5k: M-Compact: 1995 BMW 318ti with S52 M3 Engine

From the firewall forward the 318ti Compact is identical to the basic E36 sedan, but behind the A-pillar the compact BMW is unique.  It has a hatchback rear, uses the older E30 semi-trailing rear suspension (shared with the Z3/M Roadster & M Coupe) and is noticeably more tail happy than the regular E36 -which is already prone to violent outbursts of oversteer.  The biggest problem with the 318ti (aside from questionable styling) is the use of a gutless 1.8 liter 4-banger - so buy one that has had an injection of steroids. Find this 1995 BMW 318ti with S52 M3 Engine for sale in Phoenix, AZ currently bidding for $4,050 on ebay with 3 days to go.

10k: Alpinaweiß Sleeper: 1989 BMW 325is, S50 Swap

We've mentioned before how much we love the E30 BMW chassis and generally consider it one of the better deals on the market with solid daily driver examples going for $5k-$6k ...but they are a bit slow in stock (non-M) form; can you justify doubling the price tag for more speed?  Find this 1989 BMW 325is with E36M3 S50 inline-6 swap for sale in Fairview, OR for $12,500 via craigslist.

5k Flash: Simple Schwartz Swap: 1987 BMW 325i w/M52 I-6

The BMW E30 3-series is one of those classic sedans that show up regularly on Daily Turismo because they are inexpensive and great to drive.  The stock engines are simple and lack the power of later BMW mills, so we are constantly tempted by the E30 with a later model engine shoved up front.  Find this 1987 BMW 325i w/ M52 inline-6 from an E36 328 for sale in Bowie, MD currently bidding on ebay for $1,000 reserve-not-met with 5 days to go.

5k: CoM3pact:1995 BMW 318Ti with M3 Swap

The BMW E36 318Ti was an attempt by BMW to capture a share of the sport compact market.  Forward of the B-pillars the 318Ti was standard E36, but in the back it used the old E30 semi-trailing arm rear axle, a trait shared with the Z3.  The 4-cylinder powered hatchback/luxury/sport car inhabited its own space in the market place with no real direct competition, but didn't sell well and was phased out of the US market by 1999.  Find this 1995 BMW 318Ti with an M3 drivetrain swap for sale in Folsom, CA currently on ebay at $4,500 with zero bids and 5 days to go.

1k: British HotRod 1969 Triumph Spitfire; GT6 Inline 6 Swap

 The Triumph Spitfire was a tiny, lightweight, two-seat sports car assembled in Coventry, UK from 1962-1980.  A competitor of the Austin-Healey Sprite & MG Midget, the Spitfire was only available with a small inline four cylinder engine and didn't get the bigger inline sixes available to the GT6 or TR6. Don't worry, lots of folks over the years figured out how to shove the extra two cylinders into the Spitfire body and save you the time/trouble.  Find this 1969 Triumph Spitfire with GT6 engine in Mount Clemens, MI for $1100 via craigslist.

10k: 1980 BMW 320is E21 w/M20 I-6 swap; HellaFlushed

The 1975 E21 was the first of a long line of sporty luxury cars from BMW wearing the 3-series badge.  It replaced the aging 2002 and introduced a much more modern chassis with rack & pinion steering and sold extremely well when new.  Today, a well preserved E21 can be a fantastic bargain and offers the experience of a reliable classic that can be driven every day.  This 1980 BMW 320 E21 with M20 swap and hella-flush stance is for sale in Woodland Hills, CA, currently bidding on ebay for $10,000 with 4 days to go.

10k Flash: 1985 BMW 320i Euro 4Door MTech w/M50 I6 Swap

The E30 BMW 3-series continues to have some of the better buys on the market for folks looking for rear drive, manual trans equipped sedans.  We really like the look of this 1985 BMW 320i European import equipped with a M50 inline 6 swap, for sale in Charlotte, NC for $8500 via r3vlimted.com forums.