BMW 323 1984 needs restoration

[neilovan]

Hello,

I am looking for somebody that can give me advice regarding a BMW 323 1984. It was my dad's car, and hardly driven last few years.
Started it up and blew the engine. Now has a hole in the block and the sump.

Just wondering what the best course of action is going forward is.
Is it worth finding someone who restores such cars, fixing the engine and making some kind of deal when it is sold on?
Vehicle is all original, but just wondering what it is worth in current condition?

Any advice appreciated,


Thanks,

Neil.

 

[Spanky]

Damn, that's unfortunate. There's a decent chance the engine would've survived had the right protocols been followed.

Who thought it would be a good idea to start it after years of standstill?

 

[neilovan]

My dad had been ill so not driven much in 2019, and once or twice in 2020 and 2021. I drained oil and replaced with new oil filter as well. Blew up in a cloud of smoke.

 

[TBP88]

You can engine swap relatively easily - read up online on M54 swaps - those are pretty available and should offer a massive performance bump.

 

[neilovan]

If I would swap the engine out, what would it cost (labor and new engine). Would I get my money back, plus a little extra for the effort?

 

[TBP88]

If I would swap the engine out, what would it cost (labor and new engine). Would I get my money back, plus a little extra for the effort?

If your intent is to sell the car, probably not. In terms of cost it depends on how deep down the rabbit hole you go in terms of upgrading it. M54B30 swap + custom exhaust + brake upgrade + coilovers is gonna cost you a pretty healthy penny.

 

[neilovan]

If I was to sell the car as is, what would be a fair price?

 

[///M Individual]

If I was to sell the car as is, what would be a fair price?

Post some pics of the car all round and I am sure members can advise.

 

[922-ZN]

If I was to sell the car as is, what would be a fair price?

You would need to post pics for someone to see what kind of work needs to be done first

 

[neilovan]

Car body is in reasonable condition. Probably needs some minor bodywork and a respray.
All electric windows work except drivers side front.
Seats were material, and probably need recovering.
As explained earlier engine has hole in block, and sump as well.
Everything else is original BMW.
Engine is original BMW.

 

[Nino Anthony]

Wish I could take this off your hands. Beautiful car.

 

[neilovan]

Wish I could take this off your hands. Beautiful car.

Thanks. When I did drive it, people would always leave notes on the car looking to purchase etc. Once in a while they would drive behind me flashing money My dad used to take it up to the Valley shops in Craighall for a drugs and booze run (Medicine from Clicks, and the odd bottle of plonk from the bottle store).

Fixed up (new engine, seats etc), I wonder what it could be sold for. Could I possibly make a deal with a BMW restorer, that benefits both parties?

 

[///M Individual]

Thanks. When I did drive it, people would always leave notes on the car looking to purchase etc. Once in a while they would drive behind me flashing money My dad used to take it up to the Valley shops in Craighall for a drugs and booze run (Medicine from Clicks, and the odd bottle of plonk from the bottle store).

Fixed up (new engine, seats etc), I wonder what it could be sold for. Could I possibly make a deal with a BMW restorer, that benefits both parties?

Given the current demand for E30's you can definitely make some money.

There's this company called carcandyinc that specialises in selling E30's and other classics etc. Maybe give them a shout and see what they can come up with in terms of restoring and selling:

 

[Swiegie]

Hi

I think you could easily get R200K for the E30, if fully restored and original.

Have a look on Autotrader and Gumtree what these go for. Crazy prices.

T

 

[neilovan]

Thanks everyone for the links and advice. Really appreciate it.

 

[individj]

nice steering wheel

 

[individj]

for your situation where you want to sell...try and source a block...even a 320 or 520 block..change sump if 520 ...build it cheap with used parts etc and get it running...sell it running if you can.

 

[Nino Anthony]

for your situation where you want to sell...try and source a block...even a 320 or 520 block..change sump if 520 ...build it cheap with used parts etc and get it running...sell it running if you can.

You'd make a higher profit this way. Also check Common E30 problems Facebook page. You more likely to get 2nd hand parts there for cheap.

 

[TBP88]

I think R200k is a very strong guess, you'd probably be spending at least that amount on parts and labour to be able to sell it for that. If your aim is to flog it then yes, fit a 2nd hand engine, get it running and flog it off. If your aim is to keep it and make it special then it will never repay you.

 

[individj]

Hi

I think you could easily get R200K for the E30, if fully restored and original.

Have a look on Autotrader and Gumtree what these go for. Crazy prices.

T

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