iv given in!!!!!!!!
Moderator: martauto
-
e30bmlover
- Ac Schnitzer prophet

- Posts: 5352
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Playing on the ring road!!!
right iv thrown in the towel and my hunt for more power may be over, im going to look at a 325i (G reg) 2 door, dolphin grey at the weekend. they guy says its done 121,000 and has all the service stamps, he says its clean for its year and no rust. can someone give me some pointers for when i go and look at it. i know about the boot lineing and looking at the rear arches, but my knowledge is a bit limited. can u tell if its been thrashed? any help would be great.
-
ClemQjeronimo
- E30 Zone Newbie

- Posts: 189
- Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:00 pm
just a few things i look for,
- worn seat/gear stick/ steering wheel. if its done 120000miles seat and gear stick might be a little worn but steering wheel should be ok,
- obvously smoke and steam coming out of the exhaust
- take it for a spin, if it doesnt brake in a straight line then somethings bent (maybe in an accident) so be weary
-noises from box/bushes/diff
-difficult to tell if its been thrashed but you can usually tell from who drives it. young guy etc then probably, older enthusiast, probably but in measured doses.
-check all the fluid levels. oil filler cap
-most essential is regular servicing and inspection.
- worn seat/gear stick/ steering wheel. if its done 120000miles seat and gear stick might be a little worn but steering wheel should be ok,
- obvously smoke and steam coming out of the exhaust
- take it for a spin, if it doesnt brake in a straight line then somethings bent (maybe in an accident) so be weary
-noises from box/bushes/diff
-difficult to tell if its been thrashed but you can usually tell from who drives it. young guy etc then probably, older enthusiast, probably but in measured doses.
-check all the fluid levels. oil filler cap
-most essential is regular servicing and inspection.
-
e30bmlover
- Ac Schnitzer prophet

- Posts: 5352
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Playing on the ring road!!!
nice one mate. will have a good look.
-
ClemQjeronimo
- E30 Zone Newbie

- Posts: 189
- Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:00 pm
thats cool.
i find just be clinical and dont let the guy sweet talk you. you'll quickly get the feeling about whether this is a good motor or a lemon. good luck!
i find just be clinical and dont let the guy sweet talk you. you'll quickly get the feeling about whether this is a good motor or a lemon. good luck!
-
HartgeH27
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 21737
- Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Chichester
Placey wrote a good guide which can be found here:
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=22543
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=22543
-
Globulator
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 389
- Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2005 11:00 pm
When you've got the oil filler cap off check the valvework - it should look like new (shiny, silver) if it has been well serviced. With a finger try to get some gunk of the inside/top of the rocker cover - there should be none. Tiny angled mirrors and a torch is useful too. This is a very quick, blunt check.ClemQjeronimo wrote:-check all the fluid levels. oil filler cap
-most essential is regular servicing and inspection.
1986 325i 'vert, funk louder than standard.
"No Mr Bond, I expect you to tell me why your 4 litre, 282bhp sports car can't outrun some lardy old Mercs.."
Audio & electronic software: http://www.cutestudio.net
"No Mr Bond, I expect you to tell me why your 4 litre, 282bhp sports car can't outrun some lardy old Mercs.."
Audio & electronic software: http://www.cutestudio.net
-
Geoff
- Old Skooler

- Posts: 695
- Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Sevenoaks
Check for:-
- DAMP UNDER ALL AREAS OF CARPET, ESPECIALLY FRONT FOOTWELLS
- PLAY IN STEERING. ROCK THE FRONT WHEELS TOWARDS YOU INDIVIDUALLY, SHOULDNT MOVE AT ALL.
- LOW SPEED DRIVING, WACK IT IN FIFTH AT 30MPH SEE IF IT JUDDERS. COULD BE DIFF BUSH / PROP DOUGHNUT GONE.
- CHECK DISCS BY FEELING FOR LIP ON THEM. IF ITS REALLY PROMINENT THEN THEY'LL NEED CHANGING.
- MAKE SURE IT DOESNT POP OUT OF GEAR, MEANS WORN SELECTOR FORK. MINE WENT IN 3RD IN MY LAST CAR WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THEN BACK OFF IT WOULD POP OUT.
Erm and thats about it really. apart from the other areas to which you are aware of. Best if luck.
- DAMP UNDER ALL AREAS OF CARPET, ESPECIALLY FRONT FOOTWELLS
- PLAY IN STEERING. ROCK THE FRONT WHEELS TOWARDS YOU INDIVIDUALLY, SHOULDNT MOVE AT ALL.
- LOW SPEED DRIVING, WACK IT IN FIFTH AT 30MPH SEE IF IT JUDDERS. COULD BE DIFF BUSH / PROP DOUGHNUT GONE.
- CHECK DISCS BY FEELING FOR LIP ON THEM. IF ITS REALLY PROMINENT THEN THEY'LL NEED CHANGING.
- MAKE SURE IT DOESNT POP OUT OF GEAR, MEANS WORN SELECTOR FORK. MINE WENT IN 3RD IN MY LAST CAR WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THEN BACK OFF IT WOULD POP OUT.
Erm and thats about it really. apart from the other areas to which you are aware of. Best if luck.
