Help and Advice buying an E30 325i please

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snehul
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Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:14 pm

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-moto ... /106036277

Hello to all,
I have put a deposit down for a E30 325i SE Auto, please check the link and let me know if this is ok or worth it please?

Also the rev counter dial does not work (well it sort of comes on every now and then) is this common? is it minor to fix and rough cost to get fixed?

Thank you in advance
Snehul
Grrrmachine
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Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:37 pm

If you don't have a knowledgeable mate to go with you when you view the car, this is the next best thing:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_an_E30
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snehul
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Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:37 pm

Apolagies as the first time i posted the message did not come up.
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snehul
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Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:48 pm

Grrrmachine wrote:If you don't have a knowledgeable mate to go with you when you view the car, this is the next best thing:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_an_E30

Thanks mate,

that is very helpful as i have checked a bit but not as much as it has quoted in this link.

Much appreciated
TouringTash
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Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:01 pm

Is it a zoners car?

The centre caps look like the 14" bbs type, but its hard to tell from the pics.
Rust on the rear arches WILL mean further, more serious rot lurking further up within the arch area (get a torch and have a good look and prod).
Does the headlamp wash/wipe work?
All the lights, display, check pannel, has it got the on-board computer (OCB) inplace of the analogue clock.
Get the Vin number and check with bmw of the build spec, ie does it have a switch-able out or just the switch.
Seats are the BMW sport ones, the other type you'll find are laughably named comfort (marketing in the 80's has a lot to answer for), recaro ones you'll see at a show.

The rev counter may just be the nut at the rear needs tightening or a job that'll set you back no more than £30.

The ad says he's near Upney Station which isn't far from the Woolwich Ferry. Incase anyone around that way can assist you fella.
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E30Gheko
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Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:52 pm

I'd say that looks fairly tidy and but as above, check those rear arches very thoroughly. Check the carpets in the front footwells for damp too if the bottom of the wings are rusted. The whole corner can go in worst cases giving you a hole in the floor. Have a good look at the front 'jacking points' for corrosion.

Price seems fair TBH for this spec in this condition with sub 100k mileage. Could have been had a few years ago for half that but they do seem to be going up in value.
TouringTash
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Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:21 pm

It does look like its had a good polish and clean up.
The seats are from a 2 door so fold forwards which could be handy if you can't always 'entertain' at home.

PM me your number if you can sort a viewing after 7pm.
I'm between Brands and Dartford Bridge. Once over its only a blast down the A13 so as long as its outside of the rush hour.
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snehul
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:08 am

E30Gheko wrote:I'd say that looks fairly tidy and but as above, check those rear arches very thoroughly. Check the carpets in the front footwells for damp too if the bottom of the wings are rusted. The whole corner can go in worst cases giving you a hole in the floor. Have a good look at the front 'jacking points' for corrosion.

Price seems fair TBH for this spec in this condition with sub 100k mileage. Could have been had a few years ago for half that but they do seem to be going up in value.
Thank you for that, i am going back to pay the rest off but before i do i will check it out first. As for the price i have been told that it is reasonable but if arches are rusted and bits and bobs need doing then i am sure he will knock the price down. Lets see, will keep you updated.

Thanks again.
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snehul
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:11 am

TouringTash wrote:Is it a zoners car?

The centre caps look like the 14" bbs type, but its hard to tell from the pics.
Rust on the rear arches WILL mean further, more serious rot lurking further up within the arch area (get a torch and have a good look and prod).
Does the headlamp wash/wipe work?
All the lights, display, check pannel, has it got the on-board computer (OCB) inplace of the analogue clock.
Get the Vin number and check with bmw of the build spec, ie does it have a switch-able out or just the switch.
Seats are the BMW sport ones, the other type you'll find are laughably named comfort (marketing in the 80's has a lot to answer for), recaro ones you'll see at a show.

The rev counter may just be the nut at the rear needs tightening or a job that'll set you back no more than £30.

The ad says he's near Upney Station which isn't far from the Woolwich Ferry. Incase anyone around that way can assist you fella.
Thank you for your help first of all,
i have to checck these things tonight before i pay him the rest so will keep you updated.
darkchild
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:25 am

TouringTash wrote:Is it a zoners car?
Its a trader's and its been on eBay for a while:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-325-Se-19 ... 106wt_1278
bab-91
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:32 am

I would say bring a mechanic or who someone knows these cars and wont forget to ask all the right questions and poke in the right places.

I'm a hopeless romantic, I fall in love with a car and throw money at the owner....

So I normally have someone in toe to give me a slap if I'm about to make a massive mistake :cool:
The Internet - It has proven to be worthless, and is nothing but a repository for perverts.

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pacerpete
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:27 am

It's a 4 door :?
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andyp
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:36 am

it did not look a bad car till i looked at the 2 adverts and spotted 10,000 knocked of the milage clocked ?
TouringTash
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:28 am

pacerpete wrote:It's a 4 door :?
I know Pete what a find eh? None of that faux coupe action goin' on here, a proper car for a change.

What steering wheel is on that.
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lamby
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:11 pm

you don,t want to have to start spending on it at that price,any rust on arches will mean a side respray plus cost of arches and labour etc rust at bottom of front wings prob gone on inside too.check sunroof and roof and take someone as said before.if you can,t wait till you can before you pay any rest on it.good luck
e30den
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Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:45 pm

For that sort of money you should expect that you will be throwing money at it if you wanna
mint it, if it was a minter the askng price would be a lot higher.
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