What to look for when buying a ix?

[Kwaaahhh]

I was wondering if you guys can help me out with this. Been tinkering with the idea of getting ix. I'm pretty much a noob to the awd scene. Currently I got a 325ic and would like to get ix for the winter.

So my question, when checking out used one what do I look for? What should be in good order? I've been reading up like bad t case and driveshaft which will put a hole in the wallet. Thanks guys!

[smcdermott326]

from: http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...iXchange2.html

The differences surrounding the Front Diff, VC & Xfer case and splines on front driveshaft are probably the only real concern when you get right down to it. The rest of things to look out for would be the same things on any 325. "Proof" of Timing belt service most especially...other than generally does it look taken care of or need a lot of work...and if it does, what kind of work...general maintenance or rebuilding things.
UNIQUE TO THE iX

Skimming through my factory Quick Reference Guides, I note that the following items are unique to the iX (different from the 325i and 325iC): oil pump, oil pan, coolant expansion tank small hose, header and catalytic converter, front bracket for a manual transmission, clutch pressure plate, front brake caliper seals (front rotors are the same), rear rotor, master brake cylinder, wheels, steering rack, almost all steering system pressure hoses, steering cooling tube, oil cooler and hoses (nonexistent on the regular E30), tie rod assembly, entire front suspension, rear stabilizer bar, rear springs and shocks, cooling fan switch, oil pressure sensor (same as 318 & M3), radiator, engine mounts, DME engine control module, ABS controller, manual and automatic transmission, transfer case (aka auxiliary transmission) and front differential of course, rear differential, and body trim pieces.

[Alkasquawlik]

check out this thread on bimmerforums

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1077032

[blysccr]

i love my ix. i don't want to drive it so i an have it forever lol. it's awesome in snow

[nando]

from: http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...iXchange2.html

The differences surrounding the Front Diff, VC & Xfer case and splines on front driveshaft are probably the only real concern when you get right down to it. The rest of things to look out for would be the same things on any 325. "Proof" of Timing belt service most especially...other than generally does it look taken care of or need a lot of work...and if it does, what kind of work...general maintenance or rebuilding things.
UNIQUE TO THE iX

Skimming through my factory Quick Reference Guides, I note that the following items are unique to the iX (different from the 325i and 325iC): oil pump, oil pan, coolant expansion tank small hose, header and catalytic converter, front bracket for a manual transmission, clutch pressure plate, front brake caliper seals (front rotors are the same), rear rotor, master brake cylinder, wheels, steering rack, almost all steering system pressure hoses, steering cooling tube, oil cooler and hoses (nonexistent on the regular E30), tie rod assembly, entire front suspension, rear stabilizer bar, rear springs and shocks, cooling fan switch, oil pressure sensor (same as 318 & M3), radiator, engine mounts, DME engine control module, ABS controller, manual and automatic transmission, transfer case (aka auxiliary transmission) and front differential of course, rear differential, and body trim pieces.

a lot of that stuff really isn't accurate, but it's close enough.

there's nothing unique about the ix DME, for example.

[aaron325ix]

Funny, I want a 93 iX. Do you think they had one 2-door and one 4-door and that was it?

[Rocco335i]

:nice:that was the best write up on my 1988 ix ever way to go guys:D

[smcdermott326]

I'm sure KWAAAAHHH wasn't scared from the possiblity of buying a iX because the DME could potentially be different or not. Just goes to show that you can't believe everything you read on the internet.

Personally I would like the 86iX...because it is the first year made. Or maybe the wagon model for the wife. But for some reason, you just don't see too many around. Hmmm.

[Kwaaahhh]

Thanks for all the info guys! Been browsing CL and local paper but they seem to be really rare in my area. Guess the search goes on!

On another note would you guys go with auto or manual? Or the other way around, why? Thanks!

[smcdermott326]

always a manual if at all possible, unless you don't know how to drive one and don't want to start. I've driven both and auto's are doggish and I can understand why folks want to swap a manual into an auto's.

[m30power]

i drove an quto my entire life until this summer when i bought an i car, defnitely go manual, it was a rough first 20 minutes but once you get the hang of it your hooked for life!

[supernaughtIX]

Personally I would like the 86iX...because it is the first year made. Or maybe the wagon model for the wife. But for some reason, you just don't see too many around. Hmmm.

There was one here for sale in ontario for a while a few weeks back. Euro bumpers and trim et al. He was selling for $1000, had some rust, but it ran. And it was a damn 86! It might still be kicking around here somewhere...

[kishg]

lots of controversy over the "best" year for ix. some claim 88 because it had the most standard goodies.. i say 89 because of plastic bumpers and us ellipsoids and also no airbag!

[supernaughtIX]

lots of controversy over the "best" year for ix. some claim 88 because it had the most standard goodies.. i say 89 because of plastic bumpers and us ellipsoids and also no airbag!

My recently acquired 88, no airbag, ellipsoids, soon-to-be-plastics. Its aaaall good.

[kishg]

My recently acquired 88, no airbag, ellipsoids, soon-to-be-plastics. Its aaaall good.

yeah but i hate the whole bumper swapping business.. if i got an 88, i'd probably leave the dbs on as much as I dislike them i can't be bothered to swap them.