What should I look out for

[bren]

I am going to look at a 1990 318 on Saturday, I am no mechanic, what should I be looking for.
I will get a mechanic to look over it but what are the initial things that I should be looking out for

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[iDreamBeemer]

Good Buyers guide...

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isdriving.html

Go to Advice, then Buyers Guide on the left menu.

[Ratfink]

Check for rear arch rot...they collect mud like mad, scrape this out and check for bodges. I looked at a 318 in Northampton got all the mud out and found a rusty arch lip were another arch had been tacked over the top!
Also check for rust around rear towing eye.

[bren]

Okey dokey, heres hoping she is clean as a whistle.

Bear in mind I am in Ireland, what is a UK ballpark figure for a clean rust free, tidy rip free interior with a full BMW service history with say 130,000 on the clock, Ball park figure?????
It's a diamond black 318, English import from about 10 years ago, so should have power steering and all the usual nice bits that us Irish were not given as standard 15 years ago

[Ratfink]

I paid Ԛ£700 for mine that had done 105,000 miles with a few little crapy bits but otherwise good.

[slideordie]

is this a 318 or a 318iS? there is a rather large difference in price!

[bren]

No, just a 318.

[bren]

No, it's justa regular 318