Need opinions on buying an e30.

[trevor144]

I am considering purchasing. Car is rough around the edges, but runs strong. Just had timing belt replaced also :-)

- It has some surface rust around the bottom of the driver and passenger doors.
- A few dints (owner said they could be popped out from inside?).
- Leaks oil from the rear seal (my old e30 did this).
- He also reported the car stalled a few times on him due to a short in the crank sensor?
- Rear window motors have frozen up and the passenger side window motor is jammed after being replaced when someone broke in to steal the radio.
- 232,000 miles (alot, but if the tb was recently replaced i'm not too worried)

PICS: http://img829.imageshack.us/slidesho...id=1002481.jpg

I talked him down to $800 which is a damn good deal for a late model e30 that runs. I need to know if I should buy this or just go for a cheap "eta" in decent shape with no rust or body damage, but a engine that is questionable. Thanks

EDIT: I also found a '91 318i for sale about 4 hours way. It looks pretty good, owner said it ran fine 6 months ago when he parked it but now can't get it to start after charging the battery?

What do you all think I should go for... the slow and loud 325es(but has new paint), the dented and rusty 325i, or the 318i that won't start?

[TexasTerp]

pics link doesnt work.

800 is a decent price from what you described. You can pick up window motors and guides from the junkyard.

The CPS is definitely something you'll want to replace asap. It's not too difficult, but it is time consuming.

[StereoInstaller1]

I would rather swap a motor than do rust repair.

[trevor144]

pics link doesnt work.

800 is a decent price from what you described. You can pick up window motors and guides from the junkyard.

The CPS is definitely something you'll want to replace asap. It's not too difficult, but it is time consuming.

Link fixed. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

[igor2]

oof .. those are some dents and some rust ...

The doors can be popped - mostly ... but the rust seems serious.

As Texas Terp said - I Would rather deal with mechanical issues than body rust. In the grand scheme of things, the engine is cheaper than body repair.

All that said, ... it is $800.

[trevor144]

What would be the best thing to do about the rust? In this condition, is there any other problems I should look for?

[quikveedb2]

Not worth it, especially in the South East, keep looking for a rust free car.

[trevor144]

Not worth it, especially in the South East, keep looking for a rust free car.

I've never really done any rust repair, but from what i've read online it seems like a pretty simple repair. What am I missing?

I use craigslist, and this was literary the only e30 non-eta model for less than 3,000 within a 200 mile radius. just my luck.
I could buy a decent 325es for $1000, but it has a fart can exhaust and leaks oil.

I really want another e30, because in my opinion they are usually the best car available under $2000.

[tonywonder]

Do not want!!!!!!

[Mercury[BKM]]

buy it for 400 and roll euro trash style... that car should be used for parts imo

[Zasz]

Jesus those are some real dents, and that doesn't look like 'surface rust'.

If the car is close, get inside the car and check for rust on the doors and in the trunk. Also, shop around for some new doors, see what prices you can get.

[trevor144]

I also found a '91 318i for sale about 4 hours way. It looks pretty good, owner said it ran fine 6 months ago when he parked it but now can't get it to start after charging the battery?

What do you all think I should go for; the slow and loud 325es, the dented and rusty 325i, or the 318i that won't start?

[TurboJake]

Fun fact.
Engine fixing/swap is cheap and easy.
Bodywork fixing is not cheap and not easy.

FWIW

[Broom Broom]

looks like a piece of shit

i would for $500 not $800

[72ratcamaro]

Rust is a PITA those dents won't "pop" from the inside. That car is ROUGH. I would pass.

I am a body shop manager so take my knowledge as an educated guess.