Greetings, gentlemen... (Help me with my first E30!)

[Alpha]

Hi guys!

First post here at R3VLimited! I've been looking to buy my first E30 for some time now and I think I've found something promising:

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1990-BMW-325i-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ215186463

I've contacted the owner by e-mail and he has given me some more info:

• there is some front bumper surface rust and there is a small hole in the right bottom quarter panel (not quite mint condition, hmm...)
• timing belt was changed, but not sure about the water pump
• not been winter driven in 4 years
• interior is good except for temp sensor/ rear window switch doesn't work
• has all records/reciepts, etc.
• selling because he has two other cars and has no time to drive it.
• 'runs great'

He is out of town so he couldn't send some more pictures. I will be taking a look at the car this upcoming weekend. What do you guys think?

1. Are there any red flags/issues with this car that I should be worried about? Something I missed?

2. The car has been lowered 1.5" and in the picture looks pretty low (especially the back). Will I have problems with scraping the bottom / bottoming out?

3. Mileage seems high (330,000 km = 205,000 miles). Is this a problem?

4. What is a fair price for this car? (Why?)

[Farbin Kaiber]

Looks good from the sales ad. I'd buy it.

[Eecen]

Mmm, a rust hole is something to be concerned about. If its eaten through a quarter panel you just know its gina have more rust elsewhere...but I would imagine you are aware of that, and know what to look for and where when buying a car.

The price seems reasonable, (depending on cancer extent). If the engine has been maintained well 330k km shouldn't be a problem.

What is the suspension setup? Says he's throwing in parts, what exactly though?

[Need4Speed1299]

Buy it.

[Alpha]

So the car gets the r3vLimited stamp of approval? :)

Mmm, a rust hole is something to be concerned about. If its eaten through a quarter panel you just know its gina have more rust elsewhere...but I would imagine you are aware of that, and know what to look for and where when buying a car.

To be honest, this is my first car, but I've read all the E30 buying guides so I have some idea of where to look. ie: license plate lights area, battery area, bottom edges of doors, sunroof, exhaust area, etc. Also, he told me "underneath is amazing", which sounds good, but I will have to see for myself.

What is the suspension setup? Says he's throwing in parts, what exactly though?

I assumed from the ad that he put in a new suspension that lowered the ride height (I still don't know if 1.5" is too low!?). I also assumed that the list of items at the end were the spare parts, but I guess that would put the total over $300. And yes, I know happens when you assume.

BTW how would I recognize cut springs vs a properly lowered car? Will I have to take the owner's word for it?

Thanks for taking the time to read all this!

[McGyver]

OEM springs will be all black with a colored stripe on one side. most after market springs are red, greed, purple, yellow, ect (not dirty old black). you could also jack up one side and feel if they are cut. check the shocks too, you wouldnt lower a car without replacing the shocks.

[1989e30325]

The rear springs cannot be cut on an e30, so the rear end would have to be at stock height. If the rear end is lowered, its not cut.
1.5 inches is barely lowered, i wouldnt worry about it at all

[Alpha]

Thanks for the suspension info guys! I'll definitely keep it mind for tomorrow.

[noid]

I can take a look at it with you if you would like, i know a thing or 30 about e30's :) I live in Burlington Ontario.

For starters, its a 1990 which means your stuck with doing e-tests, 1987 and older are exempt. Second be very careful with rust, holes wont pass safety, and if it has holes a) it has more then he says which you will have to find b) the lines might be gone and/or the fuel tank might be rusted/aged to the point where it leaks fumes and possibly fluid when full, both of which will also not pass safety.

Text/call me at 289-888-1707 if you want me to take a look at it with you.

[Alpha]

Hate to bump up my old thread, but felt like I needed to post the outcome of what happened.

I looked at the car on Sunday and found it to be in pretty poor condition. There were several problems with the car, including a lot more rust than expected (sunroof, doors, but none in battery well!), heating/air conditioning problems, damaged/dirty interior, etc. Additionally, there were some things that needed to be done before I could get a safety (handbrake working only on side, large crack on front glass). Ultimately, I decided that I would pass on this E30.

I did take the car for a test drive and definitely liked it. I must have an E30!

One thing I did notice was that the clutch engaged with my foot nearly on the floor, with about an inch between completely on and off. Is this normal for E30s and just something that I will have to get used to? I found myself nearly stalling at every stop (FWIW I learned to drive manual on my dad's torquey Jetta TDI).

I can take a look at it with you if you would like, i know a thing or 30 about e30's I live in Burlington Ontario.

Thanks for the offer, but I noticed it right before I left, so I couldn't contact you. Does the offer stand for future E30s I find?

BTW, are you the owner of www.rtsauto.com? I found your translation of the German buying guide pretty useful. Nicely Done!

Anyways, the search continues...

[87e30]

Good call. But just for the record you can definitely lower the rear end on cut springs. Any spring can be cut.

[noid]

Hate to bump up my old thread, but felt like I needed to post the outcome of what happened.

I looked at the car on Sunday and found it to be in pretty poor condition. There were several problems with the car, including a lot more rust than expected (sunroof, doors, but none in battery well!), heating/air conditioning problems, damaged/dirty interior, etc. Additionally, there were some things that needed to be done before I could get a safety (handbrake working only on side, large crack on front glass). Ultimately, I decided that I would pass on this E30.

I did take the car for a test drive and definitely liked it. I must have an E30!

One thing I did notice was that the clutch engaged with my foot nearly on the floor, with about an inch between completely on and off. Is this normal for E30s and just something that I will have to get used to? I found myself nearly stalling at every stop (FWIW I learned to drive manual on my dad's torquey Jetta TDI).



Thanks for the offer, but I noticed it right before I left, so I couldn't contact you. Does the offer stand for future E30s I find?

BTW, are you the owner of www.rtsauto.com? I found your translation of the German buying guide pretty useful. Nicely Done!

Anyways, the search continues...

It does stand for future e30's let me know.

I am the owner, thanks!