engine and drivetrain New to the list and in the market

[Reynard38]

I was originally looking at E30's but finding a bunch of riced out over priced cars I started thinking of a 2002. My wife then said that she liked the 2002 much better (cute with lots more character). She said the E30 was boring and looked like something a kid would drive.

One thing I loved about the E30 is the baby six. It looks like it is possible to transplant an M20 into a 2002. I have found the engine mounts for the swap, but has anybody that has successfully done this willing to reveal the secrets?

[esty]

if you really want an e30, there are a lot of nice, original, unmolested cars on the market....and believe me, the 6 cyl with a 5 speed puts a great big smile on your face

[Reynard38]

I thought I would fine a bunch of nice E30's. Man was I disapointed! I have found stock vehicles that are falling apart and poorly modded ones that are grossly overpriced.

I did look at one that was not for sale. White with tan, Alpina replica wheels and H&R springs with Bilstein HD's (not slammed, just tastefully lowered). It was a very nice looking car. At least here in GA and the surronding states there are none to be had.

[esty]

i pick'd this up a month or so ago...i had to travel to get it but was well worth the $2000.00 i got it for..

an 87 with 91k miles, 2 owners and bone stock

here's where i found mine....3-series BMW's

[Reynard38]

Funny thing is I've seen a number of nice cabrios here in Atlanta come up for sale, but a 5 speed 325is is another matter. Few and far between.

[JohnW]

First off, your wife has excellent taste! Although e30s may not have quite as much character, they probably do make better daily drivers (although 2002s make pretty good drivers as well). For their age, e30s typically do not rust badly. They are also at the low point of the appreciation curve right now, although, as you point out, a lot of sellers seem to have unrealistic expectations about how much they're worth. Keep looking. The market for cars around this age can be very cyclical. Right now there may be nothing, three months from now, I bet you see a lot of good stuff for the right price. Also, check bimmers.com's classifieds (but understand there can be a lot of junk there) and craigslist for Atlanta and Washington, D.C. (There are a ton of e30s in D.C., usually for reasonable money.)

[esty]

here you go mr...it looks like it would be a good start for some do-it-yourselfer, handyman type

in your neck of the woods too....1974 Tii