Bmw E30 Convertible

[sumo2000]

Hi guys been on this forum for quite some time, just went to look at a bmw E30 convertible today. Looks ok just wanted to know what areas of the car i need to look at in more detail. Where would i need to look befor buying this car, what commom problems these cars have. Its a 325 which has a boot floor you could eat your dinner off, it currently has no hand break leaver, the engin bay is all standard no aftermarket add ons. The car has been parked in a garage for 9 years, has cobb webs all over the car and interior has a very musty smell. One thing i did notice was that the car did have a small puddle of water in the passanger side car jack holder, and condensation on the inside of the boot lid and the tool kit was all rusty. There was no rust on around the rear radio antena. The car had bbs cross spoke wheels, with all center caps, no rust on the scuttle panel on both sides. just need to know what major points i need to look at. From what i can see the paint work looks original, and what would i need to do before i re-commission it again for road use. The only down side to the car is that the roof is completely shot and would need replacing, would like a original roof as i have seen pattern roofs start to lift at the edges where it sits on the horse shoe. Sorry to blabber on, but i just want don't want to end up with a dog that i pump to much money in to as this will be my daily driver.

Many Thanks

Sunny J

[Jim320i]

How much is it priced at first? Might gives us an idea of its a bargain or over priced.


With it sitting for so long, check over all the bushes etc as they may have perished. Does it run?

You mention a puddle of water inside the car... How sure can you be its been garaged all that time as theyre wouldnt really be any water in it if its been water tight that long, unless it was very deep when it first went in...

[adit]

check the usual rust areas, battery tray, rear arches, scuttle, jacking point areas, rear valance around tow hook, etc.
the water in the boot is no big deal, usually only rear light seals or bootlid seal.
the water sitting in the jack area is common, hence the bootlid condensation.. just clear the drain hole at the bottom on the "well" and let the water run out.
the rusty tools will scrub up...or buy an as-new set from me
pictures would be a good idea.
what area are you in?

BTW: this is the Photo Gallery.
you should try this section:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... wforum&f=2

HTH

[sumo2000]

Cheers guy for the advice,

Jim, the car looks like it has spent time out in the open as the owner has a big front yard at the front of his house, and looks like he moved it indoors when the roof on the car started to leak. We are still trying to sort out a price for the car, he wants £1000 for the car the plus side is that it is a 1993 model so one of the last ones made. if he agrees a price close to what i want to pay i will snap his hand of, thats why i need to work out how much i will need to spend on the car to get it sorted worse case. Cheers again

Adit, thanks for the direction on where to post this topic, i'm based in Essex but not for long as i am looking to move to Bedford. Will take you up on the offer of a new tool set if i can't get it to scrub up (will give it a good scrubbing like a good old scrubber). Smells a bit funky but will rip out the seats and clean out the whole car if/when i get it.

Cheers again guys

[adit]

[daimlerman]

Roof will cost £500-£750 to have replaced,unless you can find a better s/h one.

Do have the tension straps replaced as well,they can only be done with the hood off the frame....

Hood replacement is either for the very brave DiYer,or a trusted professional!