What to look for when shopping for an E30

[Ave_travolta]

Hello all,

Brand new to the forums as well as brand new to the BMW game.
Sure this has been asked/posted on but couldn't find anything on my iphone when searching through the threads. I'm looking to purchase a sound running, clean BMW from 89-92 in the next two months and want to know what I should be looking for when I'm buying! What are the typical issues, whats important to address right away? I want to get one already running obviously but would love one that already has had a lot of TLC and it could keep in great condition myself.

Anyways, again first post, brand new. Moderator please move this topic if needed but yeah I look forward to all of your input and knowledge in helping me tame a wild beast.

[estoguy]

Over at Bimmerforums, there is a good buying guide in their E30 subforum in the stickies. Another good one is on the rtsauto website, translated from a German one. The RTS one is http://www.rtsauto.com/e30-bmw-buyin...d-from-german/

Big thing if you're getting an M20 E30 is timing belt. If there is no solid evidence of this being done in the last 90,000 km, do it ASAP.

With cars this age, rust could be an issue - since you're in Kalifornia, hopefully not.

[heatmakerz]

^This. Bimmerforums has an extensive write up for new potential buyers of e30's. Very informative.

[Nesset]

Rust. Rust and mis-matched rear tires LOL

-Nesset