Need opinions on possible E30 buy

[CincinnatiKid]

Alright guys I need some opinions on this E30 I'm looking at. It's an '87 325is with about 88K on it, odometer quit working and carfax has 80K at last date registered. Owner says he has replaced timing belt and some other parts on the motor and claims the only thing wrong with it is the clutch release bearing is going out. The body is in good shape, no rust cause it was in florida for most of its life, but the paint on the hood has oxidized pretty well, and the passanger taillight has a crack in it. Interior is ok, not great, driver's seat is pretty well work with rips. I offered him 1800 for it you guys think this is a good deal or is it too high of a price? TIA.

[ethree]

I'm always suspicious of faulty odometers that being said do drivers seats generally wear heavily in 88k miles of use? does he have records or just says the t-belt was done recently?

[Jean]

I am going to have to say one thing. Don't buy a car without records unless you plan on fixing things down the road to make it right. /end.

tail light is a cheap fix, they are about 30-50 for a good used light.
no rust is good, paint might buff out if it's single stage w/o clear coat.

How does it drive ? When was the last time cooling system was flushed ? Brakes ? Suspension ? Passed smog ?

Other than that , not a bad price for an 87 325is.

[ncgneto]

Florida car? Check for rust on the sunroof. Mine was all the way rusted when i took off the headliner. E30's are easy to roll back mileage. Carfax it

[CincinnatiKid]

Florida car? Check for rust on the sunroof. Mine was all the way rusted when i took off the headliner. E30's are easy to roll back mileage. Carfax it

Last carfax entry was a few years ago and it says 88K for odometer, it's been sitting for a while too

[DarkWing6]

even if the odo is wrong or has been rolled, $1800 for a clean 87 325is is a good price. have it checked out before buying, but i'd probably go for it.

[CincinnatiKid]

How hard is installing a new clutch kit on an E30, I've done it on Jeeps before.

[Julien]

How hard is installing a new clutch kit on an E30, I've done it on Jeeps before.

not too hard, i'd say a good weekend's work.

[markseven]

It may be worth it to you in the long run to have a reputable independent shop inspect the car.

[JK_E30]

How hard is installing a new clutch kit on an E30, I've done it on Jeeps before.

Unless you have access to a lift, from experience I would suggest pulling engine and tranny to do the new clutch. Doesnt take too much longer and is a hell of a lot easier to get at the bolts on the bell housing.

Like stated above, good weekends work.

Good luck.

[einstein57]

check all the rubber eg weather seals, suspension bushings, hoses, cab, etc. Can add up quickly and take a full weekend to replace.