Posted by Adam Wilson in Chicago on September 26, 2003 at 09:40:23 from 204.99.250.45
I was just taking it all in from the posts lately on the board. Robert in TX below posts about a rust-free E12, an '81 528i no less (the last of the breed, considered by most to be one of the best, factory E12's made since it was the last attempt before the E28's rolled out). And he wants $1200 for it, WITH a Dinan suspension, original tire, and other goodies.
Hell, Joe Hahn was/is ready to GIVE away the '77 530i his grandmother gave him that is in very good condition. Lars and Frank up in the NW frequently come upon rust-free E12's in the three-digit price range, and Frank even found a euro for that! On ebay there are frequently decent cars selling for $1K. Troy found a great car to replace his E12 for a good price, and in great condition.
They just keep popping up! But, we have to ask ourselves, how much longer is this going to last do you think? In a few years will we be complaining on this board that there are no longer any nice E12's being given away on the list, or sold for next to nothing. No more posts of "free E12 to good home". Will we lament that all the E12's available now have been driven into the ground and are rusty, and people want $5K for them because there aren't any left?
Just wondering. Sometimes it's nice to sit up and take notice during the good times so that you're aware of your current situation. Parts are already getting harder to find for our cars, particularly performance parts. I would think we're reaching the pinacle of E12 obscurity and cheapness. In the the next few years, the price of entry might start climbing. Look at the E30 M3 guys. Those cars are starting to creep back up over the $10K mark for decent cars. A non-tracked, cream-puff will set you back $15K usually.
Enjoy it while it lasts, firstfivers!
Adam Wilson
'80 //M535i
P.S. I wish I didn't live in a suburb and I could start stockpiling E12's in my yard, in a barn, whatever.