Value for my 87 325is-55k miles..??

[themats89]

Greetings all. I may be in the market to sell my 1987 325is to purchase my uncles 2004 Z4, but I'm trying to gain advice on real value to another E30 enthusiast.

Here's the specifics---1987 BMW 325is, 5spd, 55k original miles, Alpine White, black leather interior, no rips or tears or cracks in dash, A/C, and will come with new snow tires on original rims, and I am purchasing 16" summer tires with new rims. Car was initially in the BMW executive lease plan (not sure if it was a 6 month or 1 year lease) and then purchased by my uncle in NJ. Car was always garaged by him and only driven occasionally, but always dealer maintained. I purchased car from him in 2005 and changed all fluids to synthetics. Car was covered and only driven occasionally, as well. Car has new ECU, timing belt, water pump, rear shocks (maintained by Daniels BMW in Allentown, PA). Needs----A/C needs to be recharged (which I may do soon), ABS fuse needs replacement, computer screen is unlit. The paint is near perfect, but the front spoiler has scraps near the bottom. Other than these items, everything else is 100% and ALL original, no aftermarket parts.

I really would like to see this go to someone who will love the car like I do, as there are VERY few E30's in this condition, in the entire country,,,and I have been checking. Let me know what you think, and thanks in advance. Jeff

[themats89]

I'm thinking this should be in a different forum----help?

[Rrrockhound]

I've seen nice E30s run about $3500 up to about $8000. If you ask $8000 for an E30, it better bring it. It has to pass for brand new. You didn't post a lot of pictures and nothing to really show the condition of the upholstery or dash, but if they're all clean (no tears, no cracks, etc.) and needless to say if there's no rust, no dents, etc., then with the low miles and longtime known history, I'd say about $5000.

[bostogrun]

Whatever you have is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it at the time you are trying to sell it. " Milton Friedman" Id trying to list it in as many BMW oriented venues as possible because you might find more potential buyers who would appreciate it.

[themats89]

I figured I'd post a few more pics, hopefully showing more detail as to the condition of my car. If someone might be interested in actually purchasing the car, please let me know. Thanks!

[Rrrockhound]

Nice looking car. I'd be interested myself, but I've already got one. If you're not in a big hurry to sell, start a little high and really market the condition and low miles. A lot of guys are just looking for beaters they can mod or engine swap, so you may have to be patient, but you'll find a buyer.

[dollarbill]

Hey I'm in ny. Wondering how much you want for the car

[BMWpark.org]

that paticular e30 is worth a LOT of $$

more than most, but not as much as an m3, or mtech2 type.

please talk w/me directly at my *new(* site www.bmwpark.org • Index page and post in the 3 series area..and you can also see one of my e30's

theres a few reasons you don't want to sell this car.

1 = original owner (more or less)
2- 87 is one of the best years, and strongest chassis ever .. ever ever..(pre (auto-) CAD. the frame of your 87 can withstand a 900HP engine without any modifications...they're that strong.

3. mtech 1 steering wheel
4. leather sport seats (ok, they're not heated, but that interior is highly sought after
5. you have the is model..(check the ratio of the differential, if its got an "S" stamped on it, you have a LSD...highly sought after...(very likely you do)
6. alloy bumpers, are very strong..euro type are my fav. but they can be bolted right up... gets you a cleaner/ classier look.
7. your e-brake looks well maintained...
8. don't upgrade to r34 for the A/C...i kept my freon (r12) and i get <26 degrees in the sun, sitting in traffic, not moving...yes, i can make ice with my AC, and my hands literally get freezing cold on the hottest days...probably only need a new dryer, and half pound of new(er) freon..its all re-usuable...just needs to be dried.
9. you may have ellipsiod headlights...can tell from the pix...(sought after, only availible for 2 years on the e30, they were outlawed or something b/c bmw went back to sealed beams in 91 or 92)
10. pre-air bag....the air bags are NOT sought after, in fact they are dangerous if not replaced every 10 years...so finding a e30 before the airags is a good thing,
11. look inside your oil cap...look for the headbolts (you will see at least 2, and possibly 4 very easily...they will be either a hex type or torqs type...

if they are hex, than do not redline this engine. if they are torx type (star pattern) then your headbolts were fixed by the BMW recall (or suggested upgrade)...be aware the hex type are known to be a weakpoint and prone to breaking off.

things to re-think...synthetic oils...the m20 engine was not made for synthetic oils, and running that type could result in seal breakdown, and posible leaking. as with older oils (with zinc etc) additives still in them, this type of oil would essentially help clog up an old seal. while synthetics could essentially strip away and clean parts you may not want stripped adn cleaned...now i don't know everything about the oils your using, but i do know that synthetics are not always better in older cars..(one of the reasons i want to drop in a e46 engine, but i hate hydraulic valves on em)...
i run "redline" in my transmission and differential, but i use Gastrol 5-20 regular oil for the engine.

i have to say, the e30 is one of the best handling cars, and one of the top manufactured cars of all time. imo. and newer is not necessarily better. but if you do sell it, its easily worth (much ) more than any e36, in any year.


things to really look for.
houndstooth interior...but SPORT SEATS (like yours)
sun-roof delete (from the factory)
dog-leg transmissions
4.10 diff (with the 'S')
painted mirrors (on later models, my 89 doesn't have painted side mirrors)
maintenance history (esp t.belt and valve adj.)
95 m3 steering racks.
the 885 head (1st year was the 87)
pop out rear windows
13 button ecu


things that kill an e30
automatic trans....(just lame..no one wants these, and it makes the 5 speeds much more desirable)
air bags....yuck.
orig. steering racks (4 turns lock to lock)...
regular interior..(for fat people)
open diffs
9 button ecu





thats enough for now...
its a nice car, and many many people will want it...and many will not even know how great they are.

[Rrrockhound]

Originally Posted by BMWpark.org

things that kill an e30
automatic trans....(just lame..no one wants these, and it makes the 5 speeds much more desirable)
air bags....yuck.
orig. steering racks (4 turns lock to lock)...
regular interior..(for fat people)
open diffs
9 button ecu

I don't understand some of these statements, since my 9-button computer works perfectly. It's nice to have. I still have the original rack, and yeah, it's a lot of turns, but does it kill my E30? Not for me.

[BMWpark.org]

maybe i was a bit harsh. didn't intend to be blasphemous but none of those things are sought after.


in fact, wasn't the 4 turn lock to lock only in the e30's ?
i remember driving with it, and if you drift, it is not fun...not at all..its that terrible.
maybe if your just parking, or cruising, i can relate to that.

the 13 button ECU is more sought after, but don't go changing it if you still use the security code.

open diffs are safer on ice, otherwise, if you know your curb weight and break points, a LSD is best.

air bags....just say no...they all have a 10 year lifespan, and can kill you.

automatic transmissions are literally being given away locally....

just saying whats known by all the e30'ests... and helping the P.O. get a fair deal or sale.