Buying an E30 320i Cab today! I need some advice?
Discussion
I found a decent looking E30 320 manual which drives well and for £2000 seems priced right.
But just wondering what I should check before handing over the cash as I have never really been involved in the "Classic" car market.
The service history is not complete but has had a number recently.
Shoul I get a 3rd party check (AA etc) or should the fact it has an MOT until June be enough on a car of this type?
The only thin I noticed was that idle the revs went up an down c500rpm rather than sitting at the same rate. Is this to be expected on a car this old that has not been driven for a few weeks?
Starts first time, electrics look good.
What else should I consider/ask/check?
Any common issue to watch out for?
But just wondering what I should check before handing over the cash as I have never really been involved in the "Classic" car market.
The service history is not complete but has had a number recently.
Shoul I get a 3rd party check (AA etc) or should the fact it has an MOT until June be enough on a car of this type?
The only thin I noticed was that idle the revs went up an down c500rpm rather than sitting at the same rate. Is this to be expected on a car this old that has not been driven for a few weeks?
Starts first time, electrics look good.
What else should I consider/ask/check?
Any common issue to watch out for?
Hunting on idle is usually down to a air leak somewhere on the intake side, all of the vaccum hoses need to be checked over, it is letting in unmetered air.
Make sure the roof mechanism all works correctly especially if it is electric, rust should be your biggest concern if all else on the car is good, these car can hide quite a lot of it, cars that on the face look sound can be rotters.
Make sure the roof mechanism all works correctly especially if it is electric, rust should be your biggest concern if all else on the car is good, these car can hide quite a lot of it, cars that on the face look sound can be rotters.
buggalugs said:
Strong money for a 320i IMO, you want the car to be pretty immaculate for that!
If you mean the idle's bouncing by 50rpm I wouldn't worry too much if it drives well but if its 500rpm I'd get them to fix that before handing cash over..
If you mean the idle's bouncing by 50rpm I wouldn't worry too much if it drives well but if its 500rpm I'd get them to fix that before handing cash over..
really? i have seen 318s going for 2k plus on ebay...
And mint egs go for £5+
Woudl you bother with an AA check?
tomvcarter said:
buggalugs said:
Strong money for a 320i IMO, you want the car to be pretty immaculate for that!
If you mean the idle's bouncing by 50rpm I wouldn't worry too much if it drives well but if its 500rpm I'd get them to fix that before handing cash over..
If you mean the idle's bouncing by 50rpm I wouldn't worry too much if it drives well but if its 500rpm I'd get them to fix that before handing cash over..
really? i have seen 318s going for 2k plus on ebay...
And mint egs go for £5+
Woudl you bother with an AA check?
Then again prices do seem to be on the up in general... maybe in another 5-10 years it'll end up like Mk2 Escorts where even the undesirables are worth crazy money.
Don't know about the AA check might be worth it if it gives you a few bargaining points?
Bodywork is crucial on these, mechanically parts are plentiful and cheap (although caveat that with, make sure the roof works!).
They rust from the inside out. Check rear arches, the jacking points, interior footwells (wet?), around the rear number plate. inside the boot, side pockets, check under the battery, check under the waterbottle (it rubs and gets wet = rust). check the scuttle (under front windscreen). If you can bubbling then it's rusty as bugger.
The 320i is neither v powerful or fuel efficient - the 325i is such a better engine and really brings the car alive.
The difference in price is down to spec. If you're looking at a motorsport cab then it'll be ££££ but if it's a bog standard 320i with no leather, no extras and in a tatty condition then £1,200+ is about where it's at.
Feel free to post the spec on here and I can give you a better steer). I've got a chipped ecu and a set of 15" BBS alloys if you need anything. got other various bits too.
Absolutely love E30's = just sold the last of my current two but am looking for another one now.
They rust from the inside out. Check rear arches, the jacking points, interior footwells (wet?), around the rear number plate. inside the boot, side pockets, check under the battery, check under the waterbottle (it rubs and gets wet = rust). check the scuttle (under front windscreen). If you can bubbling then it's rusty as bugger.
The 320i is neither v powerful or fuel efficient - the 325i is such a better engine and really brings the car alive.
The difference in price is down to spec. If you're looking at a motorsport cab then it'll be ££££ but if it's a bog standard 320i with no leather, no extras and in a tatty condition then £1,200+ is about where it's at.
Feel free to post the spec on here and I can give you a better steer). I've got a chipped ecu and a set of 15" BBS alloys if you need anything. got other various bits too.
Absolutely love E30's = just sold the last of my current two but am looking for another one now.
THIS IS HER... http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-pa...
Tom
That looks quite nice from the pictures but I still think a 325i is the way to go.
I've had a 320 and a 325 and it's like night and day. But maybe insurance is a problem? If not then I'd really be looking for a 325.
or 335.
(M30 conversion).
There are loads of cabs on PH, Classics for sale and E30 zone.
That looks quite nice from the pictures but I still think a 325i is the way to go.
I've had a 320 and a 325 and it's like night and day. But maybe insurance is a problem? If not then I'd really be looking for a 325.
or 335.
(M30 conversion).
There are loads of cabs on PH, Classics for sale and E30 zone.
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
Tom
That looks quite nice from the pictures but I still think a 325i is the way to go.
I've had a 320 and a 325 and it's like night and day. But maybe insurance is a problem? If not then I'd really be looking for a 325.
or 335.
(M30 conversion).
There are loads of cabs on PH, Classics for sale and E30 zone.
Im really just looking for something to ponse around in thats cheap to run, so the additional poke of the 325 or 335 is not high on my list, as i have another car to scratch that itch. That looks quite nice from the pictures but I still think a 325i is the way to go.
I've had a 320 and a 325 and it's like night and day. But maybe insurance is a problem? If not then I'd really be looking for a 325.
or 335.
(M30 conversion).
There are loads of cabs on PH, Classics for sale and E30 zone.
But i would like the 6-pot engine for the enhanced sound over the 4-pot. Other that that is just want it for the beutiful shape, the typical BMW handling and a manual box.
So the 320 seems to be the right choice for me.
The link won't work for me but unless the 320 is very special I would search out a 325. So much better to drive even if it is just cruising.
As said, rust is your big enemy on E30's but I would also take a good look at the cooling system as head gasket failure / cracked cylinders heads do appear to be fairly common.
As said, rust is your big enemy on E30's but I would also take a good look at the cooling system as head gasket failure / cracked cylinders heads do appear to be fairly common.
Maxus said:
The link won't work for me but unless the 320 is very special I would search out a 325. So much better to drive even if it is just cruising.
As said, rust is your big enemy on E30's but I would also take a good look at the cooling system as head gasket failure / cracked cylinders heads do appear to be fairly common.
Rust did not seem to be an issue, as it has been garaged for at least the last 12 years.As said, rust is your big enemy on E30's but I would also take a good look at the cooling system as head gasket failure / cracked cylinders heads do appear to be fairly common.
I think i will go ahead with it, and if i get the E30 bug i will then push on for a 325 in a few years.
Are there any good garages in the South (Hants even better) that are good with E30s?
Any decent websites for parts and support? that i shoudl know about.
tomvcarter said:
Rust did not seem to be an issue, as it has been garaged for at least the last 12 years.
I think i will go ahead with it, and if i get the E30 bug i will then push on for a 325 in a few years.
Are there any good garages in the South (Hants even better) that are good with E30s?
Any decent websites for parts and support? that i shoudl know about.
E30Zone.net is a great site for E30's....just be prepared for the cries of why didn't you get a 325 I think i will go ahead with it, and if i get the E30 bug i will then push on for a 325 in a few years.
Are there any good garages in the South (Hants even better) that are good with E30s?
Any decent websites for parts and support? that i shoudl know about.
Where in Hants are you looking for a garage? St Cross Garage in Winchester although not a BMW specialist are very professional and are into their German brands. They looked after my E34 when I lived down there.
Maxus said:
E30Zone.net is a great site for E30's....just be prepared for the cries of why didn't you get a 325
Where in Hants are you looking for a garage? St Cross Garage in Winchester although not a BMW specialist are very professional and are into their German brands. They looked after my E34 when I lived down there.
I there much diff in the insurance between the 320 & 325?Where in Hants are you looking for a garage? St Cross Garage in Winchester although not a BMW specialist are very professional and are into their German brands. They looked after my E34 when I lived down there.
BlitzE34 said:
325i are much faster then the 320i, but theres nothing wrong with a 320i to cruise about in. Engine is sweeter as well.
Cool, I'm really not fussed about pace as this is more for me to commute to the station in style and to take the kids for a cruise at the weekend. I just want low running costs, reliability and a pretty convertible car. The E30 convertible seems to tick these boxes.
We have other cars for pace and practicality.
I'll just put this up in case your interested, as we are intending to put on the market next spring
1990 H 325i Manual Convertible, my fathers car last 5yrs, and previous owner circa 11yrs prior.... both 'Seniors!' (4 owners in total IIRC) Main dealer & specialist history, done 93k from memory, car very presentable and always draws complementary comments.. but not mint, always taken off the road over winter (3rd Car that only covers a 1-2k miles a year) He would be looking for circa £2800
1990 H 325i Manual Convertible, my fathers car last 5yrs, and previous owner circa 11yrs prior.... both 'Seniors!' (4 owners in total IIRC) Main dealer & specialist history, done 93k from memory, car very presentable and always draws complementary comments.. but not mint, always taken off the road over winter (3rd Car that only covers a 1-2k miles a year) He would be looking for circa £2800
where in hampshire? bartley or brystone in totton are very good but possibly not worth paying their prices on an E30 to be honest. that said, i used to travel from southampton/winchester area to near past taunton to get jobs done on my old E21 because many garages wouldn't be bothered to find parts for it, though that won't be an issue for E30's.
E38Ross said:
where in hampshire? bartley or brystone in totton are very good but possibly not worth paying their prices on an E30 to be honest. that said, i used to travel from southampton/winchester area to near past taunton to get jobs done on my old E21 because many garages wouldn't be bothered to find parts for it, though that won't be an issue for E30's.
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