Should I Buy

[SmallDave]

Been looking for about a month, this is going to be a long term project, so the only thing I'm really worried about is the rust. Does this look worse than is worth the work? 1985 bmw 325e

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/4891023378.html

[rturbo 930]

Really need to see the underside to be able to say. The rust in the pic though is really very minimal... but there's always more than you think.

[SmallDave]

Thanks for the respone. He mentioned in an email it has some rust where the spair tire is, and starting to bubble around a rear wheel well. I wanted to repaint the car eventually, I just want to make sure it's something that isn't terminal.

[Stanley Rockafella]

Really need to see the underside to be able to say. The rust in the pic though is really very minimal... but there's always more than you think.

+1

just because the seller says it's his "summer" car, doesn't mean it wasn't drivin in winter by it's PO's.

And yes, even my fresh lookin e30 doesn't show hardly any rust until you start opening things (doors, removing carpets, inspecting underneath etc.)

[SmallDave]

If I go and look at it, what are some signs it is beyond relative repair

[Chessmaster]

If only you were closer yoy could buy one of mine.

[SmallDave]

I'll come get it! I'll send you a PM... oh, Texas is pretty far

[brads2002]

quick observation, it is idleing way too high.

[BillBrasky]

quick observation, it is idleing way too high.

That much closer to the 4500 rpm redline!

[Stanley Rockafella]

If I go and look at it, what are some signs it is beyond relative repair

Bring a good body man with you for the inspection (while it's on the hoist). He'll tell you what it's gonna cost to fix the rust and you can decide if you still want it.

[dogze30]

try looking for an is model

[SmallDave]

I would definitely prefer an is!

[cwatt]

@Brads2002 - Hawk eyes! Nice.

OP -

Cons - there are a few strikes against it. Rust is the obvs one, cracked dash, seat fabric torn, it's an early model.

Pros - body seems good, even weather-strips from what can be seen, seats will look great with a good clean, and that tear is from failed stitching and can be repaired. Sport buckets are also nice. Nothing funky in the engine bay.


Final thoughts:

Those 2.7s are an excellent basis for a head-swap and 2.8L+ conversion, so depending what your plans are, it could work for you. My first e30 was an early model e and it was awesome around the city. Not so much fun winding out the engine on coastal roads. If early model styling doesn't bother you, and the rust story isn't terrifying, it looks like it could be a good buy. Gut feeling though, $2500 is a good price but not bargain of the century.

[TimKninja]

Look in the front wheel wells,where the strut tower meets the body on the firewall Front floorboards , rear floorboards. Near where the rear subframe bolts up. these are all pretty terminal areas.