85' Eta for my girl?

[Threehz]

Found a possible E30 for my girl. 1985 325e, 114k on it, runs well, shifts well, taken very good care of.

Completely stock except for exhaust, and it has M5 16" chrome wheels on it, keyless entry/startup, sadly it has a viper alarm system, could be worse though.

No rust, AZ car.

Only thing is the clutch pedal and shifting felt very different from my 318is. The shift lever felt pretty loose, could this just need a new boot? It shifted fine and didn't pop out or anything. Also the clutch pedal on my 318 is very smooth same pressure the whole way down, this one was looser, pretty firm up until you hit the release point then it pretty much went all the way down fast. Is this just adjustment or something else?

Anyhow looking for some advice, seems like a good car, low miles, not very molested. He has a whole bunch of spare parts, Chilton manual as well as a hardcover copy of the Bentley manual, carpet is immaculate, leather sports seats in pretty poor condition but that's not a big issue.

He originally asked 4,000 for it but is willing to negotiate, I know we could definitely get it for 3,800 easy.

What do you guys think/advice?

And no bashing on the ETA please, not looking for a toy or track car, but a reliable dd for my GF and she loves the E30's, and now loves this car.

[JasonC]

Wow, sounds like its WAY over priced...

[lambo]

wow, sounds like its way over priced...

+1

[Cabriolet]

i had an 86 325ES. it was a killer DD. the shift carriage in the older cars is crap. it used a metal plate that breaks and the mounts wear out. making it get stuck in gear. it can be swapped out for a late model carriage.
personally really not a fan of the 84-85 etas, they are just difficult, imo. but 4000 is WAY too much. you can get a 88-89 325is for that price, with same millage. i would not give a cent more than what i sold my perfect condition ES for. $2700 tops!

[MaksV]

I am thinking to the tune of 1000-1500 bucks.

[CW325]

Wow, sounds like its WAY over priced...

this

[urbancynic]

Sounds way over priced for having shoddy interior. I would have sold my 86 es with very good interior, perfect paint and ALL maintenance done for 3k. Unfortunately I don't have it anymore or I'd sell it to you for your girl.

Can you post pictures though?

[TexasTerp]

It sounds to me that you will need to replace all of the shift bushings and the carrier. That will make a world of difference and tighten up the shifter.

The clutch pedal sounds like it could be a few things. You may need a new master or slave cylinder. You could also very well need a new clutch!

If you don't do any work on these cars yourself, which it sounds like you don't, I would take it to a reputable shop and have them inspect the master/slave cylinders and get their opinion.

Overall, that car isn't worth a penny over $2700. The "upgrades" on the car only devalue it further and don't let the seller try and convince you otherwise. I would rip out that alarm system and get rid of those chrome m5 wheels asap. The exhaust is irrelevant unless its something like a Supersprint but I doubt this guy spent more than a few hundred bux on it.

Edit: btw, that Chilton Manual isn't worth the paper it's printed on. The Bentley however is the bible.

[TurboJake]

1/4 the price. Then consider it.
You can get a MUCH better car on here for those cajones.

[illest318i]

Wow, sounds like its WAY over priced...

Agree

[Threehz]

This was my original thought. Before I ever looked at it I told my girl it better be spotless and perfect if we're going to spend close to 4k for it. Thanks for all the input, I don't think he will drop down to a low enough price to make it worth it.

On to the next one :)

[RondoAcapriccio]

the 325e is a GREAT car.. but make sure she understands that its not the fastest on the block...

Anyway the car is easy on maintenance... good mpg.. reliable.

How ever for 4k.. you better be getting some RS's and a recent paint job.

[Threehz]

Speed isn't what she needs, and I think it'll feel like a vette to her after the old tahoe. The paint is pretty much immaculate. The only thing I disliked is the alarm system and I know it'd be a PITA to remove.

[Cabriolet]

Speed isn't what she needs, and I think it'll feel like a vette to her after the old tahoe. The paint is pretty much immaculate. The only thing I disliked is the alarm system and I know it'd be a PITA to remove.

I cant believe you are still considering it. srsly its OVER PRICED! look at another car.

[Threehz]

Don't worry Cabby I by no means have my heart set on this car. I just like to keep options open, I'm in no hurry. I'm going to investigate the clutch/shift lever more and let the guy know that we won't pay more then three for it.

We still have to sell her truck to pay for a new bimmer anyhow.

Wish there was as many E30's here as there are on the west coast.