I had an 1990 e30 touring 318i lux in red many years ago (1998-2003) and to this day I still rate it as the best car I ever owned.
My old one from back in the day:
However in a mission to relive my youth last year I bought myself an example of the 2nd best car I'd ever owned a 1986 Mk2 Golf GTI.
So after going to a few meets and car shows etc. with the Golf, my wife she decided she wanted to have a car that she enjoyed too (and not the dull, boring and sensible Ford Focus estate I got her last year) so I've just bought her this:
I had my old one when we first got together, and she kind of took it over as as much hers as mine as I had a motorbike for everyday transport.
I've found out already this car was previously owned by an e30Zone member and was cover car on Total BMW a few years back. Although I'm yet to discover a copy.
The guy I got it from used it for his Brighton to London commute and I gather everyday he must have had a coffee en route, and everyday he must have spilt it! as there's stains everywhere.
So after getting it home to Bristol on Saturday, Sunday the deep clean started.
This even smelt of coffee!
Proof of the coffee antics, as well as a half bottle of wine under the passenger seat
The outside, underneath and bay all seem respectable. A bit of bubbling on the front o/s arch so might have to look at paint in the near future.
And there's a few bit in need of attention. Some of which I've already started separate threads for
Some staining in the passenger well, so I need to investigate if the heater valve has been fixed and just not cleaned or if this is still an issue:
Some 'dog related?' carpet damage
Will replace at some point but not urgent.
A broken carpet fixing,
Should be like this
From memory there should be a slot on the back of these to attach in position on the rear seat - possibly changed at some point??
Missing fixings for the floor mats
A small crack in the dash
o/s rear light unit needs replacing as water has got in and the chrome reflector dish has disintegrated - I think on the fog light.
Also, no pictures yet:
I've already picked up a period Sony CD player to replace the BMW Reverse RDS unit, so got this to fit.
The headlining is sagging, not sure if this can be fixed or if I need to try and find another one. A common issue for the Golfs too and I know gluing rarely works and people ask silly money for replacements.
One of the tailgate hinge surrounds is missing.
One of the inner headlamp lens's is smashed and one front indicator lens is cracked.
The headlight height adjust doesn't work - but didn't on my old one either!
The BBS wheels could do with a refub.
The storage flap in the boot (not the first aid kit one) the hinge is snapped so I'll be on the look out for new.
And the finish on the tailgate spolier is pretty poor. I think it's been painted at some point.
That takes care of the appearance, now the mechanics.
There's play in the steering, not sure if rack of the UJ coupling (steering guibo thing?) - or both! Need to check it out.
PAS fluid is yuk, so hopefully changing that will help too.
It's quite wallowy, so need to check all the bushes etc.
The central bearing/coupling on the prop needs replacing - I had to do this on my last one.
and the rear diff is a little whiny
hopefully not a big deal? I'll be at Reto Rides show next week, I've got my Golf on the Mk2 Owners Club Stand, but I gather there's a e30 Zone Stand so I'll be sure to pop along and say hi.
Future plans:
I'd like to retro fit Air-con and rear electric windows to give my wife a bit of luxury. Other than that want to keep it clean, tidy and original. It appears to be a fantastic example.
but one less thing I'll need to worry about.
