E30 Road Trip Help!

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 2:32 pm

Good day all! I'm heading out to pick up my E30 about 1200 KM's away on the other side of the country. It sat for 7-8 with the original owner who was a car enthusiast. He changed the water pump and timing belt before parking it for those 7-8 years. This spring the owner sold it to the chap I'm looking at buying it from. The current owner has done new brakes, fluids all round, radiator and a few other pieces and has put 35000 KM's on it since owning it. My question is if I buy it and plan to drive it back, should I do the timing belt and water pump before attempting to make it 1200 KM's home?

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 3:05 pm

What engine is it?

Ben

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 3:08 pm

It is an 1989 325is Tech 2. So I think that's a m20? Forgive me if I'm wrong. Still trying to learn all of the ropes.

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 3:39 pm

I would definitely get the timing belt changed. They are supposed to be done every two years. A 9 year old one is asking for trouble.

Ben

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 3:47 pm

I agree but 100% you must check all the fuel hoses for cracking etc

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 4:29 pm

Anything else to look for before heading out?

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:13 pm

BenHar wrote: A 9 year old cam belt.

nope nope nope nope.

Translation - I would change that.

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:48 pm

Haha that meme though. What does a timing belt and water pump with labour run you guys? The owner seems to be asking alot for the combo and labour.

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:11 pm

every 2 years? ive had mine going for about 4/5 years

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:20 pm

It's total luck of the draw, i ran a 325i with a 10 year old belt on for full year no problems.

but.....i've also had one snap before

better to be safe than stuck by the road side...

Post Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:27 pm

BMW recommend every 60,000 miles or 4 years.

I like to err on the safe side. Three years is probably Ok but not nine or five.

Ben

Post Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:27 am

Would you guys recommended doing the water pump too?

Post Thu Oct 15, 2015 11:32 am

Yes.

Ben

Post Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:45 pm

berndtk wrote: This spring the owner sold it to the chap I'm looking at buying it from. The current owner has done new brakes, fluids all round, radiator and a few other pieces and has put 35000 KM's on it since owning it.

Something not right. Sold this spring and 35k Km since?

I'd see how much it would cost to put it on a transporter to your door, so you can check it all out at your liesure..

Post Fri Oct 16, 2015 5:08 pm

It's about 1400$ CAD to get it decked to my door.