http://207.46.9.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx?file=1322eb78-fbb3-4953-a448-073d015e87fe.htm&ct=dGV4dC9odG1s&name=aW1ncmVzLmh0bQ_3d_3d&inline=0&rfc=0&empty=False&imgsrc=&hm__login=malves_85&hm__domain=hotmail.com&ip=10.1.106.8&d=d3144&mf=32&hm__ts=Sat%2c%2008%20Nov%202008%2020%3a50%3a26%20GMT&hm__ha=01_8186acf53f7e6de3229c7949a1b3814968387d70c853c58264ad2559eafd3211&oneredir=1

My father wants to buy a 1987 bmw from a friend of his. The above link is not his car but the closest one I can find online. We all have cars so this will be more of a fix me upper and teach the younglins how to drive stick. Now me personally rather buy an old Porsche or something else for 2k but it is what it is. Anyone have experience with this car? Any modding potential? If there is what companies or sites have stuff? I dont know much about cars so I see this as an opportunity to learn on this car before I even look at touching my Evo. Obviously 2 completely different cars but for someone with no mechanical experience better then nothing. How dependable and 'user friendly' is the engine and tranny?
Feel free to throw in any other info you know about this 80s car.

I used to have an e30. I wouldn't pay 2k for that car, unless it has low miles and well maintained. Keep in mind that BMWs have expensive repairs as the mileage racks up (center shaft bearing, alternator, radiator, various fault codes) and the problems get worse as time goes on. I had a 1991 318is, so gas mileage was awesome (35+) and I really liked the car as a beater but eventually everything started breaking down. As far as modding goes, those cars have almost no potential unless you engine swap, or custom turbo. If your friend maintained the car well its worth a shot. Just keep in mind that reliability and BMW often times don't go hand in hand. :-D I would strongly suggest going to bimmerforums and research the specific car and its strengths/weaknesses. Those guys know everything about BMWs and are very knowledgable DIY enthusiasts.