Looking to buy 325IX, need advice!!!!!

[FREEFLOW]

Ok 1st and most importantly,
-after seeing the car and testing it... car starts right up BUT turns out the "needs some tuning" as listed in the advertisment is due to the timing... engine is making a pretty audible clanking/clunking ticking type noise sounds like lifters or timing is off.... guy says when he installed a new cam (also did rocker arms, cam shaft oil seals, valve oil seal, gaskets, belts, radiator, hoses etc at same time) he didn't quite get it lined up right and now it makes that noise... he mentioned he followed the Bently manual as a novice DIY and purchased the alignment tool... just apparently didn't get it right? Lots of new engine parts though..... just that engine noise. However, it doesn't even seem to effect performance much (no stutters bogs or hesitation)

2nd,
2 cv boots are torn, still have grease in them but they just need new boots.

3rd,
the shifter is super super duper hard to move around... after playing with it and driving it around for a bit it loosened up a bit but not much or by any means close to normal... what could be the cause of this? Noticed a little bit of fluid build up under the transmission? Would a dry tranny cause this? Guy said it had been sitting for a bit.

I drove the car around and I could feel the all wheel drive system working pulling the inside wheel in (hard) turns. Also the steering seems heavy but there is very little play side to side. The suspension wise its seems good... new control arms, bushings, tie rods, etc. Not too much rust

Guy wants $1800 - What do you guys think? What else should I check for? I'm thinking as is maybe like $1000-$1200. Interior is ok shape as well.

I drove it and it feels solid... just the engine and shifter "woes" that are bumming me out. If these can be fixed for a reasonable amount or DIY I'm totally down... just don't want to be in it too much right off the bat

[Lance Racing]

THough a little dated, this is a great 325ix web site by Gordon Haines.

http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhix/iX/general/iXfaq.html

There are all sort of parts specific to the 325ix.

[FREEFLOW]

I'm doing some research and I'm starting to think the timing belt broke and he was unsuccessfull at repairing it himself. Although I'm not sure why he would replace the cam... he claims it was "scared" and "beat" up pretty good when he removed the head to replace the gasket and seals.

Thanks for the link Lance racing.

[FREEFLOW]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=153876



jk

I saw that thread... not really informative or funny, not only that but I'm not a teenager.

[Need4Speed1299]

The ticking is the valves, it needs correct adjustment. Not a big deal.

The CV Boots can be replaced pretty easily. Did you hear any clicking when you turned?

As for the tranny being low, possible. But the fluid could also be from the transfercase, which could be bad.

$1800 is pretty good, get him as low as you can though.

[FREEFLOW]

thats what I'm hoping.... i have video of the engine running so I'll check w/ the guys over at Turner MS. I just saw a 90 325is for 2k only this one has 220k and isn't AWD.... man, so confused....... AWD or RWD? aaaahhhhhhhhhh

[ben312]

I saw that thread... not really informative or funny, not only that but I'm not a teenager.

its funny if you have been on here long enough and seen the other awesome posts he has made.

[ben312]

but seriously most of that sounds like an easy fix. the only thing i would worry about is that you say he broke a timing belt? if he really snapped it well driving you can almost forsure count that motor as cooked.

[e30BMart]

Mannn those are good prices!! Anyways, the whole fun of owning an e30 is putting some tlc into it ;p

[nomansland92]

What years is it? in 89 i believe they had a recall for the new head bolts and if its like mine which was an 88' and when i got it i quickly found a broken head bolt and was doing the head gasket as well, maybe this is why he rebuilt it

[ldsbeaker]

edit: dammit with the old thread bumps!