E30 320i m-tech 2 on eBay

[daveyheats]

Not too sure, but as it's had 17 owners I'd imagine about 3 hours!

[daveyheats]

Here is the feedback from the seller. I've just offered him £3k for it and he's told me to jog on.

Thankyou kindly for sending over the report. Unfortunately It appears the report doesn't accurately reflect the e30. There are a number of items listed that are not accurately represented which I am disappointed in and will be contacting the inspector.
It maybe that the inspector does not have specialist knowledge of the e30's and paintwork.

Although I do not dispute certain aspects he has listed like I've said before. However it certainly isn't heavily corroded. Definitely feel the pictures make the inner front of the wings look far worse.

I'd just like to share some points with you:

For example:
he has listed corrosion on PLASTIC panels that are just covered in road grime/mud it appears hasn't made notes as he's taken pictures as this isn't possible for plastic to rust. On many of the photos as they are not even relevant to the script shown on the report (sun roof for example) also on panels he has appeared to take lots of pictures of the same small rust blisters from different angles and not taken notes. Some pictures are not even blisters as mentioned before.

Rear panel Filler shrinkage?? I am a painter for princess yachts and can assure you that there is no filler shrinkage what so ever and what he has seen (shown in pics) are small surface scratch's from hedge rows etc: that can easily polish out.

He also mentions panel repairs under paint and filler etc: all repairs done have been fully cut out and replaced with new panels and repaired to a high standard as shown is picture I previously sent you. He also measured the paint and filler thickness with a coating thickness measure or (DFT) which came back as a fairly even 180 microns which contradicts his theory about filler shrinkage etc: as this would have picked this up and not have a reading of 180.


Engine warning light is not on! It's an inspection light which is green! This changes from green to amber to red when the car is due a service!

Antifreeze (no corrosion) as said there was anti freeze in it digitally measured at -12. I see he uses a bobbing type measure for this which are not at all accurate, plus he has taken the reading from the expansion tank.

He also reported on the radiator and water pump. Corrosion (no antifreeze) The radiator and water pump along with hoses have all been replaced I did show him the receipts for this.

Engine oil leak. There is definitely no oil leak anywhere on the engine! and this is just small spillage from top ups overtime.

Water in boot. No! Rain water from opening it. This happens, water collects behind the spoiler and when opened runs into the boot area (not a huge amount either)

Springs/suspension? Can't understand why he had mentioned this. Is is a common upgrade to the cars poor old suspension. It is fitted with coilovers with fairly soft springs also so it is not a harsh ride. It also does not catch anywhere or worsen the handling of the vehicle.

Drivers Seat worn yes

Headlamp washers blocked. Not now

Number (95) in the report, front chassis member. This is not a chassis member it is a bolt on part called a lower cross member or rad support which holds up the radiator.

Brake hoses. Yes they are begging to perish again a bolt on part. Easily replaced however by no means a mot failure yet. And costing around £30 a set.

Exhaust mount cable tie and hose?I'd like to see this! It is a blue braided support. No Its not your normal black rubber ones that crack and split.

Rear diff. Yes it appears to have a small leak on its outer aluminium casing from the diff gasket £12.99. Plus some atf. This I wasn't aware of and will be done now.

Rear suspension arm bushes etc: I can't work this out? the picture shown is not the rear suspension arm but I can't work what it is from the picture.

Im very disappointed how this reflects the vehicle.

Report can be downloaded from here for anyone interested: https://www.dropbox.com/s/z354enff3o4mg ... 6.pdf?dl=0

[ocde30]

"Jog on" and keep running...fast. There are some good cars out there , just keep looking and a good one will turn up. Good luck

[minesapint]

After telling the seller I'm walking and sending him the report for his records, he's of the opinion that it doesn't accurately reflect the condition of the car and the inspector got many things completely wrong / over exaggerated issues...

Mmmm.........So fake report then, wonder if he’s related to Donald Trump?

[BristolE30]

• rust around sunroof could be a cause of serious concern due to the tubes rusting, potentially meaning roof needs to be chopped and replaced.

If this is on the external roof skin, rather than the sunroof panel, then forget it.

Not always a deal breaker.. depends on the position. Mine was nearer the door frame and very repairable. That said if you did have to cut out sunroof bracket that would be a PIA

[Kedge]

Even if the report is a bit over the top with some of those points, some of which do sound easy repairs, am I right in thinking the inspector can be liable for anything they miss? Not sure how these things work.

Either way, those pics would have me running for the hills with a price north of the £3k you offered. Problem is, these days everyone believes their E30 is worth top money when most are probably still rotting corpses underneath.

[Hinny]

Think of it like this, even if he's right. the issues you can see there... you could buy a cheaper one and bring it to immaculate condition for the price he's asking.
Welding, if you get change out of a grand I'd be amazed, by the time its finished, resealed, painted etc to a nice standard.
Paint, well theres 2 grand if it needs a respray.
Hoses are not £30, more like double that for a decent set but ok
Plastic parts, I think those photos reflect that they're cracked or broken? not rusted?

It isn't a bad car in all honesty, it just isn't worth what he's asking. I'm no expert like so many I'm miles out with that statement, please let me know if I am. For a 320i in this condition, gotta be closer to 3k than 9k. For 9k I'd want the 2.5, low miles and a leather interior all in nice condition (for a 30 year old car)

[daveyheats]

Yeah, was a real shame about this particular car, but to be honest I've learnt a hell of a lot throughout the process, having never owned an E30 before. I've got a much better understanding of what exactly to look out for with the future car/s I view.

There were alot of things about this particular car that made it clear it hadn't been looked after or cared for. Simple things like bushings, brakes and coolant being completely shafted are obvious signs the seller was just polishing a turd with a respray.

Very interesting experience, and £170 saved me buying a total nail, so it's a bit of a result.

[DanThe]

I dont see anything wrong with the inspection report, the seller obviously has hurt feelings as he is still in denial that his car is a rusty MOT clinging knacker