Mileage

[Jbarsuglia]

Im looking at getting my first E30 1986 325es. Everything is in perfect condition the only thing that concerns me is it has 222,xxx miles. And ive heard that, that isnt bad for BMW's and also heard that is terrible. Is that bad mileage?

Thanks

[lambo]

Depends on how well it was maintained. My E30 has 240,xxx and it is on the original M20 and it runs strongly.

[e30jake]

I would trust a well-maintained car with 220k more than one with 120k that has been trashed

[Vivek]

Honestly, 150k and 250k e30's are gonna need basically the same things if it hasn't already been done.

[2mAn]

a compression test will answer that question

[Jbarsuglia]

What's a compression test. I feel stupid asking that.

[e30jake]

Pull the spark plug and stick a compression gauge in its place. Crank the car and read the gauge. Do on all 6 cylinders. Check the results vs the factory compression specs. Some auto parts stores might rent you a compression gauge for a few bucks.

[Jbarsuglia]

And that will tell you if the engine is still running strong.

[mrcheezle19]

Yes, you will want all the numbers to be around the same (very close) and matching or close to the factory compression specs.

[mkcman17]

I have bought a few e30s and never even thought about mileage so long as they drove like an e30 should. Then again I do my own work on them and parts are cheap.

[Kershaw]

my ix has 250k on the odo and according to carfax the odometer was broken for at least 7 years. most likely 350k+. at higher mileage you'll definitely run into issues, but that doesnt make it any less of a viable car. just make sure you fully check the car out.

[F34R]

234k on my engine and 167k on the shell. All depends on how it was cared for, the M20 will go FOREVER! my first e30 went to 450+ (tach broke at 450 and I drove it many years after that). Body rusted away.

IMO the body is all that matters.

[Apex37]

I have over 255,xxx and the m20 runs great. If they are maintained an over 200,xxx mile m20 is fine.

[RobDog]

My Family are Addicted to e30's lol. We own 7 e30's and a 525i e39. All the cars run great except for our project car. It may run great, but I just have not had the time to play with yet. I Just got done doing 5 timing belt and waterpump changes. My brothers car with 370,000 miles still pulls hard all the way to 5K and is the fastest of all our ETA's.His car does not smoke and still purrs with all of those miles, M20 are Amazing!

1)84 318i = 310,000 mi (mom) -------5)87 325is = 155,000 mi (project)
2)85 325e = 183,000 mi (sister)------ 6)87 325is = 215,000 mi (dad)
3)86 325es = 243,000 mi (my baby) ---7)89 325i = 240,000 mi (my new baby)
4)87 325es = 370,000 mi (brother) ----8)still looking for more E30s, need bmw rehab

[dougie30]

change the timing belt. do a valve adjustment. then drive.