E30 320i - What to look for?
Discussion
As per title.
I am looking for something to replace the 190E with. I have considered a diesel Ibiza/Golf principally because of running costs but I keep being drawn to the E30. In particular the 320i
What do I have to look for on these cars? And are the 6 cylinders reliable or do they chew headgaskets/waterpumps etc.
Thanks,
Matt.
I am looking for something to replace the 190E with. I have considered a diesel Ibiza/Golf principally because of running costs but I keep being drawn to the E30. In particular the 320i
What do I have to look for on these cars? And are the 6 cylinders reliable or do they chew headgaskets/waterpumps etc.
Thanks,
Matt.
If you are buying a saloon rust is the main problem.
Check the rear wheel arches, especially bottom of the leading edge (remove the bodykit if necessary).
Check under the battery in the boot (rust catcher!)
Check the scuttle (the metal bit under the front windscreen.)
Check under the back bumper.
If there's a sun roof make sure it's working and try to see into it (difficult) as it rusts right at the back.
If you're going to go for a 6 cylinder try and go for a 325 over a 320; it's better on fuel (seriously, I'm not joking) than a 320i. If Mpg is a worry I'd take a long hard look at a 318is NOT (please note) a regular 318i. It's a Great engine (altho a 4 pot) and better fuel economy than the 6 cylinder. The 320i is sweeter engine but not very good on petrol - mine does 26mpg and that's a miracle.....
Expect more from the 325i.
Even more if you chip them. (about £40 quid on the zone).
Don't be surprised if the headlight adjustment doesn't work. they never do.
If the gear shift is sloppy - don't worry - it's a cheap fix from BMW or you can buy a Z3 shifter and make the gear shift about 30% quicker.
Get yourself over to www.e30zone.net - it's the best forum for E30's and there are plenty of cars out there.
The tourings and cabriolets were built on the 5 series line in a different factory and tend not to rust as bad as the saloons.
Try to buy a car with provenance and if you see an e30 around that you like ; pop a note under the windscreen - that's what I did and bought my 320i that way.
I've got two E30 tourings, one a 320i (love it) and the other a rare M-tecII 325i in Malachite Green that I've just bought.
BMW dealers still carry spares for them and are often cheaper than GSF/Eurocarparts. Good quality too.
Interiors - the seats never wear well but you can pick up a replacement cloth one for next to nothing and leather for about £300 to £750.
If it's got leather then all the better.
320i's did not come with an LSD as standard. If it has got one it's worth £350 at least.
Bottle top aloys are worth f
k all as are 14" BBS alloys; 15" are worth (depending on the tyres fitted about £110 to £250. Make sure they have the center caps - £45 quid each from BMW (good haggling point).
If the front fog lights are knackered and you are looking at a post facelift (late '87 on) they are extremely expensive new but about £45 to £90 2nd hand. Haggle if they are fked.
A period stereo is a plus point.
Buy a touring. Great cars and better imo than a saloon!
My wife hates them but I love em!
Alpina and Hartge are rare - you'll pay a premium but they are great cars. M3's are screamers (and LHD) in comparison - there's nothing like the grunt of a 6 cylinder!
I could go on.....! Cars used daily are better than those sat around - they like to be used.
Oh; and they were really well nailed together back in the day - the interior shouldn't squeak and everything should work.
Check the rear wheel arches, especially bottom of the leading edge (remove the bodykit if necessary).
Check under the battery in the boot (rust catcher!)
Check the scuttle (the metal bit under the front windscreen.)
Check under the back bumper.
If there's a sun roof make sure it's working and try to see into it (difficult) as it rusts right at the back.
If you're going to go for a 6 cylinder try and go for a 325 over a 320; it's better on fuel (seriously, I'm not joking) than a 320i. If Mpg is a worry I'd take a long hard look at a 318is NOT (please note) a regular 318i. It's a Great engine (altho a 4 pot) and better fuel economy than the 6 cylinder. The 320i is sweeter engine but not very good on petrol - mine does 26mpg and that's a miracle.....
Expect more from the 325i.
Even more if you chip them. (about £40 quid on the zone).
Don't be surprised if the headlight adjustment doesn't work. they never do.
If the gear shift is sloppy - don't worry - it's a cheap fix from BMW or you can buy a Z3 shifter and make the gear shift about 30% quicker.
Get yourself over to www.e30zone.net - it's the best forum for E30's and there are plenty of cars out there.
The tourings and cabriolets were built on the 5 series line in a different factory and tend not to rust as bad as the saloons.
Try to buy a car with provenance and if you see an e30 around that you like ; pop a note under the windscreen - that's what I did and bought my 320i that way.
I've got two E30 tourings, one a 320i (love it) and the other a rare M-tecII 325i in Malachite Green that I've just bought.
BMW dealers still carry spares for them and are often cheaper than GSF/Eurocarparts. Good quality too.
Interiors - the seats never wear well but you can pick up a replacement cloth one for next to nothing and leather for about £300 to £750.
If it's got leather then all the better.
320i's did not come with an LSD as standard. If it has got one it's worth £350 at least.
Bottle top aloys are worth f
k all as are 14" BBS alloys; 15" are worth (depending on the tyres fitted about £110 to £250. Make sure they have the center caps - £45 quid each from BMW (good haggling point).If the front fog lights are knackered and you are looking at a post facelift (late '87 on) they are extremely expensive new but about £45 to £90 2nd hand. Haggle if they are f
ked.A period stereo is a plus point.
Buy a touring. Great cars and better imo than a saloon!
My wife hates them but I love em!
Alpina and Hartge are rare - you'll pay a premium but they are great cars. M3's are screamers (and LHD) in comparison - there's nothing like the grunt of a 6 cylinder!
I could go on.....! Cars used daily are better than those sat around - they like to be used.
Oh; and they were really well nailed together back in the day - the interior shouldn't squeak and everything should work.
Edited by Oi_Oi_Savaloy on Friday 1st May 14:57
^^^^ End of Thread 
Been running my 320i as my daily driver for the last 12 months or so, bar a period when I was sorting some of the rust out. It hasn't let me down at all and is comfy enough for long journeys.
Re the 320 vs 325 debate, I personaly went for the 320 firstly because it's easier to find a well looked after one at a good price than the 325's, which attract the boy racer crowd more and command a significant price premium. Secondly The plan was allways to do a 24v conversion on mine so getting something straight and cheap was the priority for me.
I love mine and get a lot of random positive comments about it from 'non-car people' believe it or not!
Been running my 320i as my daily driver for the last 12 months or so, bar a period when I was sorting some of the rust out. It hasn't let me down at all and is comfy enough for long journeys.
Re the 320 vs 325 debate, I personaly went for the 320 firstly because it's easier to find a well looked after one at a good price than the 325's, which attract the boy racer crowd more and command a significant price premium. Secondly The plan was allways to do a 24v conversion on mine so getting something straight and cheap was the priority for me.
I love mine and get a lot of random positive comments about it from 'non-car people' believe it or not!
Edited by buggalugs on Saturday 2nd May 10:47
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