E30 Zone

Hi, I'm new to this forum, I've just joined because I will be going to look at an E30 (obviously lol) 318i in about an hour and was looking for a bit of info on the car.

I've read through most of the info in the tech section and various other articles, and it seems there isn't too much to worry about on these cars, but was hoping that someone could give me some practical advice.

The car is 1989/90 G 318i with 93,000, 1 years MOT and 6 months tax. It is a basic blue colour with standard BMW alloys, I think they are referred to as bottletops? Certainly not BBS anyway. Not sure what the interior is like etc, but have a feeling the car is low spec all round; it has chrome around the windows, does this mean it is not Lux?

Sorry to come straight in and ask questions and for advice, but hopefully I'll become a regular, all being well.

Thanks

Groovycat

Hi there,

Do the usual checks, check all the service history/bills. Listen to the engine, have a good look around the bodywork. Listen for any noises/whining from the back, could be the diff. (I have one for sale - which is perfect for 30 quid anyway!!)

Check everywhere for rust, engine bay, arches, jacking points, sill etc etc

Check for accient damage on the boot floor, check the panel gaps.

Make sure the car can rev past 5000rpm (when warm!!), if it can't, it's a sign of a worn camshaft.

Let us know how you get on.

I'm pretty sure the chrome around the windows means it's not Lux, but this should give you some info as to whether it's a Lux or not:

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... nespec.htm

If you're quite young you might want to be careful with the 318i as the standard spec model is in group 12 but the Lux is in group 13, so there might be a difference in cost to insure it

Sounds like it could be a decent find though with that mileage and that much T&T

Good luck and don't forget to tell us how you get on

P.S: Welcome to the zone by the way

Mine's flat past 4500rpm when warm, I presume this means my camshaft's totally shagged then

Doesn't matter too much I guess as I'm normally pottering around getting 35mpg in it trying to save the money for a quicker E30

When you say 'flat' do you mean it won't go past 4500rpm, or the acceleration decreases but it struggles on?

Either way, camshaft wear sounds quite likely.

It goes past 4.5k but the acceleration is virtually zero. Does keep on pushing to 5k with 97 octane petrol in it though.

I'm not too bothered as it's a coupla miles short of 183k now and the rust's eating it!

Oh well, with that amount of miles, it's done well!

The cam is probably worn, but drive it slow and save up for a 325i!

A completely different experience!

welcome to the zone

if you buy the car post up some pics so we can all see it

The lux would have body coloured bumpers (not the inserts though) front fog lams, rear head rests, 6 button OBC, and 14" x spokes, and also the shdaowline (dechrome).

Didn't go for it - I should sue the guy for my fuel costs under the Trade Descriptions Act LOL.

I asked him if there was any rust on the car before I came up (travelling around 40 miles), he said there might be a bit on the arches but not a lot if there was. The car was riddled! Holes, actual holes, on both A posts, the sunroof, wings and the arches were severely serated.

Spent around 90 seconds at the car and left.

Thanks for the advice, I'll let you know if I get one!

Unfortunately this happens alot.

Sellers lie to get you there, it's a waste of your time and is fcuking annoying. Should take a bat for next time.

Good luck for finding a goodun.