What to look for in first e30

[shaferbm]

Hey guys I'm new to the whole e30 business. A couple weeks ago a friend of mine (will61) bought a '90 325i and i just love it. I'm hooked- so now I'm looking to get an e30 of my own.

I was just wondering if there was anything to look for in general, or if there was anything i need to avoid.
I've been looking in the classifieds on r3v and also on craigslist.
what waffleswaffleswaffles anyone think about higher mileage?

[drumad]

-No Rust
-Complete/clean/intact/pristine interior

everything else you can modify (yes, you can argue the second)

I've learned that having the above two is the best case for a new e30 and a lesson I wish I followed upon buying mine. I have very slight rust and a subpar interior :(.

[BigTe30]

I am no professional mechanic, or all knowing e30 master, but from my experience i would look for something that is mechanically sound and has no rust. Look for any leaks, ask for service records, and check everything (and if you don't know what to look for bring someone who does, and if you don't know someone find someone). Nothing is gonna piss you off more then if your e30 is constantly off the road, in the shop.

[Chabs]

obviously the lower mileage the better, but with proper maintenance these car will go forever. Rust is probably the main thing, surface rust should be fine but make sure there aren't any rotting structural components. Mechanically sound is also a good thing... however they're not difficult to fix/work on and on r3v there is an unlimited amount of parts available.

[Strelok]

M20's are bulletproof....you're more likely to encounter trouble from the brake and suspension systems.

But i'm probably just saying that because my car has a solid engine but a fubar'd suspension/brakes...