Ranbat Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 I've always liked the look of a BMW, particularly the 1st and 2nd Gen 3 Series. I am going to look at an 84 318i this week. My son is to start driving soon and I will need another car, so, I'm thinking of getting myself the BMW and allowing him to drive my current daily, a Chevy Lumina. From the time I've been here, it seems like there is a pretty varied group that know about lots of different vehicles. I'm just looking for some tips when shopping for a used BMW. What kind of things should I be looking for,as far as common issues. Any advice/input will be great. Thanks! 10 Quote Link to comment
Jeepercole Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 I love the look of the 1st gen 3 series but don't know a whole lot about them. Quote Link to comment
oldskoolvws Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 I own an 86 E30 (325) which I believe is the same. This will be my daughters first car so I'm going through everything and will add in a few sport goodies to keep the car on road. My experience with these are minimal as well. I'm just trudging through as I go along. As with any European car, this is the definitive bible for the service manual: http://www.bentleypublishers.com/bmw/repair-information/bmw-3-series-e30-1984-1990-repair-manual.html I got mine on Ebay. There is no substitute. I have them for my VW's, Toyota's and the BMW. 1 Quote Link to comment
JoeCool Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 I love a BMW as long as I don't have to fix it! Pain in the arse to work on and parts are expensive. They are very nice cars though. Quote Link to comment
q-tip Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 E30 BMW just wishes it was a 510.......just sayin Quote Link to comment
Tristin Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 E30s are the current trendy car... everyone wants one in the stance scene. They are everywhere. My only advice (since I know nothing about BMWs as I do not like that at all), is to watch who you purchase one from. Being that it seems its only trend following kids that own E30s these days, Im sure they are all beat on and poorly taken care of. Buyer beware and make sure you know who youre buying from. Quote Link to comment
q-tip Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Knowing a BMW tech who is also an e30 guy, most of them are pretty beat on and parts are outrageously expensive for what they are. It might be a 30 year old car but it is German and something expensive will break Quote Link to comment
DaBlist Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Kudos for not buying him a Honda! They're are fun cars too. Lots of other sites that will be of more help though. Quote Link to comment
philcas1987 Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 e30s belong on the track! A bigger better 510. They are not hard to work on. Buy all the parts online they are cheaper priced compared to AutoZone... I love my 87is . Has never let me down. I maintain it. Catch things before they become a problem. Everything works. I'm very anal. Its my dd. I don't see my self selling it. 318 or eta that is a different story Quote Link to comment
Ranbat Posted May 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Kudos for not buying him a Honda! They're are fun cars too. Lots of other sites that will be of more help though. He wants the Datsun :D But, I may be awhile on it, so he can ding something else like the Lumina for awhile :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment
72240z Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Just dont get an e36, worse bimmers ever made. Quote Link to comment
Ranbat Posted May 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2013 I'm going to look at it Thursday. It's an older guy going through a divorce and needing some cash. Thanks for all the opinions and the links :thumbup: Quote Link to comment
q-tip Posted May 7, 2013 Report Share Posted May 7, 2013 My biggest pet peeve with e30's is that lack of head room an the pedals are too close together (I'm 6'3 and wear size 13) I just don't fit in them very well. IMHO they're not a bad car but they're turning into the new civic Quote Link to comment
Ranbat Posted May 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 I don't see alot of them around. Most of the time they are driven by the arty crowd if I see one. Those and old Mercedes. Quote Link to comment
Ranbat Posted May 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2013 Went and took a look. It is beat on for sure. No rust to speak of except on one lip over the rear tire. Interioir is fair, needs body work, but drives okay. He's asking $1200, I may shoot him an offer of $800. Here's a couple of pics. Quote Link to comment
oldskoolvws Posted May 10, 2013 Report Share Posted May 10, 2013 If those are BBS RS, the wheels alone are worth 2X the asking price if they are restored properly and polished. From the pics, car looks good. I hate the diving board bumpers. I've had these on order FOREVER, I guess their on a boat lost in the ocean somewhere: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-325e-M20_2.7L/Exterior/Body/ES1928129/ http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-325e-M20_2.7L/Exterior/Body/ES1928128/ Quote Link to comment
rag10 Posted May 17, 2013 Report Share Posted May 17, 2013 I cut the top off a 318 ca edition for my dime ! Quote Link to comment
Spoona_Jay21 Posted May 21, 2013 Report Share Posted May 21, 2013 If those are BBS RS, the wheels alone are worth 2X the asking price if they are restored properly and polished. From the pics, car looks good. I hate the diving board bumpers. I've had these on order FOREVER, I guess their on a boat lost in the ocean somewhere: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-325e-M20_2.7L/Exterior/Body/ES1928129/ http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-325e-M20_2.7L/Exterior/Body/ES1928128/ RS's have "flat caps" that cover the lugs so can't be RS's Quote Link to comment
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