Thoughts for first e30?

[shaferbm]

recently a friend of mine (will61) bought a '90 325i and i just love it. im hooked- so now i want to get one of my own.

this would be my first and im looking at getting a 325 (though i would settle for a 318, it seems everyone who has had one has liked it)

im new to the forum and the whole e30 scene so i just wanted to see if anyone had any tips on what to look for/avoid in an e30
is high mileage something i should avoid completely??

[MrSlacker]

Avoid riced out cars at all cost! I will only buy an E30 from an enthusiast or an old person who doesn't know that its an E30. Everyone else abuses their cars and will not tell you the truth.

[McGyver]

decide if you want the metal or plastic bumpers, 2 or 4 door, manual or auto-tragic and then find one that isnt all hacked up. high mileage is fine if the timing belt has been changed at the proper intervals.

[Burnera]

whatever rust you see is probably 5x worse when you start taking the car apart.

[selturk]

first of all welcome.. and take a look at here:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=826530

also here:

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3636

[MG325i]

welcome to the forum!
finding a stock non abused e30 is what everyone wants to look for. finding high mileage e30's are common, just be sure you know when/if the timing belt was replaced. if you find a sport model e30 (325is, 318is), it'll come with the sport seats, limited slip diff, and other tiny accessories added. (harder to find) also note the "is" models are 2 door. be sure to search through the forums to find more info about e30's. once you own one and drive on, your addicted to them =]

[325ix]

decide if you want the metal or plastic bumpers, 2 or 4 door, manual or auto-tragic and then find one that isnt all hacked up. high mileage is fine if the timing belt has been changed at the proper intervals.

I would follow his advice and look for rust in battery tray, by the license plate lights and in the fender areas

[shaferbm]

Thanks everyone! The advice and sites linked are helpful. I like both 2 and 4 doors models. Im sure i dont want one with the diving board bumpers lol. And definitely manual->automatic would steal the joy of driving. Stoked to get my hands on one!!

[Strelok]

As for the diving boards - all non convertible E30's made from 1989 to 1991 have plastic bumpers. If you buy a 1988, the plastic bumpers are a direct bolt on swap. 1987 and prior take the front plastic bumper, but to swap the rear it requires some significant fabrication and drilling. There's a writeup somewhere. Keep in mind diving boards can be tucked as well, it looks a lot better. See sig.

[McGyver]

....and their are euro bumpers as an option to swap for diving boards. also, convertibles can have plastics swapped on with relative ease no matter the year.

[will61]

whatever rust you see is probably 5x worse when you start taking the car apart.

[evandael]

Early (pre 88 ) 325's are called eta's and have a torquey, 2.7 liter, low revving motor. It gets good gas mileage.

Late (post 88 ) 325i's have higher revving 2.5 liter motors, that generate more power.

The 88 year had a motor called super eta that is particularly well sorted to make a hybrid motor.. a 2.7 liter that revs high.

There is also the early 318i, with the M10 engine.

In 1991, the 318is and 318i came out. They offer the M42 engine, which gets superb gas mileage, makes rev-happy, decent power, and takes a lot of weight off the front of the car. They are fun cars.


Those are the choices.. so pick if you want early or late, then the motor, then coupe/sedan/convertible. Many different flavors.

-eric

[shaferbm]

Thanks!

[txtorquemade]

Hold out for a 325is or 318is. You will be glad you did.

I wouldnt buy another eta, unless it was just for commuting. M10 nope, not ever, no how.

[E30Kaiser]

I hear the M3 is the best version, you should hold out for one of those.