Ghost Chip

Saw that one today, in good nick. Has some minor imperfections but still drives nice and looks like it’s well looked after. Tempted, just trying to figure out if someone has a complete manual swap handy. First time driving an e46. Definitely feels heavier than an e36.

Saw this one just today, minor imperfections like badges, some sagging in the pillars, and bubbling of rust by the driver’s door. So tempted to get it and manual swap it. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-3050398733.htm With regards to this e36 (https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/3047130520?bof=ALHZAihy) in good condition but can hear the engine starting to make some noise that I can’t quite tell. Managed to lower the price down a little bit but I wonder if it’s worth doing an inspection by a mechanic before buying? Otherwise, the typical issues like headliner sagging, door card peeling off, clear coat peeling, but no rust which is great.

Be careful what you wish for 😂. If it’s a 325i manual then let me know

Off topic but this is on par with the $19k e30 auto. Dude is apparently firm with the price.

@Contrails Problem is trying to find one 😂. They look great, has the same feel as a 635csi. @Sammo Same with this, all autos and seem overpriced

Seller said it’s been their daily car. Any idea on how much the rebuild could cost? Will probably not DIY it as would probably be biting off more than I can chew. And yes, will definitely try haggle the price down.

Yeah, have been thinking about getting an e46 330ci or an e87 130i. There’s just something about the simplicity of an old car that I really like though. It’s always been a dream to own a classic that I can enjoy as much as possible.

@Driftit Mate, don’t worry, you’re not the only one struggling with the pricing 😅. I wish I had a change of heart 5 years ago rather than now. But it is what it is.

@duluth Yeah, have already contacted the seller to view/test drive. Price is high for the car though so we’ll see. Apparently they needed to top up oil about 200mL/month which I find interesting since he said no leaks or smoke.

Will have to look out for the next one!

Not sure about others but if you really want to know then I’ll explain. Here’s the thing, I’ve always really liked cars. I grew up watching JDMs and muscle cars in films and have always been fascinated by them. But, I have never been able to justify buying anything beyond an economical hatchback import as I felt like money could be better off used somewhere else. I’ve recently had a change of heart as I really enjoy driving, want to learn how to drive manual, and want to learn more about cars in general. I thought, why not tinker around in a car that I’d want to keep and aim to drive daily. I did a bit of research, read up on some cars, and among my list of cars that I liked and that wasn’t too expensive, an e30 was one of them (if you’re curious, I’m also looking for an e36, 635csi, golf gti, MR2, AE86/BRZ, and if it really doesn’t work out then a hilux or a mx5). I’m as fresh as they come to all this and it’s just my luck that the cars that I like have also started to become more expensive + all of the other ones that are just out of reach (260z/280z, 911, old muscle cars, etc...). Other people have suggested 130i which I’m aesthetically not a big fan of but have yet to drive one so don’t want to count it out yet. 135i was also suggested. If you or others have any other suggestions then let me know - will be off-topic for this thread though. At the end of the day, while I really want an e30, I don’t “have to have one”. I would’ve bought an overpriced one if that was the case.

Maaate, I wanted to go since the weather cleared up but was catching up with a mate and didn’t finish until 3:30, was so gutted!

Budget is there and will only rise as I keep trying to find one. Agree with the drift image. Although, cars are meant to be enjoyed by many and that’s one of the ways people enjoy it, so it’s a great thing. I just feel like you can still take better care of it while doing donuts.

If you’re talking about the one based in Dunedin then probably yeah. @Driftit because they look great and seem fun to drive even as a daily. Plus, only a matter of time until we can’t have petrol engines on the road anymore. As per what @E30 325i Rag-Top said I think there was a recommendation that NZ bans new sales of petrol and diesel by 2032.

@Sammo I actually had a look at that one yesterday and test drove it before he relisted it (he took down his original post because the diff was out). There were a few things with the car that didn’t feel right. Exterior looked pretty decent though with just the normal wear and tear (body panels a bit loose, some rust under the wheel arches, but body was straight). Engine bay had a tubing that was either cut or not attached? It looked like it was connecting to the radiator (My car knowledge is very little so not entirely sure what it was). Interior was a bit more interesting, driver’s window not working, driver’s door card pretty much came off when the door was shut close, AC didn’t work so the windshield was fogged up while driving 😂. My mate told me that shifting felt weird, was pretty stiff and gears were quite close to each other, not sure if it’s him not being used to an e36 but another mate who’ve test driven for me before didn’t have any problems with another e36 (I’m still learning how to drive stick so getting mates to test drive for me 😆). Apart from the fact that the seller didn’t even know how to pop the hood open, I have a strong feeling that the motor hasn’t been well looked after as well. Based on what you guys have been saying and other condition of cars that I’ve seen, feels like it should be closer to a 3-5k car so I passed since the lowest he wanted to go was 7.6k. The black one I’ve already seen, I’m waiting on until he lowers down to 10ish. Thoughts? Am I being too picky?

On my hunt for an e30, I was messaging someone on fb and found out that they were selling a M325i. Can’t afford it but I enquired since I was curious, and the price was definitely beyond my budget 😂. They’re definitely out there.

Fair enough. Different styles. I feel like I just bid closer to the end since someone can just outbid me by a few bucks which would suck.

I wonder how high it’ll get. Always curious though why people end up bidding so early in the auction.

That front lip is everything 👌

Agree with this completely. But I guess, to each their own eh.

Tell me who it was and I’ll buy it off him 😂

I don’t think I get what you mean.

Reassuring to see that someone else finds that price pretty steep for what the car is.

A man can dream 😲

Preferably factory manual, but having a feel of what’s out there. PM me or reply. Thanks!