Hi guys,
as you can see this is my first post.I have always liked these cars,especially E30,E21's.I have found a black E30 1986 with about 96000 miles on the clock (manual).
what are the things I should look for when I see the car?anything that might need special attention?the car has about 11 months MOT,and as I don't have much money,would be doing things in very small steps.(also have to say not very mechanical minded,but willing to learn ;)
I would appreciate if you can help me out.
cheers.
considering buying an E30 1986 316
Moderator: martauto
-
greentouring
- E30 Zone Camper
- Posts: 1345
- Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2007 11:00 pm
Welcome to the Zone, mate.
If it were me, I'd be checking for rust, especially around the arches and underneath. If it's got mud-flaps or a bodykit, check underneath that or around it if possible. Don't be afraid to walk away from it if you suspect it's a bad one, as there are plenty of others out there
My mechanical knowledge is limited, so will let someone else comment. Is it a 316i? That's the M40. If it's a 316 it's probably an M10 and from what people on here say, it's a bullet proof engine with scope for power gain mods.
The M40 is not too powerful, but I have one in my touring and it's served me well for over 5 years with no problem at all. They can get tappety with age though.
Good luck.
If it were me, I'd be checking for rust, especially around the arches and underneath. If it's got mud-flaps or a bodykit, check underneath that or around it if possible. Don't be afraid to walk away from it if you suspect it's a bad one, as there are plenty of others out there
My mechanical knowledge is limited, so will let someone else comment. Is it a 316i? That's the M40. If it's a 316 it's probably an M10 and from what people on here say, it's a bullet proof engine with scope for power gain mods.
The M40 is not too powerful, but I have one in my touring and it's served me well for over 5 years with no problem at all. They can get tappety with age though.
Good luck.
Well i fell into that trap. Bang on the rear archs to see wheather rust falls down. Then open the boot and take out the boot lining to see the arches for your self. If your still not pleased go inside the car and open the rear side cards and check for rust from the inside. I was amused when i saw the amount of rust on my car.
My Car was parked up for some years and that caused most of the rust. Also if possible life the car on a ramp and check under the bodykit (if it has one) and the jacking points as they get rusted aswel.
Best of luck with your buying but use your head instead of your heart when buying a E30
My Car was parked up for some years and that caused most of the rust. Also if possible life the car on a ramp and check under the bodykit (if it has one) and the jacking points as they get rusted aswel.
Best of luck with your buying but use your head instead of your heart when buying a E30
cheers guys for all your replies.I know by the description,it has got some rust on it,it is not an expensive one,about £500.it has got the 1.8 engine,4 door saloon.
unfortunately,it has got mud flaps,it is not something I personally like but have to wait and see.
will let you know if I get it.
cheers.
unfortunately,it has got mud flaps,it is not something I personally like but have to wait and see.
will let you know if I get it.
cheers.
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mrLEE30
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 6589
- Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Sweating buckets in Bahrain
welcome to the zone mate!!
the 316 from 1986 will be the M10 engine, the actual displacement is 1.8 (1766cc) but it runs with a single carb rather than the 318i which is essentially the same engine but with fuel injection. the M10 engine is bullet proof if looked after, once overheated the heads/block can crack and its scrap. for the record this was essentailly the same engine as some F1 cars of the eighties era, and thanks to huge turbos produced several hundred horsepower!!
this is not a specific list for the 316 but ANY E30 you look at..
as mentioned above there are plenty of these cars about and if i was you i would hold out and look for a 318i, the engine being fuel injected will run better (and 15 more bhp) unless the black one you mention is really REALLY good in terms of the body. and in this case rust is the main enemy. check the wheel arches, pull the ENTIRE carpet and side carpets out of the boot and look around the rear lights and where the jack lives, check the sunroof cavaity if it has one, and if possible lift the carpets infront of seats to check the area below the front speakers. if the carpets are wet anywhere then insist on looking underneath. failing that drive the car (with the stereo OFF) and listen for noises from suspension and engine/box. onve test drive is over leave it idling for a few mins and watch the temp guage, it should remain between blue and red. check the radiator water ti ensure its green or blue (which means it has coolane in there not just tap water) if its brown walk away. open the oil filler cap and see if there is any white residue here (signs of head gasket on way out - but the temp gauge will be in the red if this is the case)
and as above buy with your wallet not your heart, take someone who will tell you to walk away if its necessary, another month on the busses looking for the right car will be better than two days of a turd and several weeks and hundred pounds cause you bought a lemon!!
good luck
mrlee
the 316 from 1986 will be the M10 engine, the actual displacement is 1.8 (1766cc) but it runs with a single carb rather than the 318i which is essentially the same engine but with fuel injection. the M10 engine is bullet proof if looked after, once overheated the heads/block can crack and its scrap. for the record this was essentailly the same engine as some F1 cars of the eighties era, and thanks to huge turbos produced several hundred horsepower!!
this is not a specific list for the 316 but ANY E30 you look at..
as mentioned above there are plenty of these cars about and if i was you i would hold out and look for a 318i, the engine being fuel injected will run better (and 15 more bhp) unless the black one you mention is really REALLY good in terms of the body. and in this case rust is the main enemy. check the wheel arches, pull the ENTIRE carpet and side carpets out of the boot and look around the rear lights and where the jack lives, check the sunroof cavaity if it has one, and if possible lift the carpets infront of seats to check the area below the front speakers. if the carpets are wet anywhere then insist on looking underneath. failing that drive the car (with the stereo OFF) and listen for noises from suspension and engine/box. onve test drive is over leave it idling for a few mins and watch the temp guage, it should remain between blue and red. check the radiator water ti ensure its green or blue (which means it has coolane in there not just tap water) if its brown walk away. open the oil filler cap and see if there is any white residue here (signs of head gasket on way out - but the temp gauge will be in the red if this is the case)
and as above buy with your wallet not your heart, take someone who will tell you to walk away if its necessary, another month on the busses looking for the right car will be better than two days of a turd and several weeks and hundred pounds cause you bought a lemon!!
good luck
mrlee
