Common things to look for when buying an E30

[ChadtheRad]

Hey R3vlimited,
I am new to the E30 market and am going to check out a 1991 325i tomorrow. What are some common things to watch out for when shopping for an E30? If there are any current threads about this topic a link would be great! Any comments and help are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
ChadtheRad

[audiquattrot]

Rust is the only thing that scares me w these cars.

Rust under battery tray, license plate lights, behind the front wheel well, rockers.

[RUFFLZ]

derp

[Cletonius]

"Why are you selling this car?"

[lambo]

"Why are you selling this car?"

This is a very good question.

Check when the timing belt was done, also.

[Vivek]

"Why are you selling this car?"

I always ask this and rarely get a real answer.

@OP, basically RUFFLZ's link sums everything up. Also try to get receipts for stuff. I feel like people throw around stuff like "rebuilt engine" so lightly on a car that they have listed for like 2k...no clue how many actually have rebuilt engines.

[canadiankid]

If the timing belt is done you can be sure they have proof. Ie if they dont have proof, it wasnt done. Learned that the hard way. Just did mine and waterpump and they were NOT 20xxxkm old.

[Kozworth]

Def the rust issue is common enough, and the main places are listed.

-Check trunk. Does it smell mouldy? Is there water marks on the carpet?
-Look to see if the block/trans/dif is "wet" w/ oil
-When driving let go of the wheel. Does it pull?
-Check tires. Are they rotted? Unevenly worn?
-Check the Cel bulb to be there. Also, all power components (windows, locks, mirrors).

These are just some minor things, but if you skimp over them and notice itl just set you back on what you want to do w/ your bmw

[lambo]

Check if the odo is broken, as well.

[ChadtheRad]

Thanks for all the help, I read the buyers guide thoroughly as well. It is a Southern California car so rust shouldn't be a problem (but I am definitely going to still look for it). So far the exterior of the car looks mint from all of the pictures the owner has sent me. On top of that I am bringing my BMW mechanic to come check the car out as well. As for the timing belt I read that this was the one thing that should be the center of my concern engine wise. Along with double checking that the Odometer still works.

Fingers crossed that everything checks out and I can be a proud owner of my first E30!

[Vivek]

Couple things I learned the hard way:
Never believe that nothing leaks. Look really fucking carefully. Also e30's have no adjustment in the rear for alignment, i think my dad's (formerly mine) red e30 needs new trailing arm bushings but i'm honestly not even sure.

[MonkeyMadness]

Blood in the trunk....



I tend to walk away from those cars....

[george graves]

It depends on what your plans are with the car. I bought my car as a daily driver that I knew I would slowly mod. So I needed something semi-reliable, just I didn't need everything perfect, knowing that I would "upgrade" almost everything(and since then have).

If you're more of a guy that wants something near ready - something that is more turn key...well that's a different car.

Most important is to know if you want a 2 or 4 door. Early or Late. And color. Everythign else can be changed.

There is also a mileage on these cars when a lot of stuff needs replacement (pads/rotors/caliper, muffler, suspention, ect.) - Sometimes it's smarter to buy a car that has 150k with all that replaced, then a 120k car that will be needing all that stuff done soon. You could easily save a few thousand that way.

Just my 2 cents.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

Any and all clunking is bad and can be expensive

[lolcantturn]

I'm wondering if you can bring an E30 to a BMW dealership and get your shit inspected there......costs about $150, or is that just plain retardedz?