E30 318is- What to Look For?
Discussion
Hey All,
I don't have the need for a modern mile muncher at the moment, but I also have a track car to keep me amused on weekends, so this seems like a nice option for an every-other-daily driver. I thought I would post in here to find peoples experiences of E30's, especially the 4 pot cars. My father may be going to look at one for me in the next week or so which is near to home and I was after a few tips of things to look for. He is fairly thorough when looking at cars, but I will also head down after with a friend who has experience of E30's So here are a few queries-
Where do they rust? Are they famed for bad rust or is it generally due to habitat or previous crash damage?
Do all E30 318IS's have an LSD?
Having seen an advert for one that had had a top end rebuild at low-ish mileage, is this a weakness?
Any other fundamental mechanical weaknesses?
Said car has done 100k and has a full service history. Anything worth looking for in the paperwork?
What would be the going rate for a decent nick H plate car with this mileage and a full MOT? obviously its hard to tell for something this age but I feel this one be a little overpriced.
Many Thanks
I don't have the need for a modern mile muncher at the moment, but I also have a track car to keep me amused on weekends, so this seems like a nice option for an every-other-daily driver. I thought I would post in here to find peoples experiences of E30's, especially the 4 pot cars. My father may be going to look at one for me in the next week or so which is near to home and I was after a few tips of things to look for. He is fairly thorough when looking at cars, but I will also head down after with a friend who has experience of E30's So here are a few queries-
Where do they rust? Are they famed for bad rust or is it generally due to habitat or previous crash damage?
Do all E30 318IS's have an LSD?
Having seen an advert for one that had had a top end rebuild at low-ish mileage, is this a weakness?
Any other fundamental mechanical weaknesses?
Said car has done 100k and has a full service history. Anything worth looking for in the paperwork?
What would be the going rate for a decent nick H plate car with this mileage and a full MOT? obviously its hard to tell for something this age but I feel this one be a little overpriced.
Many Thanks
the best people to ask about this would be fritz's bits. they specialise in classic BMW's and know an awful lot (who i take my E21 to). i was looking at the 318is a while ago. at fritz's they love them...2 of the mechanics have one each. the engines are so solid and go on forever (one mechanic's has done over 200k and he thrashes it and it just takes it!) give them a call tomorrow or whenever on 01823 674459
will be worth your time i can assure you.
edit: top end rebuilt....the engines can fail is not kept cool. some i think had plastic impellers for the water pump, which fail. they must have metal impellers to ensure they won't fail. keep them cool, regular oil changes the M42 engines just keep going and take any punishment you throw at them. they are cracking cars and all too tuneable!
will be worth your time i can assure you.
edit: top end rebuilt....the engines can fail is not kept cool. some i think had plastic impellers for the water pump, which fail. they must have metal impellers to ensure they won't fail. keep them cool, regular oil changes the M42 engines just keep going and take any punishment you throw at them. they are cracking cars and all too tuneable!
Edited by E21_Ross on Monday 16th February 21:11
E21_Ross said:
the best people to ask about this would be fritz's bits. they specialise in classic BMW's and know an awful lot (who i take my E21 to). i was looking at the 318is a while ago. at fritz's they love them...2 of the mechanics have one each. the engines are so solid and go on forever (one mechanic's has done over 200k and he thrashes it and it just takes it!) give them a call tomorrow or whenever on 01823 674459
will be worth your time i can assure you.
edit: top end rebuilt....the engines can fail is not kept cool. some i think had plastic impellers for the water pump, which fail. they must have metal impellers to ensure they won't fail. keep them cool, regular oil changes the M42 engines just keep going and take any punishment you throw at them. they are cracking cars and all too tuneable!
I had a feeling it may be something along those lines, It could be a pain to tell what kind of water pump it had without taking it off though... . May give Fritz's a call and see if there is any way to distinguish a plastic impeller pump. Thanks for that tip off!will be worth your time i can assure you.
edit: top end rebuilt....the engines can fail is not kept cool. some i think had plastic impellers for the water pump, which fail. they must have metal impellers to ensure they won't fail. keep them cool, regular oil changes the M42 engines just keep going and take any punishment you throw at them. they are cracking cars and all too tuneable!
Edited by E21_Ross on Monday 16th February 21:11
JayPee said:
E21_Ross said:
the best people to ask about this would be fritz's bits. they specialise in classic BMW's and know an awful lot (who i take my E21 to). i was looking at the 318is a while ago. at fritz's they love them...2 of the mechanics have one each. the engines are so solid and go on forever (one mechanic's has done over 200k and he thrashes it and it just takes it!) give them a call tomorrow or whenever on 01823 674459
will be worth your time i can assure you.
edit: top end rebuilt....the engines can fail is not kept cool. some i think had plastic impellers for the water pump, which fail. they must have metal impellers to ensure they won't fail. keep them cool, regular oil changes the M42 engines just keep going and take any punishment you throw at them. they are cracking cars and all too tuneable!
I had a feeling it may be something along those lines, It could be a pain to tell what kind of water pump it had without taking it off though... . May give Fritz's a call and see if there is any way to distinguish a plastic impeller pump. Thanks for that tip off!will be worth your time i can assure you.
edit: top end rebuilt....the engines can fail is not kept cool. some i think had plastic impellers for the water pump, which fail. they must have metal impellers to ensure they won't fail. keep them cool, regular oil changes the M42 engines just keep going and take any punishment you throw at them. they are cracking cars and all too tuneable!
Edited by E21_Ross on Monday 16th February 21:11
Conwy
Conwy, its in my place of work, the BMW dealer, Halliwell Jones....
It has to go, or i`ll be getting a telling off soon!
sniff diesel said:
buffly said:
I`ve got one thats sitting around doing nothing, no tax, no MOT....
You can have it for £300.... just thought i`d ask!
Where about's in North Wales Richard?You can have it for £300.... just thought i`d ask!
It has to go, or i`ll be getting a telling off soon!
Hargo said:
With regards to the LSD, it was an option and not many had that box ticked unfortunately
Mine certainly didn't
Good little cars though, had mine 9 months now
Cheers
Al
Yes the one I have been planning to look at doesn't have the LSD unfortunately. The car is hardly going to be a drift wagon but I am not sure whether to hold out for one with the LSD....Mine certainly didn't
Good little cars though, had mine 9 months now
Cheers
Al
JayPee said:
Hargo said:
With regards to the LSD, it was an option and not many had that box ticked unfortunately
Mine certainly didn't
Good little cars though, had mine 9 months now
Cheers
Al
Yes the one I have been planning to look at doesn't have the LSD unfortunately. The car is hardly going to be a drift wagon but I am not sure whether to hold out for one with the LSD....Mine certainly didn't
Good little cars though, had mine 9 months now
Cheers
Al
buffly said:
Conwy
Conwy, its in my place of work, the BMW dealer, Halliwell Jones....
It has to go, or i`ll be getting a telling off soon!
Great, I drive trains up to Llandudno Junction sometimes. If you could pick us up from the station one day next week I can come and take a look.sniff diesel said:
buffly said:
I`ve got one thats sitting around doing nothing, no tax, no MOT....
You can have it for £300.... just thought i`d ask!
Where about's in North Wales Richard?You can have it for £300.... just thought i`d ask!
It has to go, or i`ll be getting a telling off soon!
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