325is

[beav]

Hey guys I've been hovering around bmw forums and it seems this is the only one I'm allowed to register at...
My neighbor has a 89 325is for sale with around 205k on it and its really a nice looking car but I've never owned a bmw. I know there is something wrong with the clutch, they said a throwout bearing. The engine sounded good and other than the clutch it seems like a mechanically sound car. They were asking 1200 for it but i offered less last year and the car is still sitting. I think I will be able to pick it up soon but I wanted to check and see what maintenance I'm in for or if I should steer elsewhere. Any comments are appreciated for a bmw newbie. Thanks

[1fastm50]

Does it whine when the clutch pedal is pressed in only? If it does it is the throw out bearing. Take the transmission down and replace the bearing. Easy to replace the bearing but as I said you have to take the tranny down.

[browntown]

How much mechanical experience do you have? If you're a diy'er, and it is a rust free car, scoop it up for a grand and fix it up.

If, however, you intend on having your neighborhood mechanic do all the work (these are old cars and unless you know for sure the timing belt has been replaced recently, it needs done. (<100$ diy, >500$ mechanic) --- probably not the best 1000$ car. If you're looking for cheap/reliable transportation that a monkey with a hammer can keep going look for older toyotas/hondas.

[CorvallisBMW]

^ yup, sounds about right

[beav]

I am mechanically inclined, however I havn't dug too deep into automotive. I'll take a closer look at the car and post pics if I scoop it up. Thanks!

[Hick]

You should be fine, these cars are very simple to work on.

[CorvallisBMW]

This is exactly how I came upon my first e30, which was also a 325iS. I had to pony up the cash for the t-belt replacement but from then on I bought a Bentley manual and taught myself. My first brake job when I was 17 took me 2 days

You'll get the hang of it!

[1fastm50]

Same here. My brother needed someone to fix his cars mechanical wise(me) and he got the cosmetics(he's a painter at a local body shop). Basically first job I had was to swap an m50 on an e36 he had gotten. I was 13 at that time and am now 18 and love working on cars. These are easy cars to work on as long as you can follow instructions of the bentley manual. I say you get it and well if there are any problems you can ask around here.

[txtorquemade]

Just Do It

[UDelaware30]

if its rust free i would pick it up in a heartbeat

[nomansland92]

Ya the biggest killer of these cars is rust so check it over good like floors and strut towers and etc. Other wise sounds like a great deal and clutch jobs are cheap and easy on these cars well compared to newer cars that is

[mkcman17]

best year, great price. do it.

[beav]

Sounds good guys I hope to have it soon.