Looking at an E30 tomorrow... Things I should look out for?!

[Aramil]

Right guys, another probably mundane question to you experienced lot, but again, not something I want to get wrong, so bear with me!

As the title suggests, I'm off to look at a car I mentioned in another one of my threads; a 1987 D Reg 320i, 2 door auto with 63,000 miles on it, with MOT 'till 07-2008. A random choice of car I know, but my concern is it doesn't have a sunroof!

I just want to check what I need to look for when buying...

Any common rust spots, or things of note I should look out for?

Any advice highly appreciated, as always!

[Scruffymurphy]

You'll see the obvious rust spots like arches etc.

Have a good look around the rear lights, scuttle, petrol cap. Check around the engine bay for rust.

Check both front footwells for dampness and the rear pockets.

[darkchild]

Lack of sunroof is a bonus in terms of eliminating one potential source of rot! Scruffymurphy mentions the main places to look for rust but its also worth removing the trim in the boot and having a good look round. Jacking points are another E30 rot favourite.

The M20 engine has a reputation for cracking cylinder heads. Check the cooling system does what its supposed to (evidence of regular coolant changes are a must). The 4 speed ZF auto boxes on these will happily see 200K if the oil and filter is changed on a regular basis. On a test drive you should experience what feels like another gear change at 50-55mph. This is just the torque converter locking up, in effect giving you a 5th gear and better fuel economy. A 320i auto can be a thirsty beast if driven hard but can nudge 30mpg on a long run.

Things like original manuals, fully stamped service book, old mots, full toolkit in the boot, glovebox torch etc should all indicate a well cared for original car.

[griff87]

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=22543

A lot of this applies to all e30s and not just the sports, should be quite useful.

[Aramil]

Thanks to all for this - bought the E30 I went to look at!

Will get some pictures on my main thread in the gallery section soon!

( http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=95952 )

[tezk]

Check the condition within the head through the oil filler cap.. If its black, consider walkin away.

If it has received regular maintenance, it should still be shiny in places.. I picked up a dirty 320i and ended up replacing a badly corroded and stuck up head within a few months...