Ready to join the e30 club

[mstank]

Hey fellas and I'm sure some ladies. I've admired e30s for quite a long time, they bring back fits of nostalgia from my younger days in Europe.

I live in Southern California and looked at a red Cabrio tonight. It's got a clean exterior with an OK tan interior. Everything is super clean except the front seats are really worn in. They come with some nice seat covers so I'm not too disappointed. The top is in decent shape, although I don't know what to really look for.

Its an automatic, has 204,000 mi, and it supposedly has a new radiator, water pump, hoses, alternator and battery. I test drove it and it runs like a beast.

Let me list a few issues: Torn up front seats, the radio is setting off the anti-theft system, and it has a busted front-left fog light.

The listed price is $2500, I've talked the guy down to $2250 and he's willing to replace the seats and fix the radio.

I'm looking at it again tomorrow. My question is - what should I look for? Are there any common problems that I should check for? And the bottom line, is the price fair? Also, for you Southern California folks, any reliable bmw mechanic I can take it to for a quick look?

Thanks guys, this forum is awesome! :D

- Marko

[naplesE30]

maint records are #1. Then rust at rear license plate, front cowl, and battery tray. Check if the top leaks, have him spray it with a garden hose if need be. Price seems pretty good if it is as good of shape as you claim AND he is going to throw in new front seats.

[stefennn]

What is it? 325i? 318i?

Has he got receipts of those purchases?

Check for clunks when driving etc. Also check that the transmission engages properly.

Maybe get a mechanic you trust to have a look at it aswell.

[Chabs]

I agree with both of those guys ^^^ make sure you see the service records for all the new parts he says are in it, and look for any rust that is structural, surface rust isn't too bad, but make sure nothing is actually rotting.

[sam3]

"There's nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW"