E30 Zone

Hi Guys

I've been looking at E30's recently, thinking about getting a 325......

Problem is, I don't have much time to be messing around getting cars fixed etc, so would be looking at getting a pretty decent one which has already been kept clean/had some work done.

I know the value of these have increased over the last few year, but do you think they will carry on going up?

If I do buy one, I intend to buy, and keep it garaged, and bring out and enjoy it when we have nice weather (probably a month out of a year! )

Question is, would it be worth buying one and keeping one as an investment? Are they likely to keep rising in price?

Thanks

Hi there,

My thoughts:

"Question is, would it be worth buying one and keeping one as an investment?"

Yes, they are super straightforward cars to maintain, great to drive, will keep going up as long as the classic car market doesn't crash.


"Are they likely to keep rising in price?"

Unless there is a big recession similar to the early nineties that caused interest rates to hike and house prices to crash (and then a subsequent crash in classic car prices) then they will rise as per other classic cars. Obviously 325s/M3 best investment but also models like 318iS, the run out Design edition cabbies and even the LHD-only 320iS - lower mileage the better.

E30s have been through their 'sound system banger' stage years ago, so even runners that just have an mot ticket on are £1000+.

Good luck with the purchase!


Cheers
Terry

You need to off set the cost of the insurance, MOT, VED, maintenance etc against your capital outlay if you want to see a proper return on your investment. If you buy and sell after two and break even then you have done well.

In my opinion the only E30 worthy of being called an investment is the M3. The value of 325 sports has risen hugely over the last 5 years or so but I can see that bottoming out.

Sports 1&2 , Alpina, Hartge and M3 are the ones to invest in and will always be worth more that standard E30s, but you would will have to put down a hefty investment to start with.

A nice standard version will rise in valve but the return will be a lot slower than the above versions.

Yep, looking at the Sports.....

Don't think I can stretch to an M3!!

I'll keep a look out and see if I can find a decent convertible or coupe

Thanks for everyone's input

What is the budget as thats the main consideration on what you will be able to buy?

I think around 10 max, depending on spec etc.

If you invest £10k then what return do you expect over say five years ?
I bet you would get a better return from an e30 in that period of time, but as said before, shit can happen.

Mart.

martauto wrote:If you invest £10k then what return do you expect over say five years ?
I bet you would get a better return from an e30 in that period of time, but as said before, shit can happen.

Mart.

This is what i'm hoping......But all depends on how much work it needs

I would hope a £10k car would have all the major things well sorted and would be down to the "anal" bits and pieces which you will say "will not be done" but will get sorted anyway.lol

Mart.

I seem to have accumulated a number of e30's over the years, 5 at the moment! Tech 2 Sport is MOT'd and in very good order but I need to get the others out of storage and sorted too! Can't have too muich of a good thing

martauto wrote:I would hope a £10k car would have all the major things well sorted and would be down to the "anal" bits and pieces which you will say "will not be done" but will get sorted anyway.lol

Mart.

haha, know what you mean!

RM2186 wrote:I seem to have accumulated a number of e30's over the years, 5 at the moment! Tech 2 Sport is MOT'd and in very good order but I need to get the others out of storage and sorted too! Can't have too muich of a good thing

Stop being greedy!

Sell one to me

How about a 325iX Touring?

Rarity/low production numbers add to 'investment' potential.

I'll be selling mine if I bail from the RHD conversion...

Not so keen on the tourings.....

You have missed the boat in my opinion.

They did the big jump about 5-10 years ago. They will steadily rise now but no more than any other classic car.

jonathanyeah wrote:You have missed the boat in my opinion.

They did the big jump about 5-10 years ago. They will steadily rise now but no more than any other classic car.

Have you seen the prices of sports and Alpina models in the last couple of years ?

And Hartge.

Steve wrote:And Hartge.

I've spread my bets

I would say you're winning.

How's the H35 doing? Haven't seen an update in a while.

It's appreciating gracefully under a cover in my garage.

Needs brakes and lines fitted, engine loom plugged in and an airbox.

It’s not going on the road until I get copies made of front and rear valances, they sit too low and it’s too easy to bust them as they're fibreglass. They are literally irreplaceable. I'm going to manufacture whole H35 kits as a wee enterprise, arches, side skirts and front and rear valances.

I've the Alpina to put back together first, it’s a rolling shell after getting all the metal fixed.

'Truth be told I've been waiting for the new E30zone.....

I don't blame you, I would probably do the same. Got to love a bit of fibreglass.

Topblag wrote:'Truth be told I've been waiting for the new E30zone.....

Oh.. it doesn't exist, it's just a myth.

Can't wait for all the updates.

Steve wrote:I don't blame you, I would probably do the same. Got to love a bit of fibreglass.

Topblag wrote:'Truth be told I've been waiting for the new E30zone.....

Oh.. it doesn't exist, it's just a myth.

Can't wait for all the updates.

Same here mate,
Mart.

Yes, yes and yes.

This ship has well and truly sailed a few years back if you ask me from a money making perspective

Cloggy Saint wrote:In my opinion the only E30 worthy of being called an investment is the M3. The value of 325 sports has risen hugely over the last 5 years or so but I can see that bottoming out.

i've seen 318is models sell for over 12k

Simon13 wrote:This ship has well and truly sailed a few years back if you ask me from a money making perspective

glad i've had mine 10 yrs and cost me £350 ... now that's a good investment

Mine was £5500 20 years ago and now worth 10p erm...

I bought the Baur as a very long term keeper as a bit of fun which normally escalates....lol.
It was £700 about four and a half years ago and will not be sold because I believe they can only increase in value but above all, IT`S MINE.
I think these are sleepers but someone (begins with S ) will tell me otherwise.)

Mart.