E30 Zone

Hello, my names Luke, I'm 14 years old and recently bought a 1986 2 door E30 (320i) for £800 as a project. My father will be helping me along the way with it. I'm into my classic's, last year i bought an 1989 VW Scirocco GT. Just sold a T4 Transporter as well. Is there anything i need to look out for and common faults and problems.

Thanks to anyone who replies and will post updates.
Many thanks Luke.

Welcome to the Zone! Sounds like a fun project...

Check out the Zone buying guide:

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

And for the the usual rust spots:

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

Thank you for the reply! Will be sure to check it out.

From what i can see, the left rear arch is crusty, all other arches, and around wind screen etc is okay. It gets delivered this weekend, so will give a good look round all the spots and check them.

14?! You will get some good advice from Pacerpete!

Any pics of the car?

Yes 14, hard to believe isn't it. Pic's will be added when it gets delivered. Only pics i have of it now of where it sits. And in all fairness it looks in a sorry state. But from the outside it looks solid, fingers crossed.

Been sat for around 10 years. But has been parked on concrete
for the majority of that time.
Images as follows:

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=58ACFABF

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=58ACDF6B

Welcome to the e30zone on behalf of the mangement! The only thing to worry about when buying these cars is corrosion really. All the mechanical bits are generally reliable ans are easily and cheaply sorted anyway. Nothing shows up rust better than a white car that's been sitting around, and from the limited view of those two pics. it all looks good. There will be rust, and plenty of it, but that certainly looks to be well worth saving.
I was 14 as well when I undertook my first major car restoration, so we have something in common, even if it was half a century earlier.

It all looks good, supposedly runs very good. But will find out when it arrives. One patch of rust i can see is the ns rear arch.

Hopefully that patch of rust hasn't gone far, and the arch is salvageable. It's usually the RH rear arch that rusts more badly, because there's mud traps under that side, and uncoated brackets where rust can seed and take hold

The right hand rear arch as you can see looks solid from the outside.

Oh a cromie well done young man !and good luck ,looks a good project,keep throwing pictures our way

Will definitely!

Is £800 a good deal for it, depending on it being 61k, 1 owner from new. Also its a manual with opening rear quarter light windows.

Welcome.

That depends how rotten it is, and sadly a car that has been parked for 10 years outside won't be in fantastic shape once you get into it

Its been parked on concrete for most of it, interior is practically mint, will see the rest of it when it gets delivered.

Welcome Luke, good to see a youngster with a passion for these cars. once you take possession get it up on the ramp. The b20 is a belt driven engine - if the cam belt snaps the engine will likely be toast. Given its state I would avoid the urge to try and start it until the belt has been changed (do the tensioner whilst at it).


even if the belt looks fine I would advise you change it.

Plenty of knowledge on this site to help you- if in doubt post a question.

Looking forward to watching your progress.

Regards

Thank you for the response, will give it a good look over. And will avoid the urge to start it. Fingers crossed its all okay!

Good luck with the project Depending on how much body work is needed, perhaps doing a welding course at the local college would be useful.

Would be useful, when I'm older, my aspirations are to own a classic car garage and work for my self.

Good lad, can't beat working for yourself, best thing I ever did.

Must admit - the lad has good taste!

Enjoy the journey Luke - you're well on your way to owning a classic car garage when you get older!

I have my own... (after a bit of effort... Jesus knows! )




Welcome to the Zone...

Haha, thanks for the input! I'm taking everything said into account, i enjoy classic's more, as they're more basic and easy to learn on. I learn't loads on my Scirocco, best purchase i ever made.

Good news! The BMW will more than likely be here tomorrow. Ready for a good look and a desperate wash.