tokin
New Reader
9/12/12 7:01 a.m.
So I have been doing more reading and thinking. The F-bodies and Mustangs really aren't my taste, but I'm going to keep my eye out for dirt cheap models.
I'm really leaning toward an E36, per styling and comfort and future swapability. Did some looking around BMW boards and got more info. Apparently swaps are OTS kits, which will make things easier (although admittedly not as easy as above choices). Found a local 318is that just got hit in the side (not hard from the pics)...might be able to pick it up for under $2k. Will look this weekend.
It might come down to showing gf all the choices and having her pick a body style lol. I'm going to keep thinking on it anyway. Thanks for the input, and more is certainly welcome. Keep in mind initial purchase budget is under $3k - more like 2-2.5 - and need something running for that much.
tokin
New Reader
9/27/12 10:35 a.m.
Just figured I'd update...
Picked up an e36 last night. 94 325is. Runs strong, trans feels good, all electronics working. Interior is beat, exterior better but not top notch. Avus blue on light gray.
Needs brakes, shocks, VCG, possibly TREs, and an alignment. With all the parts ordered online, I'm still in for under $2k.
Will be bringing it out to an autox test-n-tune at Daytona Int'l in a couple weeks to throw it around and see how it plays.
Thanks for all the input guys
Matt B
Dork
9/27/12 12:22 p.m.
Congrats! Sounds like a pretty good deal. This only makes me want to pick up an E36 even worse. 
yamaha
Dork
9/27/12 12:31 p.m.
I still want to see an M62 stuffed into an E36....
Avus blue is a great color, sounds like you got just what you were looking for - Congrats!
tokin
New Reader
9/28/12 9:00 a.m.
yamaha wrote:
I still want to see an M62 stuffed into an E36....
Looks like an M62 has been done:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=887016#post11500325
But the pic in post 7 says everything. Think I would stick with the 5.0.
@Matt I think I did get a great deal...it's rough, but passable (looks great from 20 feet back), and pulls strong. Pretty much exactly what I was looking for, except better exterior than I was expecting - and cheaper.
I was actually surprised at the trans, it's sporty - holds revs up to redline if I put the pedal all the way down. I've only ever driven economy cars in auto.
