Looking for help on purchasing an e30

[glory]

Been lurking on these forums for a few months now and decided I'd take the plunge and look for an e30 for myself. I am somewhat new to BMWs (been a VW guy for ages) so looking for some help.

When looking at purchasing an e30 what are some key points to look out for?

Is there any major differences between pre-1988 models and 1988+ models besides the face lift?

Any help or recommendations with buying an e30 is greatly appreciated! :pimp:

[e30Villain]

Its an old car its going to have problems(mine is going to be 30 in 3 years).

Don't go into any sale expecting perfection. Best advice i can give you.

[ButtJuice]

Not much difference in early vs. Late models other than appearance, an m20b25 has the same hp in an 87' and in a 91'.


IMO plastic bumpered e30s retain more value.

Be ready to get greasy..

[joncrz]

Off the top of my head I cant remember if cooling system design is split by year (87/88) or by eta/I engine type. Someone else can chime in with an answer?

[Eddie Lives On]

Don't go into any sale expecting perfection. Best advice i can give you.

This is probably the best advice.

And I don't know where you're located but from one Canadian to another, if you have the money, don't buy one from here. You can always change an engine, tranmission, interior, but rust is a fucking pain and the last thing you want.

[glory]

I'm prepared to get greasy haha that's the fun.

Is joncrz correct with the cooling?

Eddie did you import yours? Anyone know the rules /process to properly import one into Canada? A lot more choice in the states / Europe then in Canada.

Sent from the White north with magic

[anabolice30]

Make sure the timing belt and waterpump have been replaced at some point.

[glory]

Make sure the timing belt and waterpump have been replaced at some point.

How often do those need to be replaced?

Since these are older cars, rust is a common thing to come across; any key areas to check for rust?

Do engine swaps (if done properly) increase the value of e30s?

[our guile]

How often do those need to be replaced? Timing belt every 100k, water pump every 50k

Since these are older cars, rust is a common thing to come across; any key areas to check for rust? Battery tray is common, mine has a little on the sunroof

Do engine swaps (if done properly) increase the value of e30s? Depends on who you talk to, I'd say yes.

[agent]

Timing belt every 60K; do the WP while you're there.

Unless you have irrefutable documented proof it's been done in the past year or two, just go ahead and do it. It's not expensive and certainly not a deal-breaker.

[ELVA164]

Cooling systems changed both from the 2.7 to the 2.5 and from the early 2.5 to the later 2.5. All the systems work fine though, so it's kind of a moot point.

[glory]

Thanks for the info!

Its been a long day and not sure why I am not seeing the difference but does anyone have any good comparison pics of euro bumper and tucked bumper?

With regards to plastic bumper conversion it can be done on pre 88 models pretty easily as well it just the rear that's the major problem? (EDIT: I am pretty sure this is the case)

[mkcman17]

I wouldn't even wait until 60k, definitely NOT 100k on a timing belt. It's such a cheap and simple job that I do it every couple years just for peace of mind.

[ELVA164]

Thanks for the info!

Its been a long day and not sure why I am not seeing the difference but does anyone have any good comparison pics of euro bumper and tucked bumper?

With regards to plastic bumper conversion it can be done on pre 88 models pretty easily as well it just the rear that's the major problem? (EDIT: I am pretty sure this is the case)

Euro/chrome:


Tucked:

[mkcman17]

/\ to be fair, m-tech1 on alpinas vs early model on bottlecaps