Can I just say that this is the perfect RU-vid video? My man just presented a premise, a thesis and backed up his thesis with evidence, analogies, and data. These are really simple principals we learn in high school doe writing essays but it’s the most classic persuasive way of structuring an argument. If this were an English class you’d get an A+ my friend.
What is factual is, BMW does not make any more e30, hence the values will continue to rise like rockets. The one that say values will are dropping are telling sweet beautiful lies to themselves. Everyone feels their e30 is worth BAT prices because they are delusional.
It’s really the only downside to the e30 community. Everyone thinks theirs is worth 20k plus, but will also tell you that you can still find them for 3k. The market on these will fluctuate, but will always move upward over time. I could see e30’s going for 30-40k in 10 years.
@@TheEuroLife. A car that is presented well, good documentation of Maintenance, and a good story that connects emotionally with the prospective buyer will alway sell well compared to a bare minimum FB market place advertisement.
I was never a car guy, but my friend would buy/fix/ flip e30s in SoCal 2015-2019 when it was still viable to do so. He was doing a engine swap and needed funds so he sold me his nicest e30 example, albeit automatic, for $5k in 2017. It has zero rust, crack free dash, full maintenence history, great condition original brilliantrot paint, 1991 325i coupe with 230k mi. I fell in love with it and since I to take it to a specialty shop in La I’ve put a lot of money into it to restore it to full health. Back then the 5k was def paying up, especially for an automatic, but he charged up bc of the cosmetic condition and was unmolested. Looking back now and the current market it was basically a steal. The crack free dash alone makes me feel so lucky. I work remote so I’ve put 10k miles in the last 6 years and plan to keep it forever. Thanks for making these e30 vids!! Appreciate you Edit: also this comment proves your point that this car is sought after by more than just car enthusiasts, it’s just cool to most people in general. I actually love my automatic lol especially in La traffic. I can always swap it when the transmission goes
The E 30s are really popular in Europe, watched several E 30 car shows and they go all out in restoration and performance. They're said to be the most restored car in the world. You can get any part for them. I have a white 86 325e and love driving it. I don't care what it's worth, I'm not going to sell it.
I got in to E30s *right* before prices started going nuts. It was 2011 & I picked up a super clean 1990 Brilliantrot 325is 2dr 3 pedal for $1600. TBF it needed a motor, which it came with for an extra $500. It cost me an extra $500 to install (didn't have the capability to do it myself at the time). So $2600 AS&D for a nearly perfect 1990 is manual 2 door. When someone pulled out in front of me in 2018 and totaled it, I could have easily sold it for 7K. God knows what it would be worth today. While I love the '86 325es I was able to finally find in 2018, it wasn't in nearly as good condition as the '90, had been in an accident, didn't have factory door jamb sticker, and had several other major issues. $4500. I might even be able to sell it for twice that today. There may be a bit of a pricing plateau currently simply due to the economy being completely trashed, but totally agree that the demand isn't going to go anywhere. Unless the powers that be figure out how to make gasoline ICEs unfeasible to drive for the common man, or outright ban them (unlikely), the values are going to keep ticking north. and while people aren't thrashing E30s quite like they used to, there's still a contingent of the E30 fanbase that just can't help themselves. Then there are the random tragedies like the one that happened to me. In conclusion, you're right!
If your e30 is completely nut and bolt restored, new paint, appropriate mods , and other upgrades, an E30 in that case is worth somewhere around 15 to 20 thousand dollars; assuming the given car isn't too high in milaage. Other Bimmers like the 850i (6 speed) and the E39 M5 will also go up in value over the course of time. I own a saloon BluE30 for the last 16 years and they're great vehicles.
Here in Morocco, it is becoming rare to find a clean E30, the most expensive version besides the M3 is the 318i convertible, you can get one around 8k. For coupe ~6k Sedan ~ 2k M3 ~ 18k the 320 323 and 325 are less expensive due to taxes.. so 1k less per version (coupe cab and sedan). The demande is much much higher than 5year ago… so i think the value of the E30 will keep going up
They have all been getting pricey but in the US people still tend to undervalue the "eta"s because they are slow plus the m20b27 only has a less than thrilling 5000 rpm red line and is wheezing when it gets there. But if you're looking for a daily driver you only need to do one thing to change their personality (no, not a turbo) replace the differential. To Improve mileage BMW stuck them with a 2.75:1 rear end which bogs them down. They have a lower broader torque curve and make 1 ft-lb more than a 325i so swapping to a 3.45:1 makes them great in traffic.
I love my 11/89 E30 325i Cabrio with 5sp manual. Bought it for $2300. 130k original miles. I’ve put a significant amount of money into its restoration, all new stock suspension, new interior, new top, upgraded brakes and the A/C ( which cost more than original car ). It now being painted for about 7k. I don’t really care what I could sell it for as it is my daily joy to drive this classic. I will will it to my daughter when I pass.
Awesome! These e30’s really do grow on you. My oldest will be driving in a couple of years, and all she talks about is being allowed to drive the e30. I swear I’ll be buried in mine lol.
The clean examples in original condition with non branded titles and between 100-160k miles are worth between 15-30k. These are the BAT class of car. But there are a lot of e30s on CL and marketplace with asking prices of 10k that are actually 5k cars…there’s a lot of straight up garbage with huge asking prices out there, I’ve seen $7500 for a car missing a bumper and fender.
I think the truth is somewhere between. There are definitely plenty of cars out there listed at 15k, that are no where near worth that. However, the market on e30’s has shifted so much over the last few years. It seems like a running and driving e30 is worth at least 4500. I would say the starting point for a decent example is like 8k(clean title, no rust, and manual).
@@TheEuroLife. 8k is definitely a fair price for a “decent example”, you just have to weed through the trash to find them. There are similarities between the e30 market and the NA Miata market. You will find clapped out cars and clean examples listed for the exact same price.
I just bought one- after watching them go up in values for a bit- I realized it’s time to get in. I saw this happen with my old Porsche. Now I couldn’t really afford it.
I just purchased a really well kept, 92 convertible coupe 325i with 99k miles. I paid almost double what I could have found a rough example, but I didnt want to buy a 32 year old shitbox. Paid $15,000 for my model in Western KY and have no real regrets. Would have loved to get into it for $12,000 but thats neither here nor there. Love the platform and the drivers experience, and happy to have traded my motorcycle days for e30 days
That’s the going price for a nicely sorted e30 these days. You’ll enjoy it, it’s a great car to live with, and the driving experience is pretty damned good too. Congrats on joining the e30 family!
A few years back my dad bought back his, (87)(E30) 320i V6 manual that was his first car. He bought it back for around 4-5.000 USD, running and driven but in bad cosmetic conditions (they are pretty expensive and getting hard to get here in Denmark). Its now beautiful, running amazingly and sounds great.
Thank-you Sir. I bought my E30 (1987 BMW 325ic) in April of 2002. I know that I am the 3rd owner… my x-brother in law sold it to me for $5,500 Canadian dollars in April, 2002. I recorded everything I have a 1.5 inch binder with decent documents. Since 2002, I have last driven in 2015. My baby is on resting-stands in my clean garage. I fire her up whenever she gives me the “eye-wink”…
Saved a 318is manual slick top from an old lady trying to scrap it to make space. She offered it to me for $1000 and I drove it 20 miles back home no problem! It's got some rust but otherwise a promising project
To see the future of E30 prices, just look at 2002 prices now. Sh*tbox/project condition 02s go for $6-8k and I see E30 prices headed in this direction by 2030.
100% agree. Clean 2002’s are going from 25k-40k, more for the turbo. I think e30’s have a higher ceiling than 2002’s, only because the 02’s have a cult following, and the e30 is a bucket list car for many automotive enthusiasts, not just BMW people.
Commented earlier here, took a 2nd look and if you take the most popular car sites you can pretty much only buy 10-15k convertibles except for a few 4 doors, automatics, and rusty coupes for 7-10k which can be counted on 1 hand. only 5k car is a rotted convertible Its worse than I thought and previously comented! Love, from the Netherlands
Literally put my 87 325i coupe up for sale . Was driving home from work and as soon as I park I start hearing a knocking coming from the engine. Opened the hood and it’s coming from under the valve cover .
I would buy an e30 for 12k, sell them to me thanks. I got an e30 for 15k but I'm in Asia, currently in restoration, what you said is right but I am currently 28 years old and, I've always admired the E30 ever since a teenager, didn't hesitate to buy it no regrets best purchase of my life
Hi I have a e30 m tec sports convertible 1991 in Blue. It is 95 per cent immaculate condition. I have being offered €20 000 to €25000 for the car not interested. It is amazing car and always makes me smile.and it is so cool .I love the reaction from people when they realise its 32 years old and it's in new condition. Best car BMW ever made 😋
Is $10k be too much to ask for a '85 318i coupe in running condition? I'm getting ready to sell one soon, but having trouble determining a sellable price.
Value of e30’s can vary widely. If it’s rusty, auto, 4 door, and a project, probably around 4-5k. If it’s very nice and needs nothing, then probably 10k.
Thanks for the guidance! So somewhere in between then :). Luckily the car has no rust (spent its whole like in the PNW) and has had no modifications except for a wind deflector for the sun roof.
The unmolested cars are pulling in the highest prices. It's depressing how many e30s went through owners with more enthusiasm than knowledge who ruined their cars with big brakes, big wheels, coil overs, poly bushings, turbos, body kits ect.
Body kits for sure, but anything else you mentioned doesn't necessarily ruin a car unless you suck in your fenders with big wheels and coils like a dumb fuck etc. Any of that can be reversed and big brakes are an upgrade depending on your goals.. you can still pull big numbers out of people's pockets with those upgrades especially on an s52 swapped car..
The thing is, well sorted and built cars sure can pull big numbers. But those are few and far between. There are way more cheaply done cars floating around on the market than nice ones. No one should be paying 15k plus for a car sitting on Racelands and reps, because it’s had work done.
@@TheEuroLife. There's a MINT 1989 2dr 318i for sale where I live for 11k USD, only downside is that it's auto. Obviously I'm not giving you much to work with but do you think this is a worthwhile cost? E30 is a dream car.
It honestly depends. Most of iX models were sold in the north, so check the underbody for rust. If it’s near immaculate, 9.5k is average for an auto sedan. The coupe would bring more. The manuals would also bring more. Also, beware that the iX used a different trans than the rwd e30’s. They are expensive and hard to find if they fail.
Do it. Wisconsin has a large and fantastic BMW community. There are a TON of e30’s here. Join Badger Bimmers, the WI chapter of the BMWCCA. If you’re on Facebook, check out Classic BMW’s of Wisconsin group. Lots of members in southern WI and some fantastic roads just south of Madison.
I always knew they would climb just like muscle cars .I’ve said it for years.the demand might drop a bit for a while .but they will never go back down to 4500 for a nice one.this is the last real round of them too there will Never be any more cool classics
I spent 2k for 1987 325is. And 2k for running 1987 325e. week later transmission went out, then the engine. 5k for a 325is. The parts online are starting to get more expensive. Better know the e30 community around you so you can get parts cheaper.
man, I bought my 316 carb for 6k and I still think I had a good deal, It's shell is hard. In the Netherlands you cant find an e30 under 5k anymore and most are 8-10k. 6 cilinders are 9k+ I am a poor student so I could only afford the 316 carb 😁Still drives great and no rust!
I'm probably about to have my first car, is a red 316i E30 M10 I'm so exited and stoked, is not in perfect conditions but nothing that time and money can't buy so, I hope is a good idea and invest
I inherited a e30 1989 coupe 318i that was always garaged and covered.. also, has full service history where bmw would pick it up every 4-6 months up until 2 years ago. It Has since had all the plastics replaced. Plus there is not a single bit of rust. Problem is it is an auto. Even though the engine still looks brand new... Is this a sort after model?
Going to look at a 1987 e30 325 sedan with 250k miles, automatic and 100% stock / cosmetically clean for $5,000. Just wondering if its a fair deal and what to look out for at a higher mileage
If it runs and drives, and isn’t a rust bucket, 5k is a good deal. I have a video about things to look out for when buying an e30. Check it out. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6ES7cZI0ADc.html
So I'm looking at getting an 87 E30 for $4500 this weekend. 100% stock and no rust. According to your video that seems like a pretty good deal, correct?
A running and driving e30 is worth $4500. Clean title, 318/325/I/e, manual vs auto, and condition will make a difference of how much above $4500 an individual car is worth.
What would an E30 Baur TC 316 from 1989 be worth? Good condition and never been driven during winter? Awesome vid - thanks a lot. Would be great if U tune down the music a bit.
Getting the value of a Baur is a little difficult. I’d just say it’s probably around the value of a convertible, and a little more to the right buyer. I could be way off, as I’m not knowledgeable on the Baur market, and haven’t even seen one for sale in a few years. Cool car though. Definitely one of the more unique e30’s.
Be patient or expand your search area. Unfortunately, you’re looking for the same thing everyone wants, so people with manual coupes like to start high on their prices. Also, don’t worry about miles. 200k is pretty standard for e30’s at this point. Most e30’s of people I know are over 200k.
Automatic transmissions: curious how much this lowers the value. I’m looking at a 89 325i it’s a 4 door also. It appears to be extremely clean 90k miles, and original, that is my main interest, but the auto trans and 4 door i think kills the value. Thoughts?? Thanks !!
The main thing that affects the value of an e30 is condition. Doesn’t matter how many doors, or what trans. I’ve seen clean, low mileage, auto verts going for 20k+. The only people saying that an auto or 4 door is worth significantly less are those with opinions and not facts. I would say an auto trans knocks the value down about 2k, the same price as a manual swap. A nice, original auto sedan should be going for like 8-10k in this market. It would probably go for more on BaT, and if presented right. But if it can be had for less than 8k, that’s an easy buy. Good luck👍
@@TheEuroLife. appreciate it! I’m new to E30’s so figured I’d toss the question out. This article from car and driver 2019 is what really had me asking : “Value Given the E30 offered four body styles, two drivelines, two transmissions, and big- and small-bumper variants, 325i values are all over the map. And there are plenty for sale. Prices range from $5000 to $10,000 for most examples. Double that for cars in such good shape that you'd hesitate to drive them, and double that again for anything rare or in collectible condition. An automatic will cut a car's value roughly in half, but a swap to a newer BMW engine tends not to hurt it one bit.” Pretty bold statement re automatic! Thanks again!
I have an 87 325i convertible 5speed manual. Under 98,000 miles. Second owner. No rust a;l original (except radio). Runs perfect leather is shot but everything else is great. What do you think it’s worth today? 5 Years, 10 years?
I’d say somewhere between 10-12k, if top is good. Get the seats redone and hold on to it. Figure 10 years down the road, it will probably double. I’d say clean e30’s will go for between 20-30k at that point.
Always love bees don't even have anything bad to say about them I'll probably never afford one anything decent rear wheel drive now is expensive everybody thinks they're takumi
It really depends on a lot. To be worth 14k, it had better be perfect or near perfect. It would need a documented history of maintenance done, along with good quality upgrades, if there is any. Absolutely zero rust. 14k with near 200k miles is quite the big ask, but is in the ballpark if the car is collector grade. I would say if there’s flaws on it, it’s probably worth between 10 and 12 USD.
And 5 years ago, people were saying it was crazy to pay 6k for a clean 325is. The market for the e30 will only get stronger. 10 years from now, people will talk about when e30’s “only” cost 15k.
Well reality is 5,000 for an ae86 was 20% of an e30 you would get. 22,000 e30 build is a ae86 at 30,000 or 9,000 after 6 years and your too old to drive and should sell it. Why? your done and expired. 5 years of your life doesnt make up for an e30 in 2022
An e30 is the best useable classic. It will succeed jdm and be the ultimate collectors car. Plus rap music and media stars will hype this higher then any jdm
