IM going to purchase/Buy my first e30... What do I need to look for specifically?

[Ben-Man]

1st off, I AM experienced car buyer and Im very mechanically inclined. I, of course, know the basicis to look for. My question for you expierenced e30 guys are there any BMW/E30 norms to look for? Any and everything can help... This is also my first BMW.. Thanks..

[ejnight]

Records!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AT-JeffT]

Rust!

[Sagaris]

Radials!!

[slaterd]

leaks

[BoxDriver86]

Main things:
1. Has the water pump/timing belt combo been done in the last 60K?
2. Do you notice any oil leaks around the pan, or towards the front of the transmission bellhousing?
3. Excessive rear end whine?
4. Damage to the rear shock mounts?

All of these are fixable and not that expensive to replace nor hard to fix. These are just indicators on whether or not the car was well maintained.

As far as rust goes, feel around the carpet for wet spots around the pedals and in driver and passenger footwells. There may also be some rust around the battery tray area if the sunroof drains are clogged or the taillight gaskets are leaking.

I think there is a buyer guide out there...but I can't remember where. Hope that helps.

[DrJosh]

Cocaine.

[warmseth]

Cocaine.

lul

[Ninz30]

Main things:
1. Has the water pump/timing belt combo been done in the last 60K?
2. Do you notice any oil leaks around the pan, or towards the front of the transmission bellhousing?
3. Excessive rear end whine?
4. Damage to the rear shock mounts?

All of these are fixable and not that expensive to replace nor hard to fix. These are just indicators on whether or not the car was well maintained.

As far as rust goes, feel around the carpet for wet spots around the pedals and in driver and passenger footwells. There may also be some rust around the battery tray area if the sunroof drains are clogged or the taillight gaskets are leaking.

I think there is a buyer guide out there...but I can't remember where. Hope that helps.

Agree. Check the trunk where the battery sits. Ive seen some with rust holes right through the body. Of course its good to remove the oil filler cap and check what you can see.

[Isostar13]

"1. Has the water pump/timing belt combo been done in the last 60K?"

I think it's 60k or 6 years, right? So if it was done only 10k ago, but that was nearly 5 1/2 years ago, ask for the discount.

[BrownBeanE30]

timing belt is the first thing you should worry about
2nd is any oil leaks
3rd depends on where the car has been most of its life the rust issue :)
4th check if the car runs good and has no idling issues

[hotballs]

If you're in Europe, make sure it has a large hatch towards the rear.

[Vtec?lol]

Read the issues throughout this entire forum. Research the issues we all experience and I guarantee you will be one experienced E30 buyer.

Nothiing like buying a car knowing exactly what's all wrong with it and knowing how much you're going to spend.

[Nick_S]

Read over this. I printed it and took it with me when I looked at mine aswell as other issues I found from this site.

http://bmwnut.blogspot.com/2007/02/e30-bmw-3-series-pre-purchase-checklist.html

[Pac1373]

Rust!

ummm Hmmm