What to look for?

[AlexS]

I've wanted an e30 for awhile now, and I think that I finally found one that will work for me. I called the insurance company today and found out that it's no more expensive to insure than my current car. I can afford it.

I'm looking at an '86 325i. It's a lower mileage example, and it's advertised to be in good shape. Seems to be a good price, and it's a 4 door which is good for the insurance and friends.

I haven't spoken to the seller yet, but when I do, what should I ask? A few things I will ask right away are about the clutch and timing belt. Rust is another biggie where I live, so I will look into that. Where are these cars most prone to rust?

It may seem silly to be consulting the forum without even speaking to the seller, but I now know what insurance will cost, so I know that I can get one now. If it's not this one, it will probably be another.

Lastly, it's an I, and I would love to have the sport seats and nicer steering wheel in the car. How difficult is it to change those items? I thought I read that an IS interior swaps right in. Is this true? I'm reasonably handy with tools, but inexperienced. All I have done on my current car is removed the door panels etc. to replace my speakers.

Thanks!

[Jparkr]

dude...feature is your friend.

as for the seats and wheel. its so easy a caveman could do it.

[B0ND]

First off, you might want to contact the seller and make sure it's an 'i'. They did not make a 1986 325i, so either he's confused, or he did a motor swap.

There are buyer's guides available online either on this forum or elsewhere, try a google search. The buyer's guide should be able to tell you the main things to look for.

[Jean]

Take this with a grain of salt if you want, but I hope you don't make a mistake.

1st - get the facts on the car, is it really an i ?
2nd - get some history on the car, any records ?
3rd - go and look at it, don't feel pressured into buying it on the spot just because you want it or like it as it might bite you in the butt in the long run...

Some of the things I would look at in no particular order if you don't have records of them being serviced or replaced etc...

- cluster and all of its functions
- shocks (blown/bent/leaking?)
- engine and transmission making any noises?
- clutch and the master/slave cylinders (miless, when was it replaced?)
- bushings (engine, tranny, control arm, upper front and rear shock bushings)
- shift lever, any grinding, huge amount of play/wear ?
- cooling system, check the coolant color!
- engine oil, check under the valve cover
- heater core connected, not leaking?
- a/c blowing cold, not leaking ?
- power steering, no noises, not leaking ?
- cv joints ok, not split ?
- diff not making any grinding or whinning noises?
- lack of rust, check the trunk area also not just the cabin areas.

also keep this in mind too
- what is your goal with the car ? are you ok with big metal bumpers and do you understand how big of a pita it would be if you were to swap them to plastics or how $$$ it would be to go with euro bumpers/hardware? maybe keep looking for an 88+ car instead?


more visual things to check but shouldn't be a deal breaker imho
- dash cracks
- glove box / lock
- bumper strips, side markers
- exhaust


things that don't really matter as much as the above as it's easy to replace imho

- seat wear, door panels, bumper strips or even bumpers
- brake rotors and pads
- exhaust
- tint
- stereo / speakers
- headlights or tails

[M42Technik]

dude...feature is your friend.

as for the seats and wheel. its so easy a caveman could do it.

ROAST DUCK!!! MANGO SALSA!!!

[87Blue325iC]

Seats and steering wheel are so easy to take out I usually yank them everytime I clean the interior.