Tech Issues - To buy or not to buy, Pros and Cons of a particular 89' 325i

[bimmerR75]

Hi There,

Not sure if this is is the correct place for this but would love some seasoned opinions on this. I have been looking to purchase a 325i and believe I may have found the one, but I am currently weighing the cons....against the pros. Created a sort of "touchpoints" list below but would love some feedback. The seller is willing to let it go for $4,700 but I am not sure if the repairs needed are worth purchasing this when I can probably find one in somewhat better condition for around $7k

Pros:
-Engine has 127,000 miles on it (owner said he believes work has been done to it but is not entirely sure, odometer is functional)

-Interior Leather and Dash in A+ condition

Clutch and drive line were recently replaced

-Timing belts, water pump, etc replaced.

-Paint - original condition very minor scratches on the bottom right side of the bumper.

Overall great looking car, after-market basket-weave wheels

Cons

-Techometer does not function (speedo does)
-Inspect Engine Dash light is on (owner claims its a bad sensor)
-Engine Oil Dash Light is on ((owner claims its a bad sensor)
-Lower panel under steering wheel is missing
-After market radio is installed but not wired
-Passenger side window goes up about half way quickly, then slows down and practically stops 3/4 way up (probably a bad motor)
-Electronic "check" display has red lights on the following:
Low Beam
Engine Oil
Coolant
-Fog lights do not turn on
-Interior lighting does not turn on

On the fence on this one, let me know what your thoughts are and if its worth the difference of fixing all the "cons" myself rather than just purchasing a better condition car.

Thanks ahead of time!

[White325is]

Cons

-Tachometer does not function (speedo does)
-Inspect Engine Dash light is on (owner claims its a bad sensor)
-Engine Oil Dash Light is on ((owner claims its a bad sensor)
-Lower panel under steering wheel is missing
-After market radio is installed but not wired
-Passenger side window goes up about half way quickly, then slows down and practically stops 3/4 way up (probably a bad motor)
-Electronic "check" display has red lights on the following:
Low Beam
Engine Oil
Coolant
-Fog lights do not turn on
-Interior lighting does not turn on

Looks to be a clean car from the photos you posted. Not really a bad price either considering the market.
The cons are not really that big of a deal compared to most e30's for sale these days. If you are mechanically inclined you can take care of all these issues in a day.
Bav res rebuilt cluster is about 300.00 depending on what style you want.
This would fix a few of the issues you have. tach, inspection light, any other issue that you did not notice when looking over the car.
Did you check the oil level? Could be a 30.00 used sensor or 150.00 new sensor depending on which route you want to take and 30 minutes of your time.
Under dash panel, 200.00 for a new non air bag one.
Window regulators are not to expensive either. 50-100 used.
Low beam could be bad or just a faulty terminal or fuse. maybe free.
The plug on the washer bottle could also be bad. 20.00

I wouldn't pass up on it over a few small things. Almost every e30 has the issues you described.

[Das Delfin]

That stuff is all easy. Do the bavrest on the cluster and be done with it. Under dash panel is $10 from a junk yard. The "inspect" light on the dash can be cleared with a piece of wire and some research on the internet.. it's not a sensor.

Try to find out if the owner is a forum member and research him and see if you can find out how much he paid for the car and what he's done. The market is crazy so do as much research as you can.

[bimmerR75]

Thanks for the info guys. The current owner isn't a member of any forums (I asked him when I viewed the car actually). It looks like he bought it 2.5 years ago from the previous owner and had some engine work done on it at a local shop. The current seller is the third owner of the vehicle.