Where to purchase an E30 and what mileage?

[D89]

I'm still looking to buy my first E30, and as I'm 19 I can only get insured on a 1.8 at the most. My budget is about 2 - 2.5 k

I've been looking in the sale section here, Pistonheads, http://www.carandclassic.co.uk and some others. But I still can't find one. Where else could I look?

Also, what mileage would be good for an E30? (Although this question is a bit vague..) To be honest, I think between 80 and 100 k is reasonable? (My dad wouldn't let me buy an E30 above 100k)

Finally, is there any advice on buying your first E30 that someone wouldn't know having not previously owned one?

Thanks for any help, it's greatly appreciated!

[magpie]

100k on an e30 is no mileage really,
check any cars that interest you for rot/rust.

inner rear wheel arches is your first port of call.

others will no doubt be along to advise you more.

welcome to the zone

oh get a coupe

[R4N_S_S]

i have an e30 for sale and its a 1.8:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=133273

[Morat]

Mileage is a poor indication of condition for cars of this age, you're better off looking for a rust free shell and a quiet top end on an M40 (1.8 engine). Personally, I think tourings are the best option since they have rear disk brakes and the same suspension setup as a 325 (apart from front springs matched to the lighter engine). Otherwise two doors command higher prices than four doors, but buy what you want to use and look for a caring owner.

[casper8r]

If I were you I'd get this, 318is is the engine you want!

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=134576

EDIT: blimey, sold already? that was quick!

[magpie]

what is your location as this will help
in the choice off cars offered to you

[travel wise].

[eko]

If I were you I'd get this, 318is is the engine you want!

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=134576

EDIT: blimey, sold already? that was quick!

The `good` ones dont stick around for long

[clarko74]

looking for cars with mileage under 100k will severely limit your search, don't forget that most e30s are over 20 years old now, even if one did only 5000 miles a year (which isn't much) it would still have over 100k on it now. Don't be afraid of high mileage cars, just make sure you give them a good going over. A well maintained e30 will easily do over 200k and there a few on here with much more than that that are still going strong.

As mentioned above the condition of the shell is the most important thing, buy the most rust free one you can find.

[Tom316]

I'm currently looking at E30's. Check the local papers as there always happens to be a few in the ones where I am (Kent). But keep checking all the usual places....here, pistonheads, ebay, autotrader etc. I have only seen a few E30's with mileage under 100k. I dont really think mileage is an issue as long as the car has a decent service history and a caring owner.

[ian332isport]

I think between 80 and 100 k is reasonable?

Unlikely though.

If you work on the basis of a saloon, and the last cars were generally sold in 1991, you're looking at 18 years old. Even with average miles of 10K per year, your up to 180K miles. 100K is only 5.5K per year on average.

There are obviously lower mileage cars out there, but you're not going to be tripping over them.

As stated above, look at the condition of the body first. Mechanical problems are relatively simple to fix. Major body rot isn't. You could buy a low miles rot box that will cost a fortune to repair (properly), or a very clean high mileage car that needs a bit of mechanical work doing. I know what I'd go for.

Ian.

[D89]

Magpie: Thanks for the welcome and advice. I've read to check the arches, bumpers, the floor at the front (if there's an actual name?) and under the carpets in the boot. I would prefer a coupe, but at the moment a 4 door will be fine.

R4N_S_S: I'm not too sure on a white E30 to be honest, thanks though.

Morat: Tourers don't really appeal to me. Thanks for your help.

casper8r: I'm not sure on the fact that it's had an engine swap, with insurance and my dad. Also it's a tourer which at the moment isn't for me. Thanks though..

[Felix79]

With cars buy on condition rather than millage. My Alpina has done nearly 230k and it's still running brilliantly.

Another thing to be aware of is rust under body kits. They are terrable for catching crud and rotting away.

[adit]

D89: welcome to the zone.
remind your dad that these cars are between approx. 26-16 years old, so finding one with less than 100k miles is fairly remote! having said that, £2-2.5k for a 316 or 318 should buy you a VERY nice example.
when you check the rear wheel arches, check from the inside too, by removing the side panel carpets from inside the boot and use a torch if necessary

[Bump]

Welcome, if I was 19 again ( ) and with that sort of budget I would hang on to try and find a nice 318is.

They are the 2dr car with the m42 engine which has a little bit more poke than a normal 318i m40 engine, they have BBS wheels, a front lip spoiler and check sports seats.

They are a nice spec car, will handle well and are a bit more special than normal 318s. Look after it well and it'll hold it's value too for when you come to sell.

[D89]

Felix79: Thanks for the advice, how would I check for rust under a body kit? I'm assuming getting under the car would be ideal, but if I can't then is there any other way?

adit: I spoke to my dad and thanks to ian332isport's very valid point of 10k avg. per year theory, he did accept it. So as long as there is a good service history, 120k + miles should be fine. Thanks for the boot idea, I hadn't thought of it..

bump: I have been looking for an i or iS but all I've been finding are a lot of E30 325i out there, when compared to the amount of 318i or 318iS models. Saying that, I don't think I've found more than 1 iS for sale so far.

magpie: I live in London, so I think about 40 miles away would be the furthest considering I would have to take my dad who can be very busy. If the car is near to me, I would take my cousin who's a mechanic..

Finally.. when buying the car how would I be able to check the engine's state? If I didn't take a mechanic? I've been reading up and I know there are certain items which need to be changed.. such as the cam belt at 50k? (I hope I'm right in saying that.. ):?

[Tom316]

I took a mechanic mate of mine with me last time and gave him a crate for checking my car out. I'm not too knowledgable on this and I'm sure someone else will come and give a better answer. But check all the fluids, and have a look at the service history and see if it matches the condition of the car.

Tom

[Brianmoooore]

For that kind of money you should be looking for an immaculate iS! The iS is a very different car to the i in nearly every department - engine, suspension, brakes, interior - superior in every way, and frankly, it's hard to think of any i being worth that much.
The iS was produced at the factory with a defective gasket at the front of the cylinder head, known generally as the profile gasket. Most models of the iS will long since have had this gasket replaced by the upgraded version, but there still may be one or two out there that haven't!
A mention of it's replacement in the service history is good!
The only problem that normally affects high mileage M42 (iS) engines, are to do with the cam drive - the timing chain, sprockets and guides. Listen for rattles and odd noises from these.

[magpie]

Welcome, if I was 19 again ( ) and with that sort of budget I would hang on to try and find a nice 318is.

They are the 2dr car with the m42 engine which has a little bit more poke than a normal 318i m40 engine, they have BBS wheels, a front lip spoiler and check sports seats.

They are a nice spec car, will handle well and are a bit more special than normal 318s. Look after it well and it'll hold it's value too for when you come to sell.

SOUND advice

from Brian also.

[D89]

I guess I'll be looking for an iS now, which again narrows down my search but at least when I do finally get an iS it'll be exactly what I want.

Right now, what I want is an E30 318iS in either Silver, Black or Laser Blue. The Red fades too much and the white isn't my first choice honestly. I don't really want a cab or an estate, not at the moment at least.

I just hope being this picky doesn't mean that I'll find it impossible to find that E30.

[Tom316]

I want a white 2 door E30 316 within about 50 miles of me at the right price with a decent service history and a full ticket. Its better to be picky than end up with something you don't really want.

[Felix79]

Being patient and going over the car properly will pay dividends in the long run.

Hope your car hunting goes well for you.

[magpie]

my car






a lazer blue one may be available in vgc
from aj

[Tom316]

Nice car magpie. I eventually want one looking like that.

[magpie]

the link to some pics of this car are below.

aj did say he may sell.
your call
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=132413

[Tom316]

If I needed and could afford the car now I would so get it. damn you car gods!!!!

[Bump]

I have seen a few 318is come up every now and then. I really like the Lazur Blue ones so always keep half an eye on pistonheads etc.

Worth a call to specialist BMW places like A-Tech, Munich Legends, C3, WLN etc as they'll know people with decent cars who may be thinking about selling. Worth travelling if someone has the right car to view.

As Brian Mooore says above you could get an immaculate one on your budget. 1500 to 1700 seems about right. For me an original non-messed about with one would be worth waiting for as you'll really appreciate it when you get it. I think anyone would like one of those.

[magpie]

DAMN & BLAST US ALL

[Tom316]

It wont be long until I turn from a prospective owner into an owner....but until then I will just mooch around the forums

[Felix79]

Well looks like I am selling my Puma to adopt someones IS now LOL

[magpie]

ah,you lucky man Dan

[aj_mckay]

Well looks like I am selling my Puma to adopt someones IS now LOL

but as i need the money to go travelling in Sept. Sooo don't want to part with it but needs must and all that.

[magpie]

have fun on your travels fella.

[Felix79]

Well once he comes back he'll be buying it back ;)