1991 325i with 255k miles; will it last?

[Ruskii]

Hi r3v,

Found a clean looking 1991 325i (2dr) with 255k miles. I have never dealt with m20 engines before (or such a high-mileage car; highest I had was 160K) so my question is - how much life is in that m20?

I will not have time to swap engines (got 8-month old son on hands), and I plan to DD the car. Is it worth buying it or should I find a lower-mileage example?

Thanks!

[roznic]

all depends how was driven/maintained and how much $$

[DIIRTY-30]

Chances of finding something lower miles, or with an actual working OD is somewhat slim. As long as its been maintained it can last another 255k. If its been beat or hasn't had proper care done, then maybe not. Best bet is to buy from an enthusiast who takes care of their car, or be prepared to rebuild it yourself.

[Killacortes]

If it's cheap enough I would buy it and do regular maintenance like timing belt. Water Pump. Etc.. Then it should be fit for dd duties

[TurboJake]

This is familiar...

The dependability and longevity of the M20 is right up there with ford 300, and jeep 4.0. I haven't given two shits about how long my engine lasts, I have fun in my car and follow the service intervals. I have had her for 250k now and she recently crossed the 500k mark while pushing her hard on the dragons tail. Thousands of miles away from home. I have never opened up the engine, but that's going to happen sooner than later because she's in pretty good need of valve stem seals.

But no matter what, even if the engine pops. They're super cheap and easy to replace. So all it boils down to is how much they're asking for the car.

[Ruskii]

Thank you all for the contributions. The price may be between $1600-1800. It appears to be in good shape from the pictures (exterior and interior; it is located couple hours away from me). I don't think the car has been abused.

Now, I have changed a headgasket on my 318is before so I am not afraid tearing into m20 if I have to, but I was in college at that time and now I am a father and a husband with full time job = not much time to be rebuilding engines haha.

[Vtec?lol]

This is familiar...

The dependability and longevity of the M20 is right up there with ford 300, and jeep 4.0. I haven't given two shits about how long my engine lasts, I have fun in my car and follow the service intervals. I have had her for 250k now and she recently crossed the 500k mark while pushing her hard on the dragons tail. Thousands of miles away from home. I have never opened up the engine, but that's going to happen sooner than later because she's in pretty good need of valve stem seals.

But no matter what, even if the engine pops. They're super cheap and easy to replace. So all it boils down to is how much they're asking for the car.

Very well put! The m20 has to be one of the best engines ever built by BMW. I'd get a spare head and have it on hand and be set.

Thank you all for the contributions. The price may be between $1600-1800. It appears to be in good shape from the pictures (exterior and interior; it is located couple hours away from me). I don't think the car has been abused.

Now, I have changed a headgasket on my 318is before so I am not afraid tearing into m20 if I have to, but I was in college at that time and now I am a father and a husband with full time job = not much time to be rebuilding engines haha.

Get it. They aren't getting cheaper. If you've done an m42, the m20 can be head swapped in less than half the time. My personal record is 15min. On my old f150 with the 300 6cyl, it took me like 5min max? lol thank God for Under head Cams.

With that many miles, a lot on the car wil have failed and been replaced already. Go over it with a comb and replace things when you can every weekend until she's where you want her.

[gtdragon980]

Very well put! The m20 has to be one of the best engines ever built by BMW. I'd get a spare head and have it on hand and be set.

Next to the m30!

[GillesBigCowboy]

All of mine have broken odos, so no idea how long they have travelled, but whatever... Talk to the owner and see if he has given it some love.... And look for rust underneath (probably the only problem not worth fixing). I think any decent running low rust 5sp e30 under $2k is a bargain... At that price, you can always buy another, and another....

[AndrewBird]

Do a leak down test. That should give you a pretty good idea of how worn the engine is.

[jwalther]

I bought mine last month with 260k and a recently rebuilt top end. I'm pretty sure the rest of the car will turn to rust before the motor gives out.

[Unearth078]

my super eta has 270k miles on it. dosent burn oil at all and has been generally the strongest motor ive had. was owned by a little old woman up until 3 years ago so i could not imagine maintenance being amazing. was also mated to an auto until the same 3 years ago.

[Ruskii]

Well fellas, the car got sold... back to the search grind *sigh*