just a noob seeking advice from the best.

[RainyB]

hey guys! im new here and a noob to e30s. i have done plenty of reading on them though. i am looking at picking one up locally. its a 1989 BMW 325i. the guy selling it told me over the phone that he is the 3rd owner. the previous owner before him was a certified bmw mechanic and the original owners were an old couple from beverly hills. the car has 143k original miles. black original paint with straight body. tan leather interior with some fading due to the sun and its starting to have little stress cracks. odometer works. dash is intact. original working radio. i bought the carfax and everything checks out.

only problem is that the back plastic window is dirty and oxidized yellow and there are two small tears caused by natural wear on the top but it doesnt leak. (did i mention it was a cabrio? )

im told it is 100% mechanically fine. regular maintenance. not a single problem. "its an 100% original bmw" the fellow says. its registered non op since jan of this year. but hes being cool and paying for smog, registration fees, etc.. basically everything to get it back on the road but i just have to pay the $70 for annual registration (when i register it next year). hes asking for $1400.

anyways. im taking a look at the car with the big brother on saturday (and hopefully everything pans out cause ive been searching for a good realistically priced e30.) i was wondering. what are the things i should definitely check before buying this bad girl? ive been looking around the internet, but i cant seem to find a buyers guide that is e30 specific.

i intend on driving it around for a bit before i scrounge more money to replace fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, misc gaskets, distributor cap and rotor, spark plugs, timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, and various seals and plugs. and i want to replace the top! i want to make sure she's solid.

im really excited and i hope everything checks out or that bmw e30 maintenance manual i asked for my kris kringle this year is going to be useless.

thanks in advance guys! and im looking forward to hearing your jedi advice!

[AntiScope]

Check for pubes

[agent]

i intend on driving it around for a bit before i scrounge more money to replace fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, misc gaskets, distributor cap and rotor, spark plugs, timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, and various seals and plugs.

Unless you have documented proof that the TB has been done recently, this is not a good idea. The TB and WP are not expensive nor is it a difficult job, so you'd be well advised to factor those into your purchase budget. You'll want to change the oil and filter right away as well. The rest can be put on hold until you have the funds.

[K1CKBAC]

After you test drive it, check if there are any leaks on the floor. There is a lot more to check for, this is only one thing.

[MoreMayhem]

You should let me take a look at it first ;-)

[CabbE30]

If everything you said is true then there shouldn't be any issues. Check for unusual noises coming from the drivetrain and bearings, that will indicate any major problems. Check for leaks. Also check the fluids and brakes, that will indicate how well he actually cared for it although both are easily fixed.

Welcome & post up pics.

[Vivek]

This should help.

[turge]

Check for pubes

lol

[IAmGary]

Here's my best advice dude:

1) The price you're paying is very low. And one bad owner can undo a lifetime of good maintenance. Expect a neglected car with a dirty engine and in need of basic maintenance. Do yourself a favor and get a Pre Purchase Inspection. It should cost $130 but will be worth it if the car need $2K just to be roadworthy. Find a good independent shop OF YOUR CHOICE and arrange to meet the seller there. If you decide not to buy the car it's customary to share the PPI results with the seller. Anyone who balks at a PPI is not trustworthy.

2) If there are any burned out lights then be cautious. If someone can't be bothered to replace a $2 light then they probably didn't take care of the car. This includes instrument cluster lights (they ALL should light up when you start the car) but to a lesser degree since they are beyond the average person's ability to replace.

3) You can find the Bentley manual on-line, read the first couple of chapters (only takes an hour and you will need this knowledge later) and you will know a lot more about e30s than you do now. Also, try to get out to the Pick N Pull or other auto dismantlers and look at some e30s. Get under the cars, hell take things apart if you want. Look for stuff that's broken, out of place. Try to identify what you're looking at, but also look for cracked hoses, missing bits, look under the cars for leaks and torn bushings etc. Compare cars and you'll begin to see patterns like "this part is always worn out or broken" or "this part is missing from this car but not this other car". This will be very helpful when you go to look at the car so you know what you're looking at.

I think #3 is the best bit of advice. You can't evaluate an e30 if you've never really been under and inside one before. I read about e30s for 2 months before I bought my car and was still not adequately prepared for a curbside inspection - hence suggestion #3.

Good luck!

[AirplaneBuilder]

lol

And make sure the oil pan is not "fixed" with liquid nails that will fall off in 3 days and leak oil all over your driveway.... Dont ask me why i said this.

Just realized this is post #666 for me... oh nooess!!

[cabriodster87]

Buy e30, and love it.

Change all the lubrication fluids, flush brake system, coolant, etc.

[IAmGary]

Buy e30, and love it.

Change all the lubrication fluids, flush brake system, coolant, etc.

... but remember there's more to keeping a car operating safely than changing fluids.

[I*Do*Werke]

Check under the car for rust. Verts tend to rust much faster especially if they have a leaking roof

[markseven]

Take it to E30 MotorWerks for a PPI.

[pandaboo911]

1400 for a late model vert? buy it no matter what lol