I just spotted this purple (from the factory) BMW E30 Touring (wagon) for sale, close to me. I’m not interested myself, I have owned a few, but maybe someone else here is? Could probably be in the US or Canada for about €6-7 k. edit: I checked it out in person. Pictures!
I have done it before...
Downside is that it’s a 316i. But that’s just an engine swap away from greatness, right? It passed the strict German TÜV inspection in August 2018 and seems rust free on the pictures. Would have to check it out in person to be sure.
Base version with a power sunroof, sport seats and the nice stock alloys. 188k km, so 117k miles. One point of attention: first registration January 1994, so it’ll only be 25 years old 3 months from now.
Edit: I paid a visit to the BMW after work and I was positively surprised. It has a few rough edges, but it’s as rust free as a cheap E30 can be. As in, not 100% rust free but nothing of concern at all. Driver’s seat has some damage on the bolsters only, so that can easily be remedied with generic cloth. Engine started right up and idled calmly immediately. When cold. looked good too. I made a video of the engine running. Paint has some rougher spots, but from the perspective of a cheapish 25 yo car it’s fine. I was positively surprised!
It was entirely boxed in though, so I had no chance to drive it. I had not told the seller I’d come.
Engine sounds more clattery in the video than I experienced it in real life. This is 10-20 seconds after an ice cold start.