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I've just bought a '91 E30 320i SE on Ebay 
It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision after doing a bit of ebay motors browsing - a dangerous pastime for someone with a weakness for 'Shed of the Week' style cars 
Seems like a nice car, very good condition and felt pretty taught with the suspension upgrade. Luckily it was just down the road from me so I could look at it before bidding
So anything I should know about these old Beemers?!
It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision after doing a bit of ebay motors browsing - a dangerous pastime for someone with a weakness for 'Shed of the Week' style cars Seems like a nice car, very good condition and felt pretty taught with the suspension upgrade. Luckily it was just down the road from me so I could look at it before bidding
So anything I should know about these old Beemers?!
That looks like a lovely unmolested late example...congratulations!
Like your seller I once owned the same E30 twice having sold it and then bought the same car back (325i Touring). Great cars...simple, uncomplicated, clean design and good fun to drive.
The only thing I'd change on yours are those overmats back to a set of standard plain grey ones.
Good buy! Enjoy!
Like your seller I once owned the same E30 twice having sold it and then bought the same car back (325i Touring). Great cars...simple, uncomplicated, clean design and good fun to drive.
The only thing I'd change on yours are those overmats back to a set of standard plain grey ones.
Good buy! Enjoy!
Nice one - looks good to me...
I recently bought a 325i off Ebay and been really pleased with it so far. Mine needs a little care and attention, but its a deffo second car so no real problems. To be honest I went for a BMW E30 because they are pretty simple for a numptie like me, and anything that I cant do is cheap parts / labour at a local garage.
Only thing I guess is to be aware of the engine and overheating / ticking. The 6 cylinder engine can have head cracks which cause oil to get into the coolant system - not much you can do to fix this as its a bit of a task, but either way not expensive. Otherwise its a check on the tappet adjustments and make sure the injectors are clean to reduce the ticking. But, pretty solid motors and easily deserve the reputation of a well built motor.
I recently bought a 325i off Ebay and been really pleased with it so far. Mine needs a little care and attention, but its a deffo second car so no real problems. To be honest I went for a BMW E30 because they are pretty simple for a numptie like me, and anything that I cant do is cheap parts / labour at a local garage.
Only thing I guess is to be aware of the engine and overheating / ticking. The 6 cylinder engine can have head cracks which cause oil to get into the coolant system - not much you can do to fix this as its a bit of a task, but either way not expensive. Otherwise its a check on the tappet adjustments and make sure the injectors are clean to reduce the ticking. But, pretty solid motors and easily deserve the reputation of a well built motor.
AJLintern said:
Yes a 325 would have been nice, but in that spec/condition I'd have been paying quite a bit more than £1200! Besides, if I want to go quicker I'll just take the Porsche which has 500cc more than a 325 
lol
Maybe not....though i didnt get a roof with mine Seriously looks nice, all you could want really are some 15" BBS and sports seats
There is a really good buying giude on the www.e30zone.co.uk website. I know you have already bought yours but it might be helpfull. You may need to register first, dont worry its free and im a member so any questions I can help or direct to to help.
www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=22543
Its a 325i Sport guide but at lot of the mechanical stuff will be the same.
Funny enough the E30 BMW has a huge following hence a website dedicated to them. The guys on there really know their stuff and can help you massively
www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=22543
Its a 325i Sport guide but at lot of the mechanical stuff will be the same.
Funny enough the E30 BMW has a huge following hence a website dedicated to them. The guys on there really know their stuff and can help you massively
Edited by Cotty on Friday 23 June 23:09
Thanks for the link I read a few bits on the E30 Zone before buying, but missed the guide. I didn't really do any of the stuff mentioned - but I think for the price I paid, I got a good deal Everything appears to work, car goes well and drives smoothly, brakes pull up straight, no visable rust - very pleased! 
I read a few bits on the E30 Zone before buying, but missed the guide. I didn't really do any of the stuff mentioned - but I think for the price I paid, I got a good deal Everything appears to work, car goes well and drives smoothly, brakes pull up straight, no visable rust - very pleased! Nice move. Looks like a nice one. They're great machines, I miss mine. One thing to suggest, an induction kit and sports exhaust really improve the cars ability to pull throughout the rev range, though it doesn't seem to increase peak power. Also, makes them sound demonic above 3500rpm. Have fun, I know I did
Just noticed you have the M-sport suspension. Mine had this and it's handling was fantastic. You could provoke oversteer, but it was always benign and controllable compared to some other cars I've driven. It could be driven at very high speed across even poor scottish b-roads and lose several supposedly better handling faster cars. Very good car you're getting.
Just noticed you have the M-sport suspension. Mine had this and it's handling was fantastic. You could provoke oversteer, but it was always benign and controllable compared to some other cars I've driven. It could be driven at very high speed across even poor scottish b-roads and lose several supposedly better handling faster cars. Very good car you're getting.
Edited by kennyGti on Sunday 25th June 01:34
AJLintern said:
maybe fit a sports exhaust at some point and some 15" wheels/better tyres.
An E30Zone chip would be a good place to start and at £55 a cheap and easy upgrage. Have a look in the E30Zone shop to fint the right one for you.
The 15" BBS are coming off my car soon as im replacing them with 15" Hartge wheels and new tyres.
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