E30 325i - Educate me!

"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll)
10/16/2014 at 19:01 • Filed to: None

I'm going to look at/test drive/take a shit ton of pictures of an E30 325i on Saturday for a fellow opponaut. (Obviously not the one pictured, that just jumped up when I looked for a lead picture.) What to look out for? Does it have a timing chain?

The car seems to be a rather pristine one owner, low mileage car with a good service history, that shows no signs of rust on the pictures in the ad. I grew up among them, so I know where they start to get cancer and what to look out for on the body. But what else is there?

I just volunteered because I am in the area, and he completely isn't, so if he is going to drive a looooong way to pick it up, I want him to know exactly what state the car is in.

Anyone know any weak points on E30s?

Not having been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I consider myself relatively well versed in the art of used car shopping. A worn bearing/bushing, oil leaks, overspray or weird panel gaps, off noises, ticking valyes... etc. I can detect, but what is there that is special to the E30 325i?

I just want to pick the brains of the Oppo Brain Trust!

Edit: It's an '88 (I think) with only 110K kilometers, so barely driven in. Supposedly a little old lady as the only owner.

DISCUSSION (18)

Leadbull > Klaus Schmoll
10/16/2014 at 18:09

Kinja'd!!!

Solid craftsmanship.

LappingLuke > Klaus Schmoll
10/16/2014 at 18:11

It has a timing belt. The engine has mechanical lifters so listen for rattling which can mean they are out of adjustment. As with all BMWs, the rubber parts are probably shot after 25 years so listen for clunks going over bumps or crazy vibrations at speed or car wandering over crowned roads which could be struts shot, center support bearing/driveshaft guido death, and suspension bushings. If the rear end makes a loud knocking sound ever then the diff is dead. I'm sure there are common things I'm forgetting but it's been several months since I was looking seriously at E30s.

AM3R > Klaus Schmoll
10/16/2014 at 18:12

year? Miles? It should be pretty solid, normally the body would rust/get riced out long before the drivetrain would die. Very easy to work on too. The M20 is a nice engine, it's weakest point is probably the rocker arms, which shouldn't be a problem unless you track often.

Jonathan Harper > Klaus Schmoll
10/16/2014 at 18:15

Don't make it look like the one pictured.

Klaus Schmoll > AM3R
10/16/2014 at 18:23

I just edited that info. '88 with only 110k kilometers, basically nothing. Little old lady as the only owner and so on.....

Klaus Schmoll > Jonathan Harper
10/16/2014 at 18:24

It's not for me, so I won't have any saying in future mods.

AM3R > Klaus Schmoll
10/16/2014 at 18:34

buy it!!

Klaus Schmoll > AM3R
10/16/2014 at 18:36

It's not for me! I'm only doing a friend a favour.

TotallyThatStupid > Klaus Schmoll
10/16/2014 at 18:51

Some random things in no particular order:

- Rear-drive M20 timing belt/tensioner/water pump/engine belts every 4 years or 50k miles.
- The idle should not hunt. If it does, vacuum leaks or a wonky idle control valve.
- Clunk in the rear over bumps is shock tower mounts. Clunk over bumps in the rear and the car veers in one direction or another could be rear subframe bushings (unlikely at that mileage).
- If you can get under it check the ball joints and all bushings. I'm not thinking they'll be worn out at that mileage, but little old ladies sometimes run into things.
- Check the power steering fluid. It's ATF, so it should be a pretty red color. The reservoir has a built in filter. You just replace it with the fluid.
- Make sure everything electrical works. E30s are robust cars, but they're all old now.
- Check the trunk for stink and rust; tail light gaskets and trunk seals are often neglected.
- A 1988 should have VIN stickers on the hood, trunk lid, doors, and fenders. It should also have them on the insides of the rear quarters, but you have to pull the covers to see them. A BMW DOT sticker isn't a deal-breaker, but just something to be aware of.
- 5-speed shifter could be sloppy at this mileage. Automatic shifts should be firm but not violent.

Pictures please!