e30 m3, what to pay?

[bpm]

so i want an e30 m3, i know e30s pretty well, and have no probs doing a rhd conversion. i know fuck all about what they are worth. what does a clean lhd one go for? rhd one? easy to get compliance or better off getting one already done?

[JZK25]

Saw RHD versions at $60k in Aus. Then checked out Jspec and found they were $40k in japan in LHD so didn't seem that stupid. Low km versions though.

[HAMMER]

Conversion is not too bad if you have some mechanical knowledge. If you paid a reputable shop factor in 10-12k, incl the front cut you will need.

I guess their cost is all relative. Only a couple for sale at them moment on the car ad sites so that doesnt help. in 2004 there was about 5 in the country. I paid ~50k for mine which included purchase, import costs, compliance and registration and the conversion which was done at cost by a friend. Compliance is pretty easy. Door intrusion bars and child seat restraint mounts are about it. Now there is probably around 30 or so so their costs are lower. Yen was shit when I got mine to.


LHD
Good = 30k
Average = 25K
Bad = dont look at them

RHD
Probably add 8-10k to the above prices.

If you find one you like let me know and I'll tell you what to look out for.

[LINCOLN]

Probably seen it but the one here looks really good.

http://www.classicthrottleshop.com/classics.htm

[bpm]

yep, that one is tidy as, too much cash though. maybe looking at one this weekend, 1987, 117k, lhd. in cosmos i think. wants 35k.

[///MPower]

there is a nice red e30 m3 in lhd on carsales at the moment for 28k. check it.

[Euroboost]

I've heard that the RHD conversion has to use that standard steering rack rather then the trick M one so they loose steering feel. Is this the case or just a LHD owner talking up his car?

[HAMMER]

No that is correct. But most people just run an early model E36 M3 or a 1.9l Z3 rack which are quicker than the stock E30 M3 rack. I run a stock E30 325i rack.

[bpm]

well i checked out the silver one today, and what was described as "immaculate" was really pretty rough. engine was filthy and leaking and was mysteriously at operating temp when i turned up to check it out. (car is unregistered). fitted with aftermarket rims and fucked semis, rust around the screen and lh rear window. lots of dents and scrapes. offered him 27k ( he was asking 35) and was rejected. gonna be tough to find a good one in nsw i think.

[Mini_Me]

described as "immaculate" was really pretty rough

cunts. don't these wankers understand the meaning of the word?

Has happened to me a couple of times. one car had a few decent dints, roof/bonnet paint starting to fade, nose pickings on the side of the seat, covered in dirt/dust, oil leaks...i could go on.

[e30guy]

You can (well I know of a local who sold two at this price some time ago) buy "fairly" tidy RHD examples at 35k, "tell him his dreaming".

Making sure the engine is in tip top shape is one of the key things I would say. M Power = Much Money.

[Marv]

Give Mark Kuok at Motorworks a call (he's in Waterloo/Alexandria).

He'll most likely know of a good one in Sydney/NSW

[rj_astra]

How much do E30 M3s go for in the USA?

[Its me]

Consider importing?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-355493580.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-354710389.htm

[Chase Rockwell]

You should buy DCR's. He doesn't seem to need it.