Might pick up my first e30 this week...

[JUDGE]

Ok, im sure people ask these types of questions all the time, I am familiar with e30's and pretty knowledgeable about the trim levels. But other than that I don't know a lot.

But I have an opportunity to get this car for pretty cheap. I want to check it out tomorrow and hopefully buy it on friday when I have the money.

Info from the ad.

318i Black Convertible, 1991, 5 speed. RUNS LIKE A CHAMP. Great all around car. Daily driver for 3 years. Been in the family since it was purchased new.
NEW: Tires (3000 miles of wear)
NEW: Radiator
NEW: Water Pump
NEW: Drive shaft
NEW: Convertible Top (has minor damage to the plastic rear window)




SO, if it looks pretty good in person, should I jump on it or run away. Say I get it for $2k.

[alB5]

jump on it, m42 vert's are pretty rare. Check if the m42 is all up to date with maintenance (chain tensioner, accessory belts, etc...) and check for rust and if the body is straight all over. Looks good imo.

[JUDGE]

Also I plan to put it on coils and find some BBS', as well as go through the whole car if I end up with it.

Im just not sure what a 318i vert 5spd is really worth.

[Dean]

2k is good money, in fact thats about right. It looks tidy, use your gut, if you like it and feel good...it's your money ;)

[Pantless Spency]

2k is a steal thats a great car, of course im not a vert fan, but if you enjoy vert's, thats the bees knees right there.
and no timing belt! much better haha.

[JUDGE]

Awesome thanks, are later models more desirable or the early ones?

[Pantless Spency]

in terms of headlights, bumpers, and the motor. yes very much, also they tend to show less aging due to being younger. i would have gabbed a late model over my early for the same price in a heartbeat, im just a cheap ass.

[JUDGE]

2k is a steal thats a great car, of course im not a vert fan, but if you enjoy vert's, thats the bees knees right there.
and no timing belt! much better haha.

I honestly would rather have a coupe, but I feel like its too good of a deal to not try to get, plus, black on black and 5spd is pretty much what I would want too. I know its no 325, but If I can get it down to $2400-$2000 I feel like I would be getting a decent deal on a place to start.

[Dean]

24v swap M50/M52 would be next step and riding top down, whats not to like. I prefer coupe and just bought a 4 door, and its better than I expected. Worst case you wont lose money buying it, trying it and selling on. I would if I seen it!!! And I'm a track driver!!!

[JUDGE]

So im going to look at it/hopefully get it on Wednesday morning.

Things I learned from the phone call I just ended.

-Interior is good other than drivers seat bolster
-Tranny feels good and clutch doesn't slip.
-Used it to travel 5 hours a day to work as a daily
-Started as sister in laws moms car, went to sister in law, then he bought it.

bad
-Odometer doesnt work (estimates close to 300k)
-the rack and pinion was replaced with a manufacturer default and sometimes leaks and chatters only at 55mph. (said something about the manufacturer will replace (swap) it for free with a new one +$200 for a core??)

Obviously I wont know all the details till I go drive it.

[Pantless Spency]

sounds a little fishy..... talk that sucker down down down for the issues and undetermined mileage... with that many miles your probably going to want to replace a crap ton of suspension bushings, so the rack is right there anyways, check it out talk the dude down super far, make sure theres no rust in battery tray, fenders, anywhere, then purchase and smile.

[JUDGE]

Is it pretty common for the ODO to stop working? Iv'e seen it mentioned a few times. If I could get the car for $1,000. is there any reason to not get it and atleast have a parts car as a worst case scenario?

[Kershaw]

slow.

[Pantless Spency]

Is it pretty common for the ODO to stop working? Iv'e seen it mentioned a few times. If I could get the car for $1,000. is there any reason to not get it and atleast have a parts car as a worst case scenario?

its a very common issue. and if you can get the car for 1k you could part it for more, so not much worries on losing money, someone out there wants this exact car, you may just have to wait if it ends up being a car you want to sell.

[JUDGE]

someone out there wants this exact car, you may just have to wait if it ends up being a car you want to sell.

Hah, thats the thing, I want it!. But being a junior in college I don't have a lot of cash laying around to dump into it at the moment, nor do I have my complete tool collection where I'm staying for school.

Thanks for the help so far though! Hopefully if the body is in good shape on wednesday, Ill take some better pics when it's home in my driveway. ;)

Any other insight is always welcome.