Update
 

Some great comments.. greatly appreciated. As we have been leaning towards the E30, our only issue is the price. At this time the owner is only willing to go down to 7,000; A little much in my book.
Plus the fact that a low mileage E36 325 has just popped up nearby, it looks like she won't be getting this E30 :(

I wonder if as times goes on, the owner will lower his price and maybe I can pick it up to replace my trusty, but ageing
Mazda MX-6 daily driver (180K miles strong).

Then again, I just came across an 88 535i with 90K for $4,500
hmmmmmmmmm....................

Is the 535 a 5sp or auto? If 5sp jump on it!!!!!
7k way to much for e30 unless it has less than 10k miles on it, shop around be patient a hot one will surface for a good price.

Oh, it's a 5 speed (a definite requirement). It's at one of those small dealers that specialize in used high end/exotic european cars (kind of strange that a $4,500 535 is there, but whatever) That it IS at this place kind of has me thinking it's not a beater that can be found at Joe Acme's used car lot, but something well cared for that was traded in for something.
I'm going to call on it in a few minutes.

But back to the E30,

The one snag that will most likely prevent my girlfriend from getting this E30 (and any other E30's) is the financing; She has secured financing through peoplefirst, but the minimum you can spend is $7,500. If she was to get a loan through the bank it would be at 14% (since they don't offer vehicle loans for that vintage).
If this guy would come down to 5 grand or so, I would just buy it for her, but this guy isn't budging.

First of all my favorite car in the whole world is a 535 so if you cant jump on it e-mail me some info on it. javier@pelicanparts.com


As for the e30, well why not get her the 535? or like I said earlier shop around for other e30 7k just sound like too much. post some deatils on that car e30.

bummer,
just called on the 535i; it's getting a PPI done for a prospective buyer. I gave him my name a number should thing not work out. Man, thats the third time I got there too late!!!

Yes the E30 is opverpriced.
90 325is
5 speed
black/grey leather
2nd owner
all records
78K miles.
He'll go down to 7.
No deal

Anything over $6500 is too much for an E30, period.

absolutely
 

You bet it is, Jared. Thanks for the information last week; it has proven to be very useful.

Speaking of 535's being all-time favourites, are you talking about E28 or E34? I think the E34 came out around 88-89 which is why I ask. Myself, I love the looks of the E34 (through 1995), much more distinctive than the look alike models of recent vintage. I want to keep my E30 cabrio for a long time, but my other "car" is a GMC Safari so I desperately need a "cooler" car. An E34 (better yet a touring model) would be ideal.

I guess I should really go over to the E34 board to ask but what do people think of them. Is the 525 (most Tourings) as good as the 535? Is there a small V8 in some E34's? (530 to 535?) This confuses me since I thought the V8 was a 4.0 litre but have seen some 53__ series cars advertised as V8's.

My fav is the E28 535i. The 535, 525, 6cyl. The 540 V8, GREAT CARS.
I had a E28 535i w/over 250k miles still cruised at at 120+ at 25mph, no oil leaks, NO MODS, JUST A LOTTA TLC..

I also agree with Javi, the 5 Series are just awesome. Class, comfort and speed all wrapped up inot a beautiful car with a beautifuly designed engine. God knows I'd love a 540i.

Ha I have an MX6 too 93 with 140k on it runs like a top but the suspension is troubling!

you wont want to drive it after you buy a bimmer!

the mx6 spped kills my e30 but the way the bimmer drives in comparison, just is none better