My first E30

[mmurch03]

Well, I don't think I can post pics...so I'll upload a photo to photobucket. Here's the deal:

It's a 1984 318i with original engine and 5 speed transmission. I picked it up for $1000. Here are the details that I know so far:

- It is mostly original save for an aftermarket exhaust, short throw shifter and speakers + radio.
- It has some rust, but it is not tooooo bad (maybe $3000 in body work needed if I don't try it myself).
- The paint is in horrible condition (many scratches and crap)
- It needs new rims, but I want some bottlecaps like the ones on it.
- It runs very well
- It has a cracked dash
- Odometer doesn't work (I didn't notice until driving it home)
- New clutch
- New radiator
- Bunch of other misc things like wires and hoses and plugs are new
- Very clean interior and aftermarket leather seat covers
- Original driver seat needs replacement

Please let me know that I did the right thing buying this car, I have had mixed emotions since driving it home 600+ miles from New York State. I want to make it into a fun daily driver or weekend date car with the wife.

Here's a pic, my wife made me pose for this: http://imgur.com/rYuST.jpg

[5spoke]

you look uncomfortable.

[mmurch03]

I was. :)

[chadthestampede]

To post a photo just put the url in between [img] [/img]




Otherwise, where in ny did you buy it?

How many miles?

Pretty sure no one's odometer works and everyone has a cracked dash, so that's no big deal.

It's a good first e30 though and you'll likely have a lot of fun with it.

[chadthestampede]

Also, look up Jean's threads in the project forum, he has probably the nicest '84 318i I've ever seen, just to get an idea of potential for your car.

[mmurch03]

Thanks, I picked it up near Rochester NY. I think, because I am not sure, there are a little over 155,000 (according to the seller) the odometer stopped around 144,000 and carfax didn't report a broken odometer and it was sold to the previous owner a little less than 3 years ago.

[mmurch03]

Also, look up Jean's threads in the project forum, he has probably the nicest '84 318i I've ever seen, just to get an idea of potential for your car.

I can only say 'WOW'. Thanks.

[Tbolt]

To post a photo just put the url in between [img] [/img]




Otherwise, where in ny did you buy it?

How many miles?

Pretty sure no one's odometer works and everyone has a cracked dash, so that's no big deal.

It's a good first e30 though and you'll likely have a lot of fun with it.

confirmed

[chadthestampede]

I can only say 'WOW'. Thanks.

Check out Japandrew73's car too. I would have mentioned his in the first post but I didn't realize it was an '84 as well. Super clean pure OEM hotness. And I mean pure.

[pureaudio]

I just sold an 84 318i for $1000 that seems to be pretty similar to yours. Not a steal but fair market value I would say. Be careful, it was the gateway for me. I bought 2 more after I picked it up.

[RainierHooker]

Good luck with that thing. Be carefull though, one e30 quickly turns into several...

[lowbrow1]

Hunt for rust my friend!!!!

[mmurch03]

Thanks everyone, where should I be hunting? I looked where the spare is and it looks brand new. Where should I be looking? It looks like the worst of it is around the wheel wells and around the license plate mount holes. Is this normal? Is it EXPENSIVE to fix? Is it something someone with little experience can do? Thanks for all the replys so far, this forum is great I've been here a while before registering.

[mmurch03]

I can tell you guys, I'm learning a lot from this ugly little bastard. So far it's a love/hate relationship. It needs a suspension overhaul, and the kid that owned it 'fixed' the exhaust with effing TAPE. I'll be learning about those two jobs in the near future! For now, it sounds like a diesel, and I'm trying to figure out how to get the timing right and make sure the fuel/air mixture is right. I've played with the IVR so far and it seems a little better but not where it should be. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from you guys!

[lckyrocket]

Pretty sure no one's odometer works and everyone has a cracked dash, so that's no big deal.

Not me :D Still didn't help me out when I was trying to sell it though... Nice man, enjoy the ride!