Eyes peeled ***UPDATE***

[coldo]

First off hello, im coldo, and i just joined the forum today


Anyway. If im honest, im a total ford buff, never looked past the blue oval until now. Ive saw a BMW E30 316i in the trader, and i've taken a bit of a liking to it (is this a good thing?! )

So, i was wondering if you lot who know more than me could answer me a few questions?

what kind of things should i look out for when i view the car?
How reliable and cost effective would a 316i be? (im a student )

Also, what kind of money would you think the car should be going for?
: Black, 122k miles, 1 years MOT, service history, cd player, 14" wheels, no TAX.

Thanks for your time folks

[320Touring]

Hi, Welcome to the site!!!

ok, the 316i is a good starting point for e30 ownership

Engine

is known as an m40 (giving about 105bhp)

look out for worn tappets/camshaft (Loud Ticking)
Check oil level and coolant (should be nice and blue (i'd change it every 2 years)

It should Idle at circa 800rpm (any 'hunting' may be caused by ECU being wonky or ICV (idle control valve) being dirty)

see below for a pic



Bodywork

Check front wings (inner and outer) for rust (bolt on replacements)

Check rear wings for rust (more difficult to fix)

Rust under the battery tray ( in bonnet on 4 door) boot on 2 dr

Rust and leaks around the front of the windscreen (panel where the wipers are)

Soggy footwells

Boot leaks (in the bits at the side) usually the rear light seals

Good Luck!!!!

[coldo]

Couldnt have asked for a better reply! Thanks for that.

(noticed your in Glasgow, im in Kilmarnock )

Any idea on what price a 122k mile 316i should go for? In average condition for year? (1991 i think)


Also, at the risk of sounding like a total chav, how easy/hard is it to get the back end out on the 316? im used to FWD fords, so wouldn't know


Thanks again for the helpful response, your time is much appreciated

[Demlotcrew]

Cars up north are really cheap!

I used to live in bishopbriggs.

Andrew

[Zayyan]

Any idea on what price a 122k mile 316i should go for? In average condition for year? (1991 i think)

Not sure but maybe Ԛ£500 in "average" condition?

Also, at the risk of sounding like a total chav, how easy/hard is it to get the back end out on the 316? im used to FWD fords, so wouldn't know

There's no chance in in the dry but you can do it in the wet if you're really trying, it's so difficult though that to be honest there's not really much point in trying.

Though tyre choices make all the difference......cheapo tyres on the back and I'd expect you're laughing

[Zayyan]

Oh and I have a 316i myself by the way, my sig would "normally" say that though it's having some work done at the mo

Re what 320Touring said about "Rust and leaks around the front of the windscreen (panel where the wipers are)", you can see an example of this just above the wiper

[hoshy]

ah so that's what's going on with your's Zayyan! I'd been meaning to ask

coldo, getting the back out probably won't be too hard if you're a bit rough with it but keeping it there with little power and no lsd will be the tough bit. ( from exp. witth my 318i)

I paid 350 for mine, condition is a bit rough though. Needs a new wing cos of rot down the bottom and it's been in a smash and had the door replaced but engine seems pretty sweet, done 6000miles in 4mnths and had no trouble except a blown heater pipe.. and that's ragging the balls off it too. When I was looking for one it seemed that the going rate was 5-600 for anything that hadn't been very well taken care of, at least not as well as some zone cars!

320touring, mine battery is in the front. 2dr G reg.

[320Touring]

Couldnt have asked for a better reply! Thanks for that.

(noticed your in Glasgow, im in Kilmarnock )

Any idea on what price a 122k mile 316i should go for? In average condition for year? (1991 i think)


Thanks again for the helpful response, your time is much appreciated

Kilmarnock? gotta have a run down to troon then (one you get a 316i )

fast fords+kilmarnock= cruizin down at the seafront at ayr

I paid Ԛ£300 for a 320, so hoshy's pricing is about right!

btw hoshy, duly noted on the battery positioning

[SCOTT325SE]

if you want an honest solid car, buy one off here. you may pay maybe Ԛ£100 more, but 95% of the cars on here are well taken care of.

Whats your price limit?
I assume you would be looking for a 316/318/320 at max due to insurance costs yes? 325 and 318iS would be killer (I know coz I insured my first E30 at 18 and it was a 325)

Here are some of the ones id suggest you go and look at...

This one is about Ԛ£1200, but looks tidy!
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=10749
Its got a 318iS front lip spoiler, everything is colour coded and the alloys are in tidy shape!


This one.... a 320... http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=10721
Doesnt say much about the car, but ive dealt with the guy(Marc) before and he was a tidy chap. Ive never seen the car, but i cant imagine it being a dog having been owned by him. its got 12mnts MOT too, which is never bad!

This one is Ԛ£780ono 318i Lux. http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=8004

Or...if you dont mind big insurance prices... a 325 Touring.... which is only Ԛ£500. http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=10432

[coldo]

if you want an honest solid car, buy one off here. you may pay maybe Ԛ£100 more, but 95% of the cars on here are well taken care of.

Whats your price limit?
I assume you would be looking for a 316/318/320 at max due to insurance costs yes? 325 and 318iS would be killer (I know coz I insured my first E30 at 18 and it was a 325)

Here are some of the ones id suggest you go and look at...

This one is about Ԛ£1200, but looks tidy!
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=10749
Its got a 318iS front lip spoiler, everything is colour coded and the alloys are in tidy shape!


This one.... a 320... http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=10721
Doesnt say much about the car, but ive dealt with the guy(Marc) before and he was a tidy chap. Ive never seen the car, but i cant imagine it being a dog having been owned by him. its got 12mnts MOT too, which is never bad!

This one is Ԛ£780ono 318i Lux. http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=8004

Or...if you dont mind big insurance prices... a 325 Touring.... which is only Ԛ£500. http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=10432

320Touring for sure, if i get one ill be in touch!

SCOTT I would spend up to a grand. To be honest it wont be a long term thing 2/3 years max, untill im finished uni, then i'll be after an RS of some sort

You mentioned insurance, yeah, its a bit of a factor.. im 18, with a years driving, but just as a named driver managed to get some pretty affordable quotes for a 316i, would you rekon a 318 would be much more expensive?/ would it be worth paying a bit more for the 318?

Also, ideally any car i would buy wouldn't be far away from me, (central Scotland) 50miles tops, im not really willing to travel to england/wales etc just yet!

Thanks again for the response, more than helpful guys

[SCOTT325SE]

well a grand will get you a tidy 316/318/320 PROBABLY - depends what you class as tidy. I class it as being a runner which is mechanically reliable, taxed and mot'd for 6months, with MINOR rust spots, maybe a couple of pin dents, but only minor ones.

Insurance - 316 and 318 arent much difference AT ALL! For me (20 and 3 yrs ncb) its Ԛ£8 difference fully comp. Engine parts are MUCH more readily available for the m40 engine than the 316 M10 engine, so spares wise, its worth going for the 318.

If you arent willing to travel for a good car, then you may end up with a dog. Sad fact, but decent cars are getting further and further apart.

[coldo]

If you arent willing to travel for a good car, then you may end up with a dog. Sad fact, but decent cars are getting further and further apart.

Yeah, totally agree with that, but it is intended to be an "inbetween" car, so i just live with what i get basically.

Just had an insurance quote for a 318i . . . . Ԛ£100 cheaper than the 316
Pity theres none advertised locally

[SCOTT325SE]

Yeah, totally agree with that, but it is intended to be an "inbetween" car, so i just live with what i get basically.

Just had an insurance quote for a 318i . . . . Ԛ£100 cheaper than the 316
Pity theres none advertised locally

a grand for an inbetween e30 will get u a tidy one...unless u spend Ԛ£2-300 and spend a bit doing it up. you get attached to them that way!!!

good on the 318 being cheaper.

[Stoney_god]

I paid Ԛ£196 for my 1989 318i of EBAY, years MOT, TAX 08/05, Full History with 128k, Alloys etc and totally rot free... bloody tappety though but still pull like a car possesed !!

Anyone know if I can retain my gearbox when fitting an IS lump ??

[SCOTT325SE]

Ԛ£196??? sounds a bloody bargain!!!!
dont think the box would take the beatting, even if it does fit..which i dont think they do.

[Stoney_god]

Appart from a few small issues like the central locking packing up and a leaking clutch cylinder (I think, well hope!!) it's all pukka...

Get on ebay everyone and bag a bargain. (this one turned out to be about 4 miles from my house !!!)

All I need is a nice set of rims, a bit of de-chroming, and now a 318is gearbox !!

[coldo]

Well..

I just spoke to the guy, going to view the 316i on thursday night

Any BMW buffs that know their shit wanna come with me? i dont know nothing when it comes to BMW's

[320Touring]

Well..

I just spoke to the guy, going to view the 316i on thursday night

Any BMW buffs that know their sh*t wanna come with me? i dont know nothing when it comes to BMW's

where is it bud?

[coldo]

Well..

I just spoke to the guy, going to view the 316i on thursday night

Any BMW buffs that know their sh*t wanna come with me? i dont know nothing when it comes to BMW's

where is it bud?

Might be up your way actually?

Its in johnstone, well, near johnstone. 14miles north from kilmarnock.

[320Touring]

how you getting there?!may be free...

send me a PM with your number and i'll give you a call!

got the ad for the car for me to see?

[coldo]

Well, im planning to drive up. If i decide to buy it, i'll leave him a deposit and collect it the next day/weekend when i have a driver. Thursday night we arranged, but ive to phone him on thursday to arrange a time etc. (I work untill 6pm so would be after that)

Please don't go out your way to come! just if you aren't busy it would be a great help, its more the technical side of things im unsure about, i can spot a nice looking car from a rotten one, but an engine is an engine to me!

I think the car is in Kilmalcom, he wasn't very clear, just said, "near johnstone"

[320Touring]

Like I say PM me your number and I'll see if i can get the time

will give you a call and let you know!

[coldo]

PM sent

[hoshy]

Like I say PM me your number and I'll see if i can get the time

will give you a call and let you know!

This is why I love the zone!!!

Mind you, it's good to have the likes of Si 13 mixing things up a bit... otherwise I'd be sick of how damned nice this place is

[Mahmood]

Hi Coldo - if you were prepared to travel more than 50 miles from Central Scotland, then in about two weeks time you could have bid for my 318i.

It's a damned fine motor, 90,000 miles full history and in Sterling Silver. It will be on sale in it's original poverty spec. form aside from some tasteful mods and accessories like -40mm springs, fully colour-coded, CAT 1 alarm, multi CD hi-fi etc. etc.

It'll be going on Ebay soon as I need to liquidise my assets.

[Taylor325i]

Hi coldo, welcome to the zone. I'm from Killie too and so is stevo. Good luck with the car on Thursday - I'm busy Thusday night or I'd have went up with you to check it out. Let us know how you get on.

[coldo]

Hi coldo, welcome to the zone. I'm from Killie too and so is stevo. Good luck with the car on Thursday - I'm busy Thusday night or I'd have went up with you to check it out. Let us know how you get on.

Beeem318i
If i dont get this one, i will definately keep yours in mind! Sounds like exactly what im after!

Taylor325i
Where abouts in kilmarnock are you? and what is it your driving? Can't say ive saw many/any E30's in kilmarnock!

[Brianmoooore]

Buy a decent one. If you've any kind of appreciatinion or knowledge of engineering or quality, you won't be going back to a Ford.
BMWs designed by engineers. Fords designed by accountants.

[Taylor325i]

coldo, you have pm

[Simon]

Maybe take a look at this one?

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... 800#105800

There was a link to the car on e-bay with pics, but it's gone now...looks a real minter and only Ԛ£650 too, great colour too...

Oh and who said 316i is impossible to get sideways!!??

Mine was a lot worse than my sport in all honesty, maybe it was because I was younger then, and the car was slower, so I was driving it faster, but it was certainly arse out more regular than the 2.5!

[Zayyan]

Oh and who said 316i is impossible to get sideways!!??

That would be me

Obviously I'm just not trying hard enough

[coldo]

Maybe take a look at this one?

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... 800#105800

There was a link to the car on e-bay with pics, but it's gone now...looks a real minter and only Ԛ£650 too, great colour too...

Oh and who said 316i is impossible to get sideways!!??

Mine was a lot worse than my sport in all honesty, maybe it was because I was younger then, and the car was slower, so I was driving it faster, but it was certainly arse out more regular than the 2.5!

Thanks for the heads up about that car!

Also, thats what i like to hear, i prefer a windscreen that i can roll down

[hoshy]

Buy a decent one. If you've any kind of appreciatinion or knowledge of engineering or quality, you won't be going back to a Ford.
BMWs designed by engineers. Fords designed by accountants.

yeah... down with the fascists

[Simon]

Thanks for the heads up about that car!

Also, thats what i like to hear, i prefer a windscreen that i can roll down

Looks like he's the other end of the country though, it did look a very nice car in the pics though, was tempted myself..but that would be 4 E30's then....

[Simon13]

u can certainly get a 318 to go sideways i did it in mine with a tree

so i bet u can in a 316

I managed to get my birds mk3 golf 1.6 to wheel spin nicely today. AND it handles quite nicely too for standard suspesion i think!