My first car to be an E30! :D

[Korbee]

Hey people!

As the title explains I'm saving for my first car and think it should definitely be an E30! As I don't earn much it's probably going to be an early 318i, meaning old, meaning most likely many problems. So I figured when I get it (hopefully in a month or two) it's gonna need some work, so now I need to do some research.

Can you guys help me keep her on the road, what will have to be done straight away to make sure she ain't gonna break down on me? And what other things should probably be done soon too?

I figured first I should make sure there's no leaks, no tears and that whatever seals, gaskets, hoses, wiring and rubber parts that are old and prone to cracking should be repaired and possibly replaced. Surface rust will have to be repaired and if there's holes it'll go to a panel-beater (friends dads business).

So I think I have a fair idea of what it'll take to keep her going but correct me if I'm wrong.

Steven

[Tree18is]

First

[Holland]

You seem to have it right, check for proper maintenance, and fix things that need fixing. Check for rust in the battery trays, arches, and rockers. Mods can always come later.

[Korbee]

Sorry what are rockers (I know, noob question :P)

[brutus87]

I think he meant knockers....
As in post pics of your sisters knockers lol

[325ix]

Sorry what are rockers (I know, noob question :P)

the area below the doors that go the length of the car.

[schtozo]

Stay away from e30s :D

[urbancynic]

You do have it right - maintenance first, mods later.

Try to find one that needs as little body work as possible. Body and paint usually runs much more to fix than mechanical.

I usually change all fluids on mine right off the bat. All belts and hoses come next. At least that way I'm not worried about a hose deciding to burst, or a belt snapping on me.

If for some reason you find an old 325 instead of the 318, make sure you do the timing belt immediately if you don't have proof that it was done recently. A PO stating he just did it doesn't constitute proof.

[Oukranos]

Sorry what are rockers (I know, noob question :P)

I think over here we refer to them as "sills."

Consider joining BMW Car Club of Queensland. The guys are very helpful, almost all of them own or have owned an E30 at some point. Go to their website and join the discussion list, you might be able to pick up an E30 from a member.

Also, R X Automotive at Coopers Plains are your new friends. These guys are the best mechanics you can get for an E30.

[Korbee]

Alright thanks for the replies guys.
And Oukranos; that's an AWESOME tip, thanks heaps!

[bernzpeed]

and then if you need parts, hit me up. lol

[freeride53]

No, you can find a decent late 1991 318i for cheap these days.

[5Toes]

My first car is my e30. I love it, body is VERY straight. Only dents were hood (one pushed out). The other dent is from me and lowering the car with a jackstand too close to the side skirt. Yeah dumb me.

Awesome ride for $1200

[brainspo0n]

No, you can find a decent late 1991 318i for cheap these days.

yeah but an M10 318i would be the perfect first car!

[TurboJake]

I ran into a cop the other day that his first car was an 89 I.
He said, and I quote, "My parents made the mistake of getting me an 89 I with H&R Springs on bilstien sports. I was so sad when I had to sell it 5 years ago"

this man HAD to be mid thirties, and he was instantly cool. He stopped purely because me and the woman were looking around in the trunk of her car, with mine parked behind it.

It's not every day you see two bronzit E30's sitting on the side of the road in the middle of wisconsin, when I own all but one of the E30's in town. :(

EDIT: Moral of the story: Even a cop will tell you that an 89 325I is a mistake for your first car. but you'll keep it for ever.