E30 Zone

guys,

here's the scenario:

a guy (lets call him "rocker dude") is willing to straight swap his e30 with my e30.

no questions, no nothing. just swap it.

we met up and viewed each other's cars. things that were observed by both parties were: exterior, interior, and engine bay.

as well, we both test drove each other's cars.

after the test drive, he was willing to go for the swap.

now i'm torn...

HELP ME!!!

rocker dude's e30 specs:




PROS:
> 09/1986
> 325i
> coupe
> diamantschwartz metallic
> sunroof
> mtechnic I (front dam, side skirts and rear apron)
> mtechnic II wing
> original kamei eyelids
> mtechnic II steering wheel
> no power steering
> sports seats
> oem rear sun shade
> tweeter pods
> OBC (non working)
> cruise control (not sure if it still works)
> Manual Transmission
> no signs of oil leaks

CONS:
> needs tuning
> not really sure about the condition of the mechanical parts
> octopus electrical wirings (in the engine bay)
> needs a paint job (but not that immediate)
> re-upholstered sport seat bolsters
> mtechnic II steering needs re-upholstery
> exhaust needs fixing
> fake "mtech" markings (stickers) on the front dam, side skirts and rear apron
> door moldings were painted
> the car has an alarm system installed
> No service history or receipts even

Specs of my car:




> 87 320i
> A/T Tranny
> Newly painted to red from white
> "comfort" seats
> crappy 4 spoke steering wheel
> Everything is working fine-- mechanicals, electricals etc. almost had every component changed already


so what do you guys think?

should i swap?

if you were in my position, would you swap?

again, HELP!!!!!!!!!!

why would he want to swap a 325 for a 320 ????????

seems very dodgy, no offence but his car is plainly the better car. so you have to ask yourself... why does he want to swap for a 320?

Whats wrong with it that he's not telling you... etc.

true! it seemed a little odd at first but his reason was he needed a 4-door for his daughter and the guy doesn't seem to know anything about cars. he's all for the looks and i guess the color of my car caught his attention.

further, im a bit worried about the condition of his car. mechanical components might break down anytime soon.

bit of a feeble excuse, needing a 4 door for his daughter !!!!!!! not much difference in the room in two door

If you can, get it on ramps and pull the carpets out from the footwells, check it EVERYWHERE for rust.

Then get it to a mechanic to do a sniffer test on the coolant to see if the head is on its way out (its a 325 after all), check fluid levels in the gearbox, diff, engine etc etc. Take it for a LONG test drive in traffic to see if it overheats in bad conditions.

If after that it turns out he's genuine and just needs a 4 door then go for it.

Dont tell him how incredibly bad the legroom is in the back of ALL e30's though or he might realise its useless as a family wagon as soon as the kids grow legs.

Its the lack of history that worries me...is it 'borrowed'?

thanks for the input everyone! hope it goes well!

Check the boot for corpses?