New to E30's

[BigGreg]

Hey guys! I am new to E30's. I don't even own one yet. But I've been watching the spec E30 scene and thought it would be cool to get into an E30.

I've been lurking around for a few months and I'm waiting for the right deal to come along. An older guy at my work is selling a 1984 318i 5spd coupe for $1500. It has 229k on the odo before it quit working. He said the motor was rebuilt right before he bought it and he's had the car for 5 years and has only put about 8k miles on her.

I took her for a test drive and she seems to run fairly well. She was idling rough until she warmed up. The power steering whines as you turn the wheel as well.

What do you guys think? Is this a descent starter to the E30 world? My BMW buddy says move along until I find a 325is. But the car kinda grew on me. I'm scared to get in to deep with a junker but I figure for $1500 she is worth the gamble?

[Massimo]

Welcome. I am not sure what motor the US 318i had? Ff it is the M42, the ruff idle could be a vacume leak, but that would be consistent weather it is hot or cold. Could also be a ICV (Idle Control Valve), bit of a pain to get to it is between the head and the firewall One part of the hose connects the cam cover and the other to the intake boot.

Basically take it out, spray inside it with WD40 a good dose, then put back on. If that dose not help it then it would most likely be the AFM should be able to get a cheap second hand on of those somewhere.

I personally like the small engine very zippy and compared to the 325 you can throw the car into corners more. I would have to ask if you willing to do repairs your self. While these cars are very rewarding and fun to drive, there is almost always something to fix if it has not come from a BMW fanboy, if you take it to the mechanic to get it fixed you will soon find that it is to expensive to maintain. While doing repairs your self is relativily cheap and self rewarding.

[bernzpeed]

Welcome! It should be a good starter for you. Good gas mileage as well. Check for vacuum leaks from hoses and clean the ICV, AFM, and replace the air filter.

Power steering might need more fluid and/or replace the belt. It's fairly easy to maintain an E30 so it would be a good "investment." Lol. It's the money pit. Coz after your get it running and go through this forum everyday, you will find more and more mod/stuff to put in your car.

Welcome to the world of ingenuity!

[BrownBeanE30]

Welcome bro :)

[o2sys]

Hi, hope I'm not hijacking your thread, just didnt want to start a new one.

I'm looking to buy a e30 vert and bit confused about the market price.

Used price by webistes (IE: Edmunds.com) value the car at $1500 Retail with 150k and average shape but when I'm shopping around you see them more on the $2500~5000 range.

What is this price gap? Sentimental values? lol

[Conki]

A 1984 318i has the M10 engine.

[BigGreg]

Thanks for the warm welcome.