Any Tips or Buyers Guide for the E30 325i??

[rgracin]

There's been a H reg 325i 4 door sitting on the drive of a house round the corner for about a year now. Faded paint etc. My desire to rescue it seems to get stronger each time I pass it now. I want to strip it and use it as a cheap track day tool.

My knowledge of these cars is limited to be honest, so I was hoping the PH collective would be able to boost my grey matter before I knock on their door for further investigation.

What things do I need to look for with these? I'm probably more concerned about rust than anything else. mechanicals are generally easy to sort, but if its got holes all over it, it could be beyond saving. Where are these known to rot?

Thanks in advance.

[E30M3SE]

Check eveywhere for rust, the floor, sills, bulkhead everywhere. Check the engine has not been cooked, the head is not cracked head.

[rgracin]

Sounds good!! Not shy of the old tin worm then?

Short of a creamy cap (ooh err) not sure how I can tell if the heads cracked without stripping. any clues?

[Gallen (BPH)]

...approach the owner with the view that you can weigh it in for about 65-70 quid... and bearing in mind its just sitting there, you may get a bargain

[E30M3SE]

rgracin said:

Sounds good!! Not shy of the old tin worm then?

Short of a creamy cap (ooh err) not sure how I can tell if the heads cracked without stripping. any clues?

If it has a creamy cap don't assume you'll get away with a head gasket.

Run it, the temp gauge should point straight upwards when fully warmed and stay there.

FYI they run a timing belt not chain.

[rgracin]

[quote=Gallen (BPH)]...approach the owner with the view that you can weigh it in for about 65-70 quid... and bearing in mind its just sitting there, you may get a bargain
[/quote]

That's what I was hoping to do. I thought I'd assess the owner when they opened the door, and may try the old it'd cost you £50 to get rid but I'll take it away free! Cheecky but may be worth a try! But if it's riddled, it's not really worth that I suppose.

Best I go with a can of petrol and a battery booster.

Anyone know what power and kerb weight they were?

[Fox-]

Surely a creamy cap tells you nothing? Our Z4 has a creamy cap because it's 3c outside and it does 5 mile trips each end of the day.

[Gallen (BPH)]

"approx" 170 bhp from memory.

Manual version MUCH livlier than an auto.

Good fun. I had loads (and loved them to bits) back in the day!

The few remaining "genuine" 325i Sport's are becoming very collectable now. Check out the prices on eBay.

Also, whilst you're on there, check out the 325i Turbo conversion kits that are on there...

Tempted???

[S3_Graham]

mine both fell foul of rust!

[Diesel Meister]

So far, so predictable. They're all right you know:

"Beware the red death - like the judgement of the Lord, it cometh and right quick"

Great cars, shame about the Iron Oxide.

[sniff diesel]

rgracin said:

Anyone know what power and kerb weight they were?

170bhp standard, but an M50 is a straitforward replacement with 193bhp and better fuel economy if the M30 ever let go.

I know a bloke that races one in the Khumo BMW championship, he built his from a motorsport shell so completely stripped and no underseal it weighs 1000 kgs with just a drivers seat, converted to tripple Webers it puts out 180 bhp.

4 doors are a bit heavier (about 30kgs IIRC) and less desirable. If it runs ok but no MOT or Tax I imagine it's worth about £300. Any chance of posting some pictures up?

[rgracin]

Not had the chance to get over there yet. I've only seen it from the road as I'm passing. But from there I can see some rust on the lower rear valance (near the towing eye), and the lower front part of the N/S/R wheel arch as well. If I can see that from the road I suspect it's got 'issues' elswhere, hence my rust questions.

[E30M3SE]

^^^^ It's going to be a rotter.............;)