New to e30. Need advice.

[e30aniac]

Hey all,

Just bought a 1987 E30 320i SE. It's all original and all parts seems to be original.

Never been restored or repaired properly so suffering some old age related damage, however the shell and interior is in relatively good condition...

Wanted to get some advice where should I start and what are main issues a 1987 E30 would most likely have.

Haven't done proper inspection yet, however current issues are:

- Brake light indicated worn brakes is on
- Prop shaft seems to have something loose, as when clutch released from gear there's a clunk sound from underneath the car
- Diagnostics console next to rear view mirror is dead
- Traces of oil all over the engine and underneath the gearbox
- Rev counter does not work

What main areas should I check and expect to be worn?

Thanks for help

[ross_jsy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Your main issue will be rot, everything else is easy enough to sort out. Have a good look in all these areas:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Rust

And as with any old car, bushes are going to be in need of replacement if they haven't been done recently. Use quality rubber from the likes of Lemforder

[bosers]

Chroist! That's a depressing read, Ross! I prefer to leave a protective coat of mud on mine.

[Topblag]

Oil leaks are good, keep the rot at bay.

[e30aniac]

Thanks guys. I will get on it.

[Cypriotgeeza]

- Prop shaft seems to have something loose, as when clutch released from gear there's a clunk sound from underneath the car

Sounds like its either Prop shaft backlash or the rubber guibo or "donut" as some like to call it is knackered

[e30aniac]

Are the guibo or prop shaft backlash problems repairable on regular stands in the garage?

[Cypriotgeeza]

Are the guibo or prop shaft backlash problems repairable on regular stands in the garage?

The beauty of these cars is that with the right tools ANYTHING is repairable on regular stands in the garage

Also check the centre bearing while your there..if it hasn't been change yet id recommend doing that while your at it