New Owner Broken Car - Help Advice/Needed

[PARMLEY]

Hello All,

I purchased my first E30 on Sunday night, 1989 e30 318i touring black. A couple days later the alternator belt snapped and the engine got rather hot before I managed to pull the car over. Put a new belt on (AA) and tried to carry on but the cooling system wasn't working (maybe air lock or worse the engine is boilded), the car kept getting warm so had to keep pulling over to let it cool until I arrived at work.

The car is now stuck at my work in Southend On Sea

What are my options?
Use it as an excuse to change the engine from the 318i to something more powerful?
Put it in a garage to try and fix the current unit?
Which specialist would be best to take it to which could source engines etc?
Any specialists in Southend (Work) or London (Home) that really stand out for engine swaps and mini restorations.

I would like as little hassle as possible as I am quite busy with work. If a specialist could collect it and give their opinion on options moving forward that would be great.

Not knowing too much about e30's.... I would love a reliable retro commuter (80 miles a day). The smooth 6 cylinder engines appeal but the little 1.8is engine may also do the job and handle a little better? a baby e30 M3 estate which is relatively comfortable would be my criteria.

I have to say in the very short time I have driven the e30 I have begun to understand there charm.

Please help before I give up on it!

[aivaras325]

Failed water pump? Could be engine head damage I think at worst. Do wait on experts to chime in tho.

[Brianmoooore]

As engines go, the M40 engine, as fitted to your car, is fairly difficult to damage, but without knowing how hot and dry it got it's difficult to say what might be wrong.
Is it actually using water? Does the heater work before it overheats?
Regarding the 'baby M3 estate', BMW have never made an estate, but they have made many excellent 'tourings', and please don't refer to 'baby M3s' - it only leads to ten page arguments on here! .
A M42 engined touring is, however, a very pleasant and economical commuting machine, but unfortunately BMW didn't actually get around to making it, so if you want one, it'll be make your own, or find a ready converted one.

[polsta]

Try get it sorted , generally when buying an e30 it's good practice to go through everything and fully service and check everything's in good order before hooning around , good luck

[Brianmoooore]

Try get it sorted , generally when buying an e30 it's good practice to go through everything and fully service and check everything's in good order before hooning around , good luck

Especially one that's been so badly neglected as to suffer a broken alternator belt!