Help me decide whether or not to buy

[robncircus]

Hi
I think I may have found my E30 but would like opinions as I am still fairly new to these cars.
The car:
1986 BMW 325es
White on navy blue (or some sort of dark blue)
181 k miles
The good:
NO rust at all
Interior is mint (no rips, tears, etc)
Has what I believe to be a BBS body kit (pretty rare from what I understand)
Dinan suspension (would be sold)
Dinan chip (would be sold)
Dinan wheels (do these exist for E30s?)
Mechanic owned
Could probably get in the vicinity of $1300-1500 (trying to negotiate w/seller)
All power functions work
Completely upgraded sound system
The bad:
Rear bumper apron is cracked (not a biggie but would be a pet peeve)
Burns about 1 quart of oil every 2k miles (my mechanic told me he'd fix this for about $1k)

I've been car hunting for some time and I'm not really looking to spend more than $2500.00 (dangerous territory for BMW's). Car would be used for mostly highway miles for 800-1000 miles a month. And I need a car soon. The only thing that concerns me is the burning oil. Anyways, just looking for thoughts/opinions.
Thanks
Rob

[Jordan]

Dont buy it.

Its a 325eS, economy car with sporty addon's, whoop dee dooo... couldnt pay me to own/drive an eta.

its also burning oil, which means it needs the bottom end, or top end rebuilt. perhaps even both.

The piston rings, and valve stems are the most common source of the oil leaking in.

The BBS kit is nothing special, and is "rare" because it isnt all that attractive, and many nicer looking kits were available at the time. Most people opted for nicer parts for their dollar.

the color combo is also horrid, more then enough to turn anyone away from the car.

[robncircus]

Thanks Jordan for your feedback. The fact that it's an ETA doesn't bother me so much (I need cheap insurance and good gas mileage). I also kinda like the BBS kit. I was thinking of offering him maybe $2200 fixed (he's a BMW mechanic) and see if he bites. I would like to sell the suspension (replace with Racing Dynamics and Bilsteins), sell the wheels (don't know on those yet), sell the chip, and get rid of the gigantic subs in the back. So, all in all, this car would be cheap to mod (considering the money I'd make on the sold stuff).
Send me some more feedback :D
Thanks
Rob

[bmwannabe]

i would say go for it, if you wanted a cheap car, not too much performance. i had an eta, and i just sold it at 265k miles. i loved it, economically it got the job done. it will serve you well, trust me.

[robncircus]

^^^^
My thoughts exactly. I figure even if it does burn oil a bit if I get 3-4 years out of it then I can buy a nicer E30 when I don't live in such a crappy neighborhood in Boston and I'm over 25.
Keep it coming
Rob

[808BMW]

I would try and get it for $1300 (or maybe even less) and run cheap, heavy oil. Sell off all those things you talked about and just buy used stock replacements. Any money left ovcer could go into the bank. Drive it until it dies, part out anything useful, take that money and whatever is still in the bank and start looking again.

I think you could probably make some money or at least break even doing that, and you could get some miles out of it... hopefully.

[bwanac]

the color combo is also horrid, more then enough to turn anyone away from the car.

Same colors as my parts car. Which also happens to be an 87 325es.

But at least sports seats can be reupholstered if neccessary.

What rear apron are you talking about? If it has one it aint stock, and might be worth selling!

[robncircus]

I'm assuming the rear apron is from the BBS kit. I't got a triangle shaped section missing. Heck, I may even keep it. But I think if this thing lasted a while it could be worth it.
Rob

[randomtask37]

what does this bbs kit look like.

ive never even herd of it.


o yea,
p.s. if u think the cars right for u then go for it.

[robncircus]

I actually haven't been able to find a pic of it. I tired Google and everything. Basically, just before the rear wheel well there's 4 "indented lines" and thats the kit. It's original and not seen too often. If anyone has pics please post.
thanks
Rob

[LarsG]

I say if you can get a good price, for sure go for it. It's cheap, reliable, and will get the job done. ETAs are the perfect throw-around cars. You'll be happy with it.

[Sean]

ETA's can be fun cars. It's holding me over until I decide to find a post-88 IS. :)

For economy, they are awesome cars. The engines are very well built, and the gas milage is not bad. I'm not even sure how it does on the highway.

I say go for it. ;-)

[BeirBrennerE30]

325es's are great lil cars... im in love with mine... yes they could use a little bit more power but the 87is airdam(the can easily be fitted to the es) is one of the sexiest bmw front ends ever made(imho)

go for it and get everything fixed... it will last you forever

[Digitalwave]

If you get the car, don't spend $1,000 on fixing the oil burning... at least build a stroker or swap in a 325i engine.

[bmwannabe]

my thoughts exacxtly, get your 33 mpg on highway, then when you want more power, or are ready to upgrade, you have a perfect, rust free platform to work with, its a beautiful thing my friend. heres what you could look like: www.strictlyeta.net