maintenance question HELP.

[rphan1]

I've been looking to buy an e30 for awhile now, and I was just wondering what are the pros and cons? I mainly was looking into it because the mpg and just the overall look of the car. But I was wondering about the maintenance costs compared to like an american car, or even japanese cars. Any help would be really appreciated.

[bmwguy325is]

Best perk is all the ladies and the apeal of an old awsome car.
As far as parts well they can cost a bit more than an american car. Though they do last longer. If the big stuff break IE trans engine so on its not cheap. However there are pleanty of ussed item out there.
Just buy it quit sitting on the fence.

[rphan1]

Thanks man. Another question that's really got me on the fence is how much should it cost to buy one? I just want one that runs and doesn't have huge mechanical problems. But I don't want to overpay. Basically, what I'm asking is, what's a reasonable price range for a running bmw with little mech problems

[bmwguy325is]

It honestly depends on who is selling the car. I mean some people find an elderly person who bought one and get a clean car for $1000 bucks. Go to NADA.com and look it up. They give the most accurate prices on cars. The highest number is for a car that has no defects IE looks good and drives good. NADA is what the bank and insurance uses to get the value of your car. Well unless its been appraised.

[rphan1]

That nada.com really helped a lot. Thanks for sharing. I was looking to spend about that much on an e30 anyways. now I just need to find one that fits my budget.

[DRTSRFR]

If you're searching Craigslist, dont just search "e30".

I have found enthusiasts will tend to ask more, the average owner won't know what an e30 is, and have no idea when it comes down to actual value.

[rphan1]

I've noticed that haha. Is there anything other than cl? I tend to get the same ads over and over again.

[Mr. Tasty]

just buy mine

[Farwest92]

Check Craiglist often, several times a day if you have the time. A good deal on an e30 will be gone within hours. Have cash on hand, money talks.
NADA.com is pretty accurate. I paid $800 for my 1987 325is and have spent at least $3000 to restore it to it's current roadworthy condition, which is awesome by the way.
Make sure your tool box and mechanical skills are up to the task.
Don't rely on appearance alone, you'll still have to replace all the things.
Just my .02.

[rphan1]

Thanks for your contribution farwest92. I'm a full time student and work fulltime as well. I'm really just looking for a car that can take me from a to b. Appearence is really not my priority. As far as the mechanical skills go, I possess none. I can do little things like change a flat and oil but that's about it. I've been looking at all the DIY's though, I do want to learn to do thing on my own. My budget is around 3,000 so I'm hoping I can just buy a car without too many problems. And work on it as my budget expands. Thanks for the .02 that really puts how much I'm going to spend into perspective.

[Mr. Tasty]

OT, but you going to ASU?

[rphan1]

Yeah, downtown campus.

[Mr. Tasty]

oh thats cool. my girlfriend goes there for a couple classes. I go to poly.



There are a couple E30's up in the craigslist. Pretty much all early model eta's, but there was a pretty slick late model that was on there for 2500, I texted him if it was still up for sale but he/she never replied.

I recently picked my e30 up (early model 325e zinno)three months ago for only 2600$. It's extremely clean (flawless paint/ leather interior) and runs perfectly. Just keep looking.


edit: also I would recrommend joining azbmw.org

[Vivek]

If your budget is 3k, and you're a student with no cash sitting around and no other car to keep you going (unless you do then ignore this), buy one for around 2k.

[rphan1]

yeah, i had my eyes set on an 89-91 but it seems like its really hard to find out here. i just dont like the diving boards. i think i saw that same e30 for 2500, i also called him but no reply as well. oh well, the search continues.....