Ok, shifter and rod are Ok. It appears as though the linkage is ok and that the trans is stuck in reverse with no willingness to budge. Any input or experience with this would be greatly appreciated.

So the owner stops by to bring the title and I am still thinking that maybe I should not have bought a car stuck in gear and what will it take to fix it. Then, the guy whips out, ( no freakin lie here) $8000 in invoices from the last three years. New motor, rad, struts, bushings, H20 pump, hoses and the whole fuckin shabang!!! I think he repalced everything but the shift linkage. The motor runs very smooth and seems peppy but I hold off on the drifiting in reverse for the neighbors sake. Here are a few pics.....ohh......and just who is the badass e30 mechanic?

http://www.mbaudio.com/E30/tow.jpg
http://www.mbaudio.com/E30/ass.jpg
http://www.mbaudio.com/E30/int.jpg
http://www.mbaudio.com/E30/front.jpg
http://www.mbaudio.com/E30/door.jpg

Nice e30!

Looks similar to mine

My boyfriend Jordan (lives in Mabank TX) (about 1hr from Dallas) (who is currently in Timeout here on BFc) is a very experienced e30 mechanic. You should call him with anything you need.

Edit... his SN here is 87 E30 328iS