Should I?

"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
11/03/2014 at 13:15 • Filed to: None

There's a BMW E30 Touring with the very rare factory turbo (and thus diesel) available on Ebay, a 324td. Should I put this on a boat to the US? It's got a mere 347k km (216k miles) on the odometer. Manual gearbox, LSD, manual windows, manual sun roof, AC factory delete, almost rust free body, fake //M badges, worn cloth sports seats. Needs an oil change, oil pan gasket, brakes near wear limit. 24 years and 11 months old.

DISCUSSION (9)

505Turbeaux > duurtlang
11/03/2014 at 13:19

I think the market for gas jobs is stronger. The 524td market here was going strong for a while but is dead again. Was this thing parked for a while? Just seeing the dust on the tailgate sealing surfaces and all the fading. What is bidding up to?

duurtlang > 505Turbeaux
11/03/2014 at 13:21

It was bought as a parts donor for a convertible, but didn't donate its parts. Last inspection ran out in 2013, so yes it was parked for a while. Bidding is still in the high three digits, about a hundred over the opening amount, with 9+ days left.

TheHondaBro > duurtlang
11/03/2014 at 13:23

How much is it? Is it worth ferrying it to the US?

ACESandEIGHTS > duurtlang
11/03/2014 at 13:23

You had me until "boat." I could see someone driving across the border, but shipping to the US... not unless it's a steal. Looks really pretty though.

505Turbeaux > duurtlang
11/03/2014 at 13:24

oof it sure doesnt look bad. if it goes for under $1000 you would still not lose any money by putting it on the boat. Probably still see 5-6 grand US if it runs and drives itself. I would love to have a diesel one myself but I am going to stick with my w124 wagon plan

duurtlang > ACESandEIGHTS
11/03/2014 at 13:28

It's still in Germany... and bidding is still at high 3 digits €, with over a week to go. It's a 3.5 hours drive from where I live.

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > duurtlang
11/03/2014 at 14:03

I think you should only buy that car if you are going to ship it, because sadly diesel oldtimers are no longer tax free here.

I think this car was probably owned by someone young, hence the //M badges, and was probably hooned. I think the car with this high mileage might be a problem.

I like the wagon BMW, and I would love to own one someday.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > duurtlang
11/03/2014 at 14:17

If this is in Europe, aren't these a dime a dozen over there? How much are they asking for it?

Having the M badges on a diesel is funny.

Now whether you should import it in the US... Hmmm... if this is a 2nd car and the price is still reasonable even after paying for shipping, and you know you'll be able to register it, then I say 'why not'?

It's definitely an interesting and unusual vehicle to drive in North America.

But if you're just looking for a cheap diesel as a primary daily driver, you're probably better off getting a Golf or Jetta TDI.

duurtlang > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
11/03/2014 at 14:44

I've been looking for E30 Tourings all over Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands for months now. This is the first diesel to pop up during that whole time. 325is that aren't severely rusted, molested or hideously expensive are very rare as well, although not as rare as the diesel versions. Diesel wasn't as common in the 1980s as it is now, when looking at a recent 3-series diesels are actually more common than gasoline versions.