E30 Zone

Hi guys, I've been looking for an e30 coupe 3dr for ages but with the prices quickly rising I don't think I'll be able to afford one at this moment in time, so I've been looking at tourings which I also love and seem to be cheaper. It's a red G plate 318 manual andit seems in good condition, it's got an mot now the jacking points have been welded says the owner and he says there is no other rust and I won't be disappointed. As it'll be my first ever e30, could you guys give me some advice, hints and tips on what I need to look out for when I view it and potentially buy it or whether to walk away. Im taking quite the risk as it is over 200 mile away, but because it's the right price, it seems quite tidy I'm very interested!! Thanks![/i]

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

This for a start.

There isn't a rust free e30. These are old cars.

Touring have a couple of additional things to look at too,
Tailgates are known for rusting. Look around number plate, bottom of glass and round the badge.
Headliner (ceiling within the cabin) tends to sag. There are various fixes, but all will take at least a day of removing trim panels and scraping off old glue generally a rubbish jobs, but rewarding when completed.

As above. Tourings were built in a different factory from lesser E30 models, on a production line that used more advanced techniques, and so tend to rust less than others, but WILL have rust, and this is what should make or break the deal. Good mechanicals and trim are a welcome bonus, but anything lacking here is relatively easily rectified when compared to sorting rust properly.
If it has a sunroof, look for bubbling around this. It will be coming from the inside and working its way out, whatever the seller says. If it's on the panel itself, that just needs a replacement panel to sort, but if it's on the roof panel itself, walk away.
Tourings also have all the desirable bits in the suspension and brake departments, which the equivalent 318i saloon won't have, so you're making the right choice switching to a touring.

Spot on guys cheers!