Discussion
Basically, I am being given a 1986 BRG 325i Sedan from a family member and have been told I can do whatever I want with it. It is has had three owners (two of which are family members), has only gone 59k miles and has been SORN-ed and garaged for the last few years.
I don't have the cash to restore it just now so there are two options and I do not have a driveway or garage at my current flat. So I can either arrange storage for it until I can get it out on the road or sell it.
I am in two minds (although, hopefully, I don't have to make the decision fast). I am a total car nut and to own an E30 would be incredible and I can see the excitement of storing it and then being able to restore and use it in years to come.
Should I fork out on storage (would that be expensive?) or should I just bite the bullet and sell it? What would it be worth?
I am going to see the car tomorrow (bearing in mind I can still say I don't want it) and then will see the condition it is in. Is there anything I should look for in particular?
I understand that seeing it might change my view altogether but would appreciate the pointers and thoughts.
I will report back tomorrow with pictures!
I don't have the cash to restore it just now so there are two options and I do not have a driveway or garage at my current flat. So I can either arrange storage for it until I can get it out on the road or sell it.
I am in two minds (although, hopefully, I don't have to make the decision fast). I am a total car nut and to own an E30 would be incredible and I can see the excitement of storing it and then being able to restore and use it in years to come.
Should I fork out on storage (would that be expensive?) or should I just bite the bullet and sell it? What would it be worth?
I am going to see the car tomorrow (bearing in mind I can still say I don't want it) and then will see the condition it is in. Is there anything I should look for in particular?
I understand that seeing it might change my view altogether but would appreciate the pointers and thoughts.
I will report back tomorrow with pictures!
Rust on the wings, sunroof (if it has one) top of the front windsreen, rust on the arches, sills (including jacking points) boot floor. Pretty much everywhere on a car that old thats been standing.
Brakes will probably need changing and it may need a suspension refresh.
Check the condition of the seats leather interiors are getting very rare!
Thats my two pence
Brakes will probably need changing and it may need a suspension refresh.
Check the condition of the seats leather interiors are getting very rare!
Thats my two pence
kodos said:
Rust on the wings, sunroof (if it has one) top of the front windsreen, rust on the arches, sills (including jacking points) boot floor. Pretty much everywhere on a car that old thats been standing.
Brakes will probably need changing and it may need a suspension refresh.
Check the condition of the seats leather interiors are getting very rare!
Thats my two pence
Thank you, Brakes will probably need changing and it may need a suspension refresh.
Check the condition of the seats leather interiors are getting very rare!
Thats my two pence
I will be sure to document it in detail and report back.Update.
So I went to see it - and it is awesome
Firstly the battery was as dead as can be but we got it a little juice with help from my friend. Unfortunately we couldn't get the engine to fire up. The motor was turning over healthily but wouldn't catch. There is almost no fuel in it and we were thinking a few connections could have corroded (my Uncle thinks sparkplugs?). My mate noted that there was no noise for the fuel pump. Does anyone know what it might be?
To my untrained eye I thought the car was reasonably rust free for it's age! I tried to get lots of pictures to see what the forum would think of the condition.
Unfortunately not leather as someone said but the interior was pretty immaculate.
A new battery is definitely needed (note it was from 1997 and obviously is the wrong size as it is held in with a block of wood!).
The main thing I noticed was the green flakes on the chrome (corrosion?) but my mate said that was to be expected.
Apparently no children have ever sat in it (I don't even recall getting to go in it when I was young).
Custom speaker system?
Now bits of rust.
Someone warned that there could be rust around the sunroof, but no sign of any yet.
Only 59,942 miles on the clock.
Barely any signs of wear inside.
So...
Are there any causes for concern in the pictures?
Have I missed anything important (I couldn't get under the car as it's in a tight garage)?
What could be causing the engine to refuse to start up?
How could I go about getting the car started without the help of the AA?
How would I go about tackling the rust and corrosion?
Needless to say, I am going to sign the car over tomorrow
So I went to see it - and it is awesome
Firstly the battery was as dead as can be but we got it a little juice with help from my friend. Unfortunately we couldn't get the engine to fire up. The motor was turning over healthily but wouldn't catch. There is almost no fuel in it and we were thinking a few connections could have corroded (my Uncle thinks sparkplugs?). My mate noted that there was no noise for the fuel pump. Does anyone know what it might be?
To my untrained eye I thought the car was reasonably rust free for it's age! I tried to get lots of pictures to see what the forum would think of the condition.
Unfortunately not leather as someone said but the interior was pretty immaculate.
A new battery is definitely needed (note it was from 1997 and obviously is the wrong size as it is held in with a block of wood!).
The main thing I noticed was the green flakes on the chrome (corrosion?) but my mate said that was to be expected.
Apparently no children have ever sat in it (I don't even recall getting to go in it when I was young).
Custom speaker system?
Now bits of rust.
Someone warned that there could be rust around the sunroof, but no sign of any yet.
Only 59,942 miles on the clock.
Barely any signs of wear inside.
So...
Are there any causes for concern in the pictures?
Have I missed anything important (I couldn't get under the car as it's in a tight garage)?
What could be causing the engine to refuse to start up?
How could I go about getting the car started without the help of the AA?
How would I go about tackling the rust and corrosion?
Needless to say, I am going to sign the car over tomorrow
cc8s said:
Someone warned that there could be rust around the sunroof, but no sign of any yet.
For the sunroof, you need to check the underside of it, especially around the felt seal fitted to the edge of the metal panel. Water gets trapped here and starts to rust the sunroof panel from the underside.Also, open the sunroof and check down the drainage holes as they have a nasty habit of becoming rusty without being noticed. By the time you spot bubbles of rust appearing on the top face of the roof skin, it's too late!
You really need to get on the E30ZONE as there are some very knowledgeable people there.
http://www.e30zone.net/
That car looks like Malachite green and I can already see rust in the seam next to the battery and below the rear light. 4 doors cars are worth quite a bit less then the 2 door equivalent.
I can see its a pre-facelift E30 with houndstooth interior and it has a 13 button on board computer. Speakers are not original. Rare to see it has the original carpet mats in green.
Rust is the killer on these cars. You need feel how far he rust has gone on the wheel arches. Get a screwdriver and start prodding everything that looks suspicious.
The good thing I can see is it looks all nice and original and plus its a preface lift which are very thin the ground.
The fuel pump is external should be in front of the rear near side wheel. Have you checked for a spark? Do you hear any buzzing in the engine bay when the ignition is on?
http://www.e30zone.net/
That car looks like Malachite green and I can already see rust in the seam next to the battery and below the rear light. 4 doors cars are worth quite a bit less then the 2 door equivalent.
I can see its a pre-facelift E30 with houndstooth interior and it has a 13 button on board computer. Speakers are not original. Rare to see it has the original carpet mats in green.
Rust is the killer on these cars. You need feel how far he rust has gone on the wheel arches. Get a screwdriver and start prodding everything that looks suspicious.
The good thing I can see is it looks all nice and original and plus its a preface lift which are very thin the ground.
The fuel pump is external should be in front of the rear near side wheel. Have you checked for a spark? Do you hear any buzzing in the engine bay when the ignition is on?
Edited by BlitzE34 on Thursday 23 February 00:32
Edited by BlitzE34 on Thursday 23 February 00:35
Edited by BlitzE34 on Thursday 23 February 00:36
Re fuel pump issue...
Firstly, get a fully charged battery on it...I've had issues with low voltage before...even if the starter spins the motor then the resulting voltage drop may mean the relay doesn't engage...
Next would be the relay itself...the relay is behind the semi-circular plastic cover on the front of the bulkhead, behind the engine...Do a search on the 'Zone and a chap named Brian Moore has posted the pins to short to confirm the relay or pump is at fault...
If not the relay, then possibly the pump has packed up...it's under the floor, drivers' side (on RHD car) near fuel tank outlet....
If still no spark or start, check and replace the distributor cap and rotor arm (on the front of the camshaft) as the carbon contact pin is prone to falling out and the cap is prone to cracking...
The rust on the rear arches and rear panel seams needs urgent attention to avoid serious restoration work...Lift the front footwell carpets, especially on the passsenger side, and check for rust...the large rubber grommet through which the main loom passes from the fuse box is prone to trapping moisture and therfore the floor rusts around it...a real PITA to weld up successfully...
Looks in generally good condition, though, and definitely worth saving/using
Firstly, get a fully charged battery on it...I've had issues with low voltage before...even if the starter spins the motor then the resulting voltage drop may mean the relay doesn't engage...
Next would be the relay itself...the relay is behind the semi-circular plastic cover on the front of the bulkhead, behind the engine...Do a search on the 'Zone and a chap named Brian Moore has posted the pins to short to confirm the relay or pump is at fault...
If not the relay, then possibly the pump has packed up...it's under the floor, drivers' side (on RHD car) near fuel tank outlet....
If still no spark or start, check and replace the distributor cap and rotor arm (on the front of the camshaft) as the carbon contact pin is prone to falling out and the cap is prone to cracking...
The rust on the rear arches and rear panel seams needs urgent attention to avoid serious restoration work...Lift the front footwell carpets, especially on the passsenger side, and check for rust...the large rubber grommet through which the main loom passes from the fuse box is prone to trapping moisture and therfore the floor rusts around it...a real PITA to weld up successfully...
Looks in generally good condition, though, and definitely worth saving/using
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