Whats it worth
Your Dad's workmate's neighbour just told you about an E30 in a shed somewhere, and you want to know what it's financial value is. Let's work through the checklist to find out:
Base Value
Cars currently return around 150 pounds at the scrapyard, and the E30 is no different. Before you get all offended, this is purely our BASE price; the Chinese will pay this much for the raw steel of the car. Now we need to know whether there's anything valuable attached, or anything that would reduce the value. So we'll start at 200 pounds to be generous.
Model
Some models are worth more than others. You can try to argue with it, but the market decides and buyers will always pay more for a 325i than a 316.
| 316 | 316i | 318i | 320i | 325i and 318iS | 325i Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add 300 | Add 800 | Add 2000 | |||
Body
It's an unfair situation that Coupe versions command a higher price than the Saloon, but that's the way it goes. Remember, the most desirable E30 models, the 325i Sport and M3, only came in a 2-door body style.
The Cabriolet is the other clear winner. Topless models command a higher price, despite their clear disadvantages.
There's a mixed feeling about the Touring; some love the stiffer shell and more practical size, others hate the idea of rattling around in a hearse.
So if your car is a Coupe or a Cabriolet, add 200
Shell
This is the most crucial area affecting the car. It doesn't matter what body the car has, if the shell is in poor condition the car can be rendered worthless.
Rust
The biggest factor affecting value is Rust. No-one wants to see scabby patches and crusty bubbles on their car, so any rust will have a devaluing factor. But rust in certain places will render the car worthless. Check it out:
| Location | Remove value |
|---|---|
| Wings, Bonnet, Boot lid, Doors | 150 per affected panel |
| Sills, Floor, inner arches, valances | 100 per affected area |
| Pillars, scuttle, roof | Return to base price |
Paint
Paint is entirely a matter of taste, and there's nothing to say that one paint colour is better than any other. Some love the early 80s metallic colours including Pearl Beige, while others lust after the simplistic cleanliness of Alpine White. But no matter the colour, if it is faded, patchy or scratched then the price of your car will be reduced. This is especially prevalent for Tornado Red models, which turn Haribo Pink over the years.
