E30 Zone

Looking to purchase 1991 325i Convertable which is in excellent condition but has done almost 95,000 miles. Am concerned about major repair costs that may arise in the next couple of years. Can anyone please share their wisdom as to possible problems that may be faced with this model BMW? Or with proper maintenance care what mileage should I expect before any significant repair costs? Is there any specific body or engine problem that I should look at when inspecting the car? thankyou.

My bmw has already done 305.000 km (about 165k miles) but it's still running good so i don't see a reason for worrying. I've heard that bmw engines have resource up to 500.000km. But all repair costs depend on the condition of the car. If it's mint and it's been properly maintained then there shouldn't be any big problems.

chooka wrote:Looking to purchase 1991 325i Convertable which is in excellent condition but has done almost 95,000 miles. Am concerned about major repair costs that may arise in the next couple of years. Can anyone please share their wisdom as to possible problems that may be faced with this model BMW? Or with proper maintenance care what mileage should I expect before any significant repair costs? Is there any specific body or engine problem that I should look at when inspecting the car? thankyou.

My Tourer is now up to 211,500 mile,i've done 60,000 of thoses with no real issue other than a thermastat and dodgy dizzy caps.

95,000k......................barely run in!

I've got a 1990 E30 325i Auto Convertible and it has done just over 96K. I would make sure that the cambelt has been changed. Also check all over the hood to make sure that it is in good condition. Although BMW only guaranteed the hood for 3 years from new. If it is a power hood, then I would check that it works as it is extremely and I say this out very loudly expensive to rectify. A lot of the guys on here have learned by their expense how expensive it is to repair the electronic mechanism on their power hoods and have ended up opting out and changin their hoods to manual.

Check all the seals too. Make sure that they are pliable around the front of the hood. Don't want to end up with a leak roof!

Make sure that the doors are aligned and are not dropping too much. There will always be the chance of this as these doors are very heavy as they are reinforced to help with not having a tin roof.

Other than the usual things like making sure that there isn't any rust. That there is no petrol smell coming from the engine! you just need to check on the usual things that you would look for when buying a car.

As long as you look after your car, you should not need to worry about major bills. Maintenance is a doddle.

Wishing you well with your prospective purchase. Let us know how you get on.

Take care

just to echo whats already been said, 95k miles is absolutely bugger all for the 2.5 m20 engine! these engines go for 200k+ without any major problems if they are taken care of! An inspection 2 (big service and cam belt change) should cost you Ԛ£325 from a decent dealer. If the cars are serviced regularly, then thats just about the only thing that the 2.5's want for! Other than that, just drive it and look GOD DAMN COOL!!!!!

Scott...you did echo too!!

No excuses for double posts anymore! You can delete your own posts now!

Check the rear arches.

I've just bought a 1989 325i sport, 1 owner with FBMWSH. After a couple of weeks I noticed a major build of water behind the rear wheels in the boot, got the car checked out and have been informed that both inner wing are rotten through. Been quoted between Ԛ£500 and Ԛ£800 to get sorted. I am waiting on a free weekend to take the car to a few other bodyshops for some other quotes.

After that I will get in touch with the garage I bought it from to see if I have any comeback

Cheers

Al325i cheack under that bodykit under the side skirts and door pods. There is a good chance you will find some more there