E30 BMW's anyone?, Looking to buy a new project DD Options

[blu94gt]

Anyone here have any experience with E30 BMWs? I know a few guys in town who have them, and with a bit of work and a good drop they can be SICK. Plus they're just as bulletproof as the Toyotas, I know of quite a few all-original BMWs with over 300k miles. I've seen several for sale for $1000-1500 with around 200k miles that would make a great project. Looking for a 325i with a 5 speed and LSD, preferably a convertible but would settle for the right coupe. Sedan only if its an IX (awd).

This one pictured has been giving me inspiration as I follow his build. I probably won't go as low as he is since I'm going to DD the car year round.

[blu94gt]

Hope you have deep pockets, while the engine and trans may go go go...the rest of the car does not fair so well. They're not unlike VW, its everything but the engine/trans that turns to **** with time. Wiring/electrical gremlins, insulation inside wire harnesses degrade and just fall apart and crack when you try to work on the engine, all the rubber parts of the suspension wear, tear, break and go bad, etc etc. High miles are high miles, don't fool yourself here just because there are some high mile examples that have been polished back into good shape. Its a losing proposition.

Same sentence could be said for the Celicas. There are a lot of high mileage cars on here that most people wouldn't give a second glance, but since we're enthusiasts we take them and give them some love and have a great car. $2000 200k Celica with a $4000 3sgte swap, bunch of body work, wheels, suspension, is still just a $2000 Celica in the end to someone who doesn't appreciate it.

Any older car has those kinds of issues though. On any car that old one of the first things I'd do outside of a tuneup is pretty much gut and replace the entire suspension: shocks, springs, mounts, bushings, links, etc. Electrical doesn't really scare me either, I mean I am studying to be an Electrical Engineer, done my fair share of weird electrical work with cars. All that kind of work is in my budget: $1000-1500 for a running car, another $1000-2000 right off the bat for suspension, skidplate, and any big repairs, and do the little stuff as time goes on. Not looking for something to make money with, just a fun car I can tinker with.

The E30 meets all my criteria for my next car: RWD, fun to drive, looks great, good aftermarket, easy to work on, and is German (haven't owned German yet). If you have a better suggestion, please feel free to post.