Oil Burning - Valve job?

[robncircus]

Hi
I've been looking at an 86 325es in my area. It has 186k miles, CA kept, and is in really great condition. However, I've been told it burns a little bit of oil but this can be corrected with a valve job (I'm assuming new valves w/proper adjustments?). Is this true? I'm just trying to avoid a potential headache down the road.
Thanks
Rob

[bmwannabe]

with that many miles, you could be looking at bottom end problems... piston rings, ect.. but it could be valves i guess.

[e9nine]

Oil burning as in smoking or loss of oil with no signs of smoke? Front seal, Rear seal, Oil pan gasket, Oil cooler lines (if applicable), Valve cover gasket.... all areas for oil leak. I'd suggest to test drive it and inspect those areas which are notorious for leaks...there are a few more areas to check but I can't seem to remember now. Some amount of oil burning is supposedly "normal" on e30s depending on certain factors. It wouldn't hurt to ask them what type of oil they are using too....that makes a difference as well.

HTH

[BahnE30]

my friends tell me my car puffs a little blue smoke but it's only at 2 grand but my dipstick never drops at all between oil changes

[robncircus]

Thanks for the replies. It only burns a quart every 2000 miles or so. That's not too bad.
Rob

[Kavkazia]

Check plugs, if you notice any burned oil, then its probably your valve seals.

Does it smoke when you start it up after driving for awhile or in morning? Should be heavy blue smoke.

[robncircus]

I'll have to go check it out again. I didn't notice any smoke or smell any burning oil when I drove it the first time. However, the windows are pretty heavily tinted so maybe I didn't notice anything. Here's a little more about the car -
1986 325es
186k miles
Mechanic owned
CA kept so no rust
Dinan suspension
Dinan chip (would be replaced w/Conforti shortly after purchase)
Dinan wheels (so I'm told - is there such a thing for e30s?)
BBS bodykit
Leather is cracked on seats but there's no rips or anything
All power options work
No known mechanical problems with the exception of the lightly burning oil
Anyways, I think I'll be able to get the car for about $1500 so even if I have to put a little money into her it should be good.
Thanks for all the replies
Rob