What to look for when getting an E30.

[Vivek]

Thank you so much everyone, the replies have been very informative. I am currently still looking. But like mentioned, good E30s are hard to find. Now the ones around here only have automatic transmission.

Would it be hard to get the transmission swapped at a shop? How much would it cost since I know I will never be able to do something like this any time in the near future.

Why are you looking at buying a project car and then talking about taking it to a shop? I got into e30's knowing nothing about working on cars. I wouldn't suggest starting with a transmission swap right off the bat, but any car you buy is gonna need stuff like engine maintenance and a suspension overhaul, which are good and largely straightforward projects to start with.

[ParsedOut]

honestly it's not hard to find a manual e30,think they sold more manual then auto lol.

But don't buy an auto unless it's super clean and super good deal, it's a simple swap but it's really just worth finding one that's already manual unless your doing the swap yourself for cost or again you get a deal you can't say no to.

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+1

[FLG]

Honestly it's not hard to find a manual e30,think they sold more manual then auto Lol.

But don't buy an auto unless it's super clean and super good deal, it's a simple swap but it's really just worth finding one that's already manual unless your doing the swap yourself for cost or again you get a deal you can't say no to.

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[DahaiTX]

Thank you so much everyone, the replies have been very informative. I am currently still looking. But like mentioned, good E30s are hard to find. Now the ones around here only have automatic transmission.

Would it be hard to get the transmission swapped at a shop? How much would it cost since I know I will never be able to do something like this any time in the near future.

[ParsedOut]

if you're taking an E30 to a "high end german shop" for a $400 timing belt kit, either you have enough money that you don't care, or you shouldn't have an E30.

Not saying it's smart, but the prices are accurate(ish) based on that guys angle.

[nando]

None of those prices are crazy if you're talking labor included, especially high end german shop labor like he suggests.

if you're taking an E30 to a "high end german shop" for a $400 timing belt kit, either you have enough money that you don't care, or you shouldn't have an E30.

[ST1G]

I like to look for plastic bumpers.

[ParsedOut]

Are you saying that $400 (including labor) for a timing belt is expensive?

None of those prices are crazy if you're talking labor included, especially high end german shop labor like he suggests.

[Javier h]

^ $500 for brakes and $400 for a timing belt? on what planet?

Are you saying that $400 (including labor) for a timing belt is expensive?

[jeffnhiscars]

^ $500 for brakes and $400 for a timing belt? on what planet?

Although there is some useful info there, If I had to hazard a guess....Ur-anus !

[ParsedOut]

These what I've got from internet, hope it helps :

BMW's are no harder to work on then other cars, but repair shops love to overcharge you just because you have a German car.
...
BMW are special cars that need special attention from certified BMW shops or highly recommended local shops that specialize in high end cars. Using an automotive repair "chain" or a "mom and pop" mechanic can be murder on BMW's.

Holy contradictory Batman!

There is nothing special about BMWs, if you can get dirty you can maintain them just as easily and inexpensively as any other 25 year old car. Get a prepurchase inspection done if you're not confident in your own ability to find weaknesses. In the rustbelt, rust is a big deal. It pays to look at everything that is rubber and inspect the condition, all bushings, boots and belts. Does the steering wheel shake when you hit the brakes, those are your control arm bushings, almost always worn out.

Service history is good if you are lucky enough to have it, otherwise you'll need to use your own methods of deduction to determine if the car has been maintained. Big chrome wheels, a 12" subwoofer flopping around in the trunk and flame seat covers are a warning to run away.

A clean, STOCK E30 with no apparent maintenance issues is about the best you can hope for.

[Bearmw]

You could always buy a basket case and resto-mod it but you will pay. You will pay...with time and money. Did I say that again? What are your goals and mechnical aptitude? The bottom line is how much are you willing to work on it and how much money you have to put into it? As has been said many times before, get the nicest one that has the most things you already want on it. Rust is the number one problem.

[KIRIEIW]

What to look for when getting an E30.

Check if every panel has the same vin number as the car. If the hood and 2 fenders have been replaced there's a chance of frame damage and/ or the radiator supports been tweaked. I Checked out 2 cars with with some sort of front end damage and the body ship did a crap job, otherwise appearing clean from the outside

[bmoores]

The one thing I would say is that even if you find a good car be prepared to spend money on maintenance. Some preventative and some out of necessity. These cars will be very rewarding with proper care and maintenance but they also require steady maintenance as well as having issues addressed as they creep up ........ which is most cases will be frequently.

[ky0u]

Steering rack $ 500
Control arms $ 500
Driveshaft $ 800
Radiator $ 250
Brakes $ 500
SI Board $ 250
Timing belt $ 400
Battery $ 100
Clutch $ 800
Various electronics $ 0-1,000
Auto Transmission $ 1,000

Are these including labor for work at a garage?
I got my steering rack for $200, brakes $120 for rotors and $30 for pads, clutch for $150.