What to look out for on a E30, 138K?
Discussion
Being drunk and going on ebay is a silly thing to do. 
As a result, I have won a bid on a black 3door E30 with 138,000 miles on it. Reg check comes back that it was cat C in 2001, the owner says it's had a new n/s wing and that's probably what the damage was (he's only owned it for a year).
He has said it drives straight and all the doors all open and shut properly, what else should I look out for on these when I go look it over to make sure it hasn't been totally mushed?
Also is there any faults that tend to develop at this point in it's engine life?
Thanks for any replies
As a result, I have won a bid on a black 3door E30 with 138,000 miles on it. Reg check comes back that it was cat C in 2001, the owner says it's had a new n/s wing and that's probably what the damage was (he's only owned it for a year).
He has said it drives straight and all the doors all open and shut properly, what else should I look out for on these when I go look it over to make sure it hasn't been totally mushed?
Also is there any faults that tend to develop at this point in it's engine life?
Thanks for any replies
Hi,
Just bought an E30 325i Touring, 134000 miles 4 owners.
The headgasket is a major weakness on the 325i, not sure about the other engines. In addition, a cambelt/tensioner change is required every 5 years or so.
Rust and Rot are possible big issues, check sills and the inside of the wheel arches.
Noisey Diffs are also a common malady as are noisey tappets.
But then, after all, most are now over 20 years old so expect some issues!
Just bought an E30 325i Touring, 134000 miles 4 owners.
The headgasket is a major weakness on the 325i, not sure about the other engines. In addition, a cambelt/tensioner change is required every 5 years or so.
Rust and Rot are possible big issues, check sills and the inside of the wheel arches.
Noisey Diffs are also a common malady as are noisey tappets.
But then, after all, most are now over 20 years old so expect some issues!
Rear arches, scuttle, footwell (damp?), back bumper under the registration plate; rear tailgates on tourings rust whilst you watch them. Check for rust. If rust is evident on the outside - bad news. They rust from the inside out.....
Check my other posts - I've been through this a number of times.
If it's a saloon - it will be rusty.
What engine is it?
Check my other posts - I've been through this a number of times.
If it's a saloon - it will be rusty.
What engine is it?
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
Rear arches, scuttle, footwell (damp?), back bumper under the registration plate; rear tailgates on tourings rust whilst you watch them. Check for rust. If rust is evident on the outside - bad news. They rust from the inside out.....
Check my other posts - I've been through this a number of times.
If it's a saloon - it will be rusty.
What engine is it?
It is a 3door Black 318i Saloon, I'm gonna look through your posts now!Check my other posts - I've been through this a number of times.
If it's a saloon - it will be rusty.
What engine is it?
Liam554 said:
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
Rear arches, scuttle, footwell (damp?), back bumper under the registration plate; rear tailgates on tourings rust whilst you watch them. Check for rust. If rust is evident on the outside - bad news. They rust from the inside out.....
Check my other posts - I've been through this a number of times.
If it's a saloon - it will be rusty.
What engine is it?
It is a 3door Black 318i Saloon, I'm gonna look through your posts now!Check my other posts - I've been through this a number of times.
If it's a saloon - it will be rusty.
What engine is it?
If you're thinking of a power upgrade then don't buy a 320 engine. Just not worth it unless you're going to put a turbo on it. The block is actually more suited to higher compression than a 325 when it comes to turbos.
Otherwise a 325 engine is easy enough but to be honest you might as well go for an e34 3.5ltre engine or one of the newer variants.
Good luck chap.
Robert060379 said:
What to look out for? People kicking you for getting a bargain. 
I think other bidders were put off by it being a cat C, I'm not sure if he expected me to be the only bidder. Let's just say it is going for peanuts compared to other E30s! Needless to say I'll give it a good looking over, as it doesn't mention any rust/rot problems in the advert.Savaloy thanks for the advice on all your posts, hopefully it will prevent me from buying a dog! It all looks tidy from the outside, although it is clear the BBS caps are long gone
I'm going to go see it either later on today or on Monday.
Thanks to everyone for your replies, I'll keep you updated on what happens.
I've bought the car now, engine ran very smooth and still pulled really well, and the bodywork was in better condition than I expected.
The only bad point was a hole on the n/s front wheel arch will needed welding for it's MOT, which is to be expected for a 20 year old car!
I'm pretty pleased with it, will be a good toy when I finally get it on the road properly.
The only bad point was a hole on the n/s front wheel arch will needed welding for it's MOT, which is to be expected for a 20 year old car!
I'm pretty pleased with it, will be a good toy when I finally get it on the road properly.
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