Need some help: 325 iX

[Silence*]

Alright, so the time has come for me to move on and find a late model e30. Now I'm not the smartest tool in the shed, so I thought I'd ask a few questions here. So, availible to me are two e30's: A 1990 325i and a 1988 325iX. Both are around the same price, both are black, both are 5 speeds and both are sedans.

Now I don't really know much about iX's, And I'm worried that if I rush into buying one without knowing whats ahead of me or what I should look for, I could wind up buying a moneypit.

So could you guys help me out and tell me what I should look for - like major problem areas and such? Also a little info on iX's wouldn't hurt. Thanks!

[kellie]

There are definitely a few important things to look for. They're GREAT cars, but if you aren't mechanically inclined, don't even consider it. If you paid someone to work on the car, it'd be very, very, very expensive to own. Judging by your member title, I'm assuming you're willing to get your hands dirty. :)

When you go look at the car, crawl underneath and look at the tranny and transfer case. Don't be surprised if they're covered in grease. When I bought my iX, it needed a new output shaft seal and a shift shaft seal. The output shaft seal was leaking so badly that if I parked the car for 5 minutes, it would leave a puddle. Fixing it is a fairly straight forward one day job if you have a lift, but you have to pull the transfer case. It's a good time to install a short shifter though.

The whine is normal. When I first drove the iX, I was concerned about the whine, but now that I've changed all of the fluids, fixed the leaks and driven it a lot, I've learned what's normal and what isn't. It shouldn't be super, super loud, but it is noticeable.

Check the CV boots. Actally feel them with your hands and make sure they aren't starting to crack. Mine finally tore after 2000 miles of owning the car, and I haven't tackled the job of replacing them yet, but when I do, I'll let you know...assuming you buy this car.

I'm not really sure what else to look for. The problems I listed are problems I've encountered with my car that are really specific to the iX. Be warned that it is noticeably slower than a RWD model, but it's so worth it. I'm an AWD car nut though. There are a whole bunch of websites dedicated to iXs. Do a Google serch and you'll find some cool stuff.

http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhix/iX/

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/thebmw325ixclub/

[Silence*]

Kellie, how many miles does your iX have? The one I was talking about has 317,000miles on it!

[kellie]

Holy moly...

Mine only has 157,000 and is running strong. If you're serious about the car, I'd find a spare trans and transfer case and keep them around for emergencies. That's what I did. It's big and heavy and takes up room in my garage, but it's worth it for the peace of mind.

[Silence*]

Well, I think I'm gonna stick to my RWD models. I don't have any room in my garage for a transfer case, let alone a transmission. Thanks for your help though!