Hi, i'm a complete newbie to cars, let alone the classic E30. However, i'm quite surprised at the price of good conditioned E30s. I have my heart set on a 318iS. Im no good at mechanics, so i would like one in mint condition. Could someone give me some pointers in what to look for and what sort of money i should part with. Any response would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Kezza
E30 Newbie
Moderator: martauto
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TOURINGDADDY
- E30 Zone Addict
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- Location: PORTSMOUTH
im not too sure on the money side but look out for rust on the wheel arches front wings front valance well rust in general
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fowler
- Boost Junkie
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what he said plus brake lines rear subframe bushes
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iDreamBeemer
- E30 Zone Camper
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- Location: Camberley
Good choice, although I am bias...!
Helpful site is http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isdriving.html has a very extensive buyers guide.
Watch out for people selling 318i with a different badge.
Engine is different so it is obvious the moment you look under the bonet.
Top end should be Ԛ£2k for total minter (In MY opinion) but you should pick up a very nice one from Ԛ£1500. Only go for FSH, if you can be patient there are enough around (having said that I was looking for over 6 months before I found mine) Try to get one with 15" BBS alloys in good condition as these perform well with the car and look sweet.
Helpful site is http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isdriving.html has a very extensive buyers guide.
Watch out for people selling 318i with a different badge.
Engine is different so it is obvious the moment you look under the bonet.
Top end should be Ԛ£2k for total minter (In MY opinion) but you should pick up a very nice one from Ԛ£1500. Only go for FSH, if you can be patient there are enough around (having said that I was looking for over 6 months before I found mine) Try to get one with 15" BBS alloys in good condition as these perform well with the car and look sweet.
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kezza
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:00 pm
Thanks for the help. I just been quoted a decent price on insurance and have some money saved up, but i think i'll wait til after Crimbo before i start looking for one.
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andrewe30m3
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 254
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Chessington, Surrey
welcome to the zone... if your not technically minded you'll be helped by loads of people on here with extensive knowledge, so hopefully you'll never get stuck!
There is an IS for sale in the classifieds section on here which looks nice.. although not to sure about the red piping on the seats.
There is an IS for sale in the classifieds section on here which looks nice.. although not to sure about the red piping on the seats.
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kezza
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:00 pm
You talking bout Jello's one ? Ԛ£1800 is a bit steep for me, i've got a budget of about Ԛ£1000. I'll stretch to Ԛ£1200 for the right motor though.There is an IS for sale in the classifieds section on here which looks nice.. although not to sure about the red piping on the seats.
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RustyRuss
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 985
- Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Central Scotland
Welcome and good luck on getting the IS
Russell A Macfarlane
Central Scotland
1987 Lachs Silver BMW E30 320i 4 Door Manual
Central Scotland
1987 Lachs Silver BMW E30 320i 4 Door Manual
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kezza
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:00 pm
Thanks for the advice guys. Now all i need to do is find one in Silver or Grey or Black, then again i quite like the look of a cleaned up Red one. Decisions, decisions !