Determining price of 1985 325e

dbKC · 09-28-2012, 12:13 PM

I purchased a BMW 325e brand new using European delivery in June 1985. After 27 years of reliable service, it is unfortunately now time to part with it. However I am having a hard time getting a handle on the value of the car. The NADA guide for "classic" car values indicate that it is worth ~$4,500. However I have also seen what appear to be decent, similar cars go for $1,500 - $1,800. I do understand that the value of a car is whatever someone wants to pay for it. However I also need a starting point for pricing the car which is not stupidly low and not crazy high. Where do I start when pricing my dear old 325? Thanks for any advice and thoughts.

**T.Dot_E30** · 09-28-2012, 02:38 PM

Completely depends on the shape the car is in and what has been done to it recently.

Post more info or some pictures

InfiniteDice · 09-28-2012, 02:44 PM

0 rust at all the 'kill' spots, garage kept, original paint, unmodified... puts the car close to that $4500 price.

If someone can put their finger through where the jacking point used to be (unless it's an m3 or something rare)the car then becomes a sub 2k beater. Sub 1k if it has other mechanical problems in addition to structural holes.

Realistically for a near-mint 325e 3-4k isn't unheard of, and if the car has no structural rust or other major issues I'd not sell it for under 3k.

dbKC · 09-28-2012, 03:01 PM

The car has in fact been garaged most of it's life, has original paint, obviously only one owner (me), and absolutely no sign of rust whatsoever (never drove it in snowy weather when streets were salty). Interior is in very good shape other than color is wearing off the black leather seats. Seats not torn, dash not cracked. The finish is mostly gone from the alloy wheels. Clear coat is starting to peel off in a few places. Car has 270,000 miles although the instrument cluster was replaced so ODO doesn't read that much. Not much is wrong with the car as I have always repaired anything that went wrong, and followed all recommended BMW service intervals religiously. The only thing that may need attention is some rear suspension components (struts?). However, give me your opinion of this one big (possible) negative - the engine was replaced with a rebuilt engine from another 325e. You wouldn't know the difference if you didn't look up the numbers. Your opinion?

bmwm5lover · 09-29-2012, 01:34 AM

I would say, really the eye of the buyer. To me, unless it is a late model 325iS/325iX, or Mtech 2 convertible or an e30 M3, they are not worth very much at all. I don't value small tail lights, metal bumpered, non "i" e30's much.

I can see someone wanting it for the clean shell to go on with a crazy engine swap/project. That means, they wouldn't want to pay much for the car since they don't need anything other than the shell.

I would shoot for 2500 and work my way down. ?

jasonbaek · 09-29-2012, 06:20 PM

I think it's worth somewhere between $3k~$4k if it's 5spd

desmo · 10-01-2012, 06:34 PM

Based on the minimal description I'd pay $2500 if its a 5speed no problem.

After more pics and seeing the car in person, I can see how it may be worth even more.

Above $4k I think is a bit much, unless there are some really nice recent parts on the car and you can guarantee a clean safety. IMO

Lets see a few more pics! Get a little auction going here. Who's got $2600??

dbKC · 10-02-2012, 03:49 PM

Here are a few more pictures, thanks again for any and all input...
Front.JPG

Front Left.JPG

Back.JPG

Back right.JPG

Interior-Left.jpg

Interior-Rt.jpg

Engine.JPG

InfiniteDice · 10-04-2012, 12:18 PM

Nice. The seats just need a $100 kit from Leatherique and a bit of elbow grease.

I'd say start at 4k and someone who wants it cheap (lol) will say 2,700. Split the difference and sell the car for around 3,400.

A lot of guys will piss and moan about the bumpers. Tell them they can go buy some crappy plastic bumpers someplace and slap them on.

I'd say a fair price would be the middle 3k range. And not below 3k.

A 325e manual is a reliable car, and economical on gas. Good luck with the sale.

richie_s999 · 10-04-2012, 06:58 PM

Unfortantly it's the E motor that devalues it, post for $2500 and expect $1500 to $2000

Everyone wants an IS with plastic bumpers and those car fetch the higher price

desmo · 10-04-2012, 09:07 PM

Considering the gas bills of my fancy "IS" motor, this looks very appealing for a daily.....

desmo · 10-04-2012, 09:09 PM

Wheres the car located by the way?

dbKC · 10-04-2012, 10:50 PM

The car is in Kansas City, Missouri, USA

dbKC · 10-05-2012, 10:02 AM

Forgive my complete ignorance but would it be appropriate to sell this US car on this site?

desmo · 10-05-2012, 10:06 AM

Its totally fine to look for customers on this website. I'm sure many E30 owners here cruise USA classifieds looking for a E30's anyway.

Your car is worth more in Canada than USA IMO. This is because clean rust-free examples of these cars are harder and harder to find up here, and I cant imagine this car fetching $4k in the US.
....Only downside is the cost of getting this car up here and time involved. That might balance out the difference and make it easier for you do sell locally. ~1200 miles is a long trip to pick up a sub-4k E30.