[onefastman]

Guys I need some imput. I am putting too many miles on my 1er (leased) and although I will buy it at the end still dont want 50K+ on it. Is it a good idea to get a late 80's 325i? It has 150K, bbs lm's, and a few other rare add on's. I took it for a drive and other than the play in the clutch and weak brakes it felt really good (new suspension too). Once I get it I will do a valve adjustment, new plugs, oil, and anything else you might think ought to be done. He said $3.5K origionally and that he was not even going to sell it untill next summer (a friend told me he might want to sell). He then said $3K. It has sport front seats, cracked dash, and appears to be a pretty well done project car.


What should I pay, is it reliable enough to daily drive, and what goes wrong with these cars?

[JoeyBananaz18]

Originally Posted by onefastman

Is it a good idea to get a late 80's 325i?

when is it a bad idea? lol

in all seriousness. those motors (from what i understand) are extremely reliable. i'd even go as far as to say, more reliable that some of the current BMWs. I always thought the beauty of cars like that, is the lack of excessive electronics. here are a couple of better forums to check out. bimmerforums is comprised mostly ofE30/36 guys so you should be able to find answers to any questions there.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/
http://www.e30tech.com/

plus, if this sale doesnt work out you could probably find other cars for sale in the classifieds. good luck. keep us posted. and pics are a must if anything goes through.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by onefastman

Guys I need some imput. I am putting too many miles on my 1er (leased) and although I will buy it at the end still dont want 50K+ on it. Is it a good idea to get a late 80's 325i? It has 150K, bbs lm's, and a few other rare add on's. I took it for a drive and other than the play in the clutch and weak brakes it felt really good (new suspension too). Once I get it I will do a valve adjustment, new plugs, oil, and anything else you might think ought to be done. He said $3.5K origionally and that he was not even going to sell it untill next summer (a friend told me he might want to sell). He then said $3K. It has sport front seats, cracked dash, and appears to be a pretty well done project car.


What should I pay, is it reliable enough to daily drive, and what goes wrong with these cars?

It's going to be a money pit, but you'll have fun keeping it on the road

Things that will eventually fail:

-Emissions system: CAT, exhaust, header [they crack].
-Brakes: calipers are likely done, slave and master will likely go, ABS pump likely tired, not to mention the other obvious things (rotors, etc)
-Suspension: Forget shocks and springs, think about control arm bushings, strut mounts, and all other rubber components (sway bar links, etc) that will be tired
Other: Fuel pump, water pump, alternator, rotor, cap, guibo unit, power window switches (they wear out), radiator

Another thing to consider: While the E30 325i is lighter and less powerful than modern BMWs, the MPG will be in the low 20s. If you are thinking of economy and reliability, you may want to consider a used Honda (Civic or Integra) or Toyota (Corolla).

For the record, I have experience with older German cars: We've owned the following: 79 528i, 87 325e, 90 325i, 98 328i, and '11 328iT

[onefastman]

Thanks, keep it comming.

I am not concerned with reliability and any mpg is better than what I get with my car (average 14-18mpg).
I will check all those things and have fun fixing them when I have the time.
What NEEDS to be replaced?
What is a good price to pay for something like this?

[roundle]

Originally Posted by onefastman

Thanks, keep it comming.

I am not concerned with reliability and any mpg is better than what I get with my car (average 14-18mpg).
I will check all those things and have fun fixing them when I have the time.
What NEEDS to be replaced?
What is a good price to pay for something like this?

Aside from fluids, nothing needs to be done.

Do you have a mechanic that you trust? If yes, it would be good to have a leak-down test done (check cyl. compression, valve seals, etc) and a full inspection. If anything is wrong, keep looking – there are loads of e30s out on the market.

I'd pay 6,500 for a near-perfect E30, around 3-4K for a fair one (under 150K, well maintained). 2K for a beater.

[onefastman]

What does the dealer charge for a leak-down? I am friends with the guy who owns ours

[roundle]

Originally Posted by onefastman

What does the dealer charge for a leak-down? I am friends with the guy who owns ours

It's about 2.5 hours of labor. I guess the total cost would depend on the shop.

[noro]

I strongly suggest you take the E30 to a private mechanic that knows the cars and not a dealer. I am saying this from my personal experience. When I was getting my E30 I couldn't find any private shops in the area so went with a dealer. They did a good job but didn't raise red flags on many minor issues. I later took my car to somebody that known E30s and got a much better summary of what's needed. Lucky for me the car mostly was in superb condition.

Get on the E30 boards, I am sure they can point in the right direction.

It looks like you are from earth... plenty of shops out there

[ragingclue]

Never a bad idea to grab up an E30 in good mechanical shape. Get one that has been throroughly inspected. You will have to work on it from time to time, but my E30s were the easiest BMWs I've ever had to work on.

[onefastman]

What are some red flags on these cars?

It has had within the last 5K
1. Timing belt
2. Water pump
3. Tokico and Eibach shocks/springs
4. Fuel pump
5. Fuel filter

[onefastman]

What do you guys think of the 325e?

Found a clean looking one with 2 owners for $2200

[Chriztofor]

Just stick with your 1, it is not even considered broken it at 50k.

[onefastman]

I dont want to put a lot of miles on it, I want it as my fun car. Especially if I get bigger turbos I dont want to have to drive it all the time.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by onefastman

What do you guys think of the 325e?

Found a clean looking one with 2 owners for $2200

They're pretty boring to drive. The "Eta" engines had decent low-end power, but only put out 120HP/170FT lbs (diesel-like). However, since these engines ("M20") are very low-reving (4500RPM redline, I believe), they tend to age very well.

More Eta info: http://www.e30eta.com/

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by onefastman

What do you guys think of the 325e?

Found a clean looking one with 2 owners for $2200

I had one a long while ago. $2200 seems kinda steep to me, but if it's in stellar condition mechanically, it would be worth it. Mine had a leaky water pump, the entire distributor assembly was shot to pieces (yet it still ran), a couple vacuum leaks, etc.... But I got it for next to nothing and it was easy to work on. The only thing about the eta is that it pulls a lot like an old diesel, running out of breath real early.

[noro]

Originally Posted by onefastman

What do you guys think of the 325e?

Found a clean looking one with 2 owners for $2200

I owned one before. The low end torque on that car is impressive. And the MPG ditto.

[onefastman]

Ya I only care about reliability and mpg. It is better if it is slow so I am not encouraged to get on it.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by onefastman

Ya I only care about reliability and mpg. It is better if it is slow so I am not encouraged to get on it.

The eta is a ridiculously good engine if properly maintained and cared for. Those things are pretty tossable too.

[onefastman]

Great, its a 2 owner so im sure it has been.

Looks like I found a winner and the interior is in like new condition as is the paint

[noro]

Originally Posted by onefastman

Great, its a 2 owner so im sure it has been.

Looks like I found a winner and the interior is in like new condition as is the paint

LSD rear end was an option on these cars. Does that one have it?

[onefastman]

I will find out at 2 when I decode the vin

[onefastman]

Is 2200 a fair price for a car of this condition?

Red with tan interior

How much is the lsd worth in relation to price?