Arghh!! What To Buy?

[Torquester325]

Ok, I'm getting a second e30 within 2 or 3 weeks. I am only going for a 325is, and I will make my 'e' a winter beater/project car. I have found 2 cars in Vancouver for the same price, and my dad has checked them out, i just cant decide which one.

1) 1990 325is black 17" racing dynamics rims low kms but its an AUTO

2) 1988 325is delphin stock everything but with the 5 speed

I cant decide if i want the new style bumpers and then swap the tranny from my 'e' in or just get the '88 and not do anything

suggestions?


EDIT: prices 1990 auto -- $4495
1988 5spd -- $4950 (negoitiated down to $4500)
all prices in canadian dollars

[Aether]

The prices would be useful.
I simply wouldn't dream of owning an E30 (or virtually anything else) with an automatic transmission. I prefer the newer bumpers, and low mileage is always a plus, but unless it's so close to the price of the other one that you can do what you need to do to get a five-speed in there, I'd still get the older one. Bumpers aren't worth getting a wussymatic.

[Torquester325]

bump

added prices

[jaymz]

auto=no fun

im partial to the big bumper e30"s,,plus,,you cant get chicks with an auto

[Bimmin'88]

5-Speed!!!!!!

[Aether]

Can I ask why the older model with a less expensive transmission and no RD wheels is more expensive?

[greenlightracer]

yea, I have an auto... go with a stick! The auto isn't REALLY all that bad, and I live in a city with lotsa traffic so at times I'm glad I have one :P. There is a company, Shuller Motors I beleive, that makes a differential tha will bring the 4.10 diff to a 4.45 LS which will improve accelaration and handling greatly

[Torquester325]

Originally posted by Aether@Nov 3 2004, 02:43 PM
Can I ask why the older model with a less expensive transmission and no RD wheels is more expensive?

[snapback]223795[/snapback]

probably because it is more desirable

could also be the seller

ps

I called the seller of the auto and he is willing to go down to $4000

I am seriously considering buying that car and swapping the trannys just because I really want the new bumpers

if i factor $1000 to swap the trannys i will spend $5000 which is my budget

is it worth it?

[Aether]

If you're just going to put the five-speed in your 325e into the 325is, then yes, I'd say it's worth it. It would still rather suck to have a 'project car' Eta with an automatic, but if you're going to keep it for the purpose of modification, then you can put a manual in there later.

For $4000, I'd buy the low-mileage, newer 325is and put in a transmission you already have. Even if you don't do it yourself, I don't think you'd be spending more than a couple hundred dollars (assuming a BMW specialist doesn't do it, either).

[guywithblack88e30]

no girli-matics

[87 325iS]

Buying the '88 5spd and swaping bumpers is easier than buying the '90 auto and swapping transmissions.

[Aether]

Keep in mind how nice it would be to have a low-mile E30 as well.

[guywithblack88e30]

also that 1000 you can use on something like a 2.7i(bottom end of a e head of engine i)
Even get an exhaust headers k & n airfilter and a good chip you'll still have money left after that too.