Update to the overheating issue:
I rented a block tested which tested for HC in my coolant. I topped off my coolant and let it idle for 20 minutes with no overheating, and no HC in my coolant. I think I escaped the head gasket issue, luckily. I did find out that the low speed on my aux fan is inop but the high speed works fine with the A/C on (normal function). So, now I know that coolant is escaping somehow, probably from my expansion tank or radiator, and that my low speed fan function needs to be fixed, probably due to a bad relay.
I am also trying to get my hands on a LSD. I just need the seller to remove it from the car so I can verify that it works, then I'll have a 318is LSD which I'll swap the internals into my ti differential.
Another semester of college is almost done for me. I'm trying to plan out what I'll be doing over my winter break.
I really want to try my hand at flipping cars for once. Been seeing some decent E36's that I should be able to fix/pretty up easily and sell for a few hundred profit. There's three days until I fly home to NJ, so I figured I should start looking now in between studying for finals.
Which of these CL cars look to have potential?
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4781411143.html
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/4773185095.html
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4797325534.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/4780583743.html
Id most rather have that last one (sport seats are way better than standard), but I think you will be hard pressed to make anything on e36s... There are just too many in running condition for almost nothing.
The last one seems most promising to me too. I think I could present it well enough for it to be a $2500 car, especially with the low mileage. I'll see if the seller ever emails me back.
Deep inside, I hope to find a good one that I can turn into a better autox car than my current 318. Then I'd just sell my 318 over the summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx5jgbglS6E&feature=youtu.be
Yay autocross! I rode in a prepped E36 STX car and realize that my car lacks grip and power. I was still happy with how I ended up driving though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yogWZtGyRGE
Been trying to sell this car for $2900. Here's a video overview that shows the final state of the car before the next owner.