
These things aren't garage queens. They're meant to be driven. This one has the good basic engine mods that make it more fun on the track. I'd buy it and put in a cage first thing. Then I'd start replacing worn parts with modern track oriented pieces. That's how these cars are supposed to be treated.
bore out engine to 2.5L is basic? The stroker motors are known to be two things, fast and expensive. repairs and maintenance is not cheap on this car. makes E46 M3 valve adjustment a walk in the park compared to them.

You don't buy an E30 M3 to make money off it. Only reason is you love them.
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      07-14-2011, 07:01 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karussell View Post
You don't buy an E30 M3 to make money off it. Only reason is you love them.
i beg to differ
i bought mine for $13,500
and sold it 10 months later for $16,500
it depends on condition and whats mods or fixes you do
i worked my butt off on the paint, and after i was done it looked way better than when i bought it

they are great cars, and i'd really recommend everyone here drive it just once to know why we older folk talk so much about cars getting heavier etc
its a hoot
i'm still looking to buy another one, but i want one in great condition because this time i'm not selling it
i'm taking it to my grave
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      07-14-2011, 07:02 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1cleanm3 View Post
Hello guys,

For 1 year ive been on the hunt for a Red e30 m3. Ive finally found the exact car I want only problem is its in Northern California and being sold at an auction as a consignment. Im fine taking the risk of not knowing what I'm getting as long as I can get it picked up for the right deal. Ive seen a lot of e9x m3 owners talking about experiences with their/others e30 m3s before on this forum. Vehicle is a 1988 model with 151,000 original miles and in amazing condition from pictures with hefty modifications done to it. What kind of problems do these cars have that I should be informed of? I wish it were local as Id have my friends dad check the whole vehicle out and let me know, unfortunately im not in that position.

According to the list on window of mods(see attached picture) it seems to have had a loving owner who loved modding it. If i were to buy a stock one, id do it EXACTLY like he did, so this vehicle is perfect for me. Auction is tomarrow 7/13 at 1pm with a bid amount of $11,500 (im highest bidder as of now). I'd really really like to pick this vehicle up and any help would be greatly appreciated. Lastly, how much would this vehicle be worth with all thats done to it? Id imagine about 22,000 atleast, correct? Is there anything wrong with vehicle from pictures ive posted?

thx boys
the best place to get any info on E30 M3s is s14.net
one of the best forums out there, filled with M3 lovers
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      07-14-2011, 08:48 AM   #17
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Our family has a hobby of rebuilding old cars. The most important thing is the frame being straight, just about everything else can be repaired/rebuilt. None of the mods on there seem to be a big deal. Though looking at the story the car is telling, it was likely tracked in it's recent life. Not that big of deal but how much of the undercarriage needs work/repair would be the big question. Everything else is cosmetic.

I'm not totally familiar with the underpinnings of the E30 but you would need a picture of the undercarriage and a picture looking down the inside line of the rear wheel/tire looking at the front wheel/tire. Also would check the spacing between the wheels and the back of each fender well where it attaches to the either the frame or subframe. That will catch any glaring issues, but that's the best you can do without driving it.

Frame/subframe issues are by far the most costly to repair. In most cases it requires a complete tear down and in the best case scenario pretty expensive affair to fix it correctly. So look past the cosmetic and try to get data on the undercarriage.
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      07-14-2011, 09:00 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Radiation Joe View Post
These things aren't garage queens. They're meant to be driven. This one has the good basic engine mods that make it more fun on the track. I'd buy it and put in a cage first thing. Then I'd start replacing worn parts with modern track oriented pieces. That's how these cars are supposed to be treated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stega View Post
I agree!!
We have different means....

with this car and since its the Original M3.... It would mostly my weekend car...

Yes My E92 M3 will be my Daily and my E30 will be my weekend.
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      07-14-2011, 09:04 AM   #19
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if anyone is interested on restoring old bmw cars

check this out... they are in LONG BEACH...

http://www.coupeking.com/product_id-438.html
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      07-14-2011, 07:10 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karussell View Post
bore out engine to 2.5L is basic? The stroker motors are known to be two things, fast and expensive. repairs and maintenance is not cheap on this car. makes E46 M3 valve adjustment a walk in the park compared to them.

You don't buy an E30 M3 to make money off it. Only reason is you love them.
Sounds like you should be driving a Camry. E30 M3s were produced for one reason, ... track use.
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      07-14-2011, 08:26 PM   #21
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I didnt end up buying it....

went too for too much
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      07-14-2011, 08:51 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1cleanm3 View Post
I didnt end up buying it....

went too for too much
sorry to hear that. i could literally hear the disappointment in the letters. but i am sure there are other e30 m3's around that you could go and look for near LA area. good luck with your search.
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