What to look out for on a 318iS ?

[greggy]

gonna be looking at a 318iS over the next week.

i am just after a simple check list of things to look out for.

is a H plate with 170k with a good history and in an un molested state....

Rust sort of goes without saying..
Seat trim, again, know about that one (big flaw in the BMW upholsterers that i reckon)

Anything else that springs to mind, gimme a shout !!

cheers folks

StuG

[Alex]

look out for rattly timing chains, cracked exhaust manifolds, tappets sticking

[MrWhite]

Check that the central locking works properly. Most problems with the CL can be fixed fairly easily but in my experience its a pain of a job.

Look at the body work very carefully, I'm sure you're aware of the usual rusty areas but don't be afraid to poke about. I've been spending months replacing metal on mine. I only wish I'd looked more closely at the hidden bits before buying.

[320Touring]

gonna be looking at a 318iS over the next week.

i am just after a simple check list of things to look out for.

is a G plate with 170k with a good history and in an un molested state....

Rust sort of goes without saying..
Seat trim, again, know about that one (big flaw in the BMW upholsterers that i reckon)

Anything else that springs to mind, gimme a shout !!

cheers folks

StuG

Ok, lets see what I remember...

Timing Chain Tensioner rattle

Profile Gasket coolant leak (at the front of the lump)

Viscous fan issues (the m42 doesnt like to overheat)

Noisy Tappets could be stuck

Check all the coolant system for leaks or signs of oil/water mixing- possibly a headgasket issue.

Check none of the coilpacks on RH wing are cracked or damaged- this can lead to poor running esp at idle.

Check for air leaks on the inlet side

Check for leaks around the sump (its two piece, so 2 gaskets that could fail!)

Check for Any leaks or blows from the Exhaust manifold.

Other than that its the usual

Buy on bodywork condition-

Front wings/Jacking points

Sills

Rear Arches (check inner arches by removing carpet trim in the boot)

Scuttle rot undermeath the front screen etc.

Just have a damn good poke about.

An honest iS is a nice thing

[greggy]

(may be some one on here maybe ??)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0323177476

Thoughts on condition / price etc ??

[greggy]

ok... saw the thread in the 'ebay' section...... i'm undecided... the miles is a slight concern to me being a beemer virgin (Apart from her indoors M3 Evo).... Hmmm

set me sights lower / higher (320i / 325i) maybe

[DHFiS]

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=136098

Its looking tired and people have paid less for cleaner looking cars.

How much restoration do you want to do?

[Alex]

nothing wrong with that mileage

there is a guy from the states who is/used to be a member and has 250k on his IS

[greggy]

DHFiS - not overly handy with the old spanners (and nor is my wallet)..

Would prefer something that doesnt need heaps doing.. "get in, start, get there, stop"
plus the obligitory wash and polish of a weekend.. money pit is not what I want.. (who does tho!?!)

Hmmmmmmmmm.........oh arse...... i dunno !

[Leemc2009]

325i sport in For Sale section for £2195

[greggy]

Yummmmmmmmm 325i Sport...

[iDreamBeemer]

Not to forget the great site from Bendon Purcell which has a full checklist....

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/

[DHFiS]

It might well be reliable but it looks a bit of a shed to me. If it was mine I'd want the car looking fresh so the tatty seats would need sorting, the towbar goes in the bin, the 2 non functioning aerials on the rear get scrapped and then a trip to the body shop to tidy the thing up. Mechanically I'd want to know the brakes were good and the suspension was newer than the car.

Then you've got the non functioning speedo to sort, a stereo to fit, a set of 15" wheels to find and it would be OK

[djk]

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=136098

Its looking tired and people have paid less for cleaner looking cars.

How much restoration do you want to do?

You make it sound as if 'up together' iSes are common at this sort of price level! Sure, some folk have got some stone cold bargains, but I'd say this looks pretty reasonably priced. In what way is it 'looking tired'? It looks pretty good in the pics, especially the interior which only appears to have splits in the seatback stitching, and not the usual wrecked cloth. Plus it hasn't got the usual halfords/ebay tat and bk reps that so many knackered e30s sport. Frankly I'd rather spend more and get more if it were me, but there is a market for cars like this.

BUT, and it's a big BUT, I would never, ever, ever, part with the money before the car is in my possession as this seller seems to want the buyer to do ('paypal account required'), and I would be extremely wary of the story that the car was taken in payment - make absolutely sure that the car is registered to the seller at the address you view the car. Added to the rather desperate 'baby M3' sales spiel, it all looks decidedly fishy to me.

[DHFiS]

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=136098

Its looking tired and people have paid less for cleaner looking cars.

How much restoration do you want to do?

You make it sound as if 'up together' iSes are common at this sort of price level! Sure, some folk have got some stone cold bargains, but I'd say this looks pretty reasonably priced. In what way is it 'looking tired'? It looks pretty good in the pics, especially the interior which only appears to have splits in the seatback stitching, and not the usual wrecked cloth. Plus it hasn't got the usual halfords/ebay tat and bk reps that so many knackered e30s sport. Frankly I'd rather spend more and get more if it were me, but there is a market for cars like this.

BUT, and it's a big BUT, I would never, ever, ever, part with the money before the car is in my possession as this seller seems to want the buyer to do ('paypal account required'), and I would be extremely wary of the story that the car was taken in payment - make absolutely sure that the car is registered to the seller at the address you view the car. Added to the rather desperate 'baby M3' sales spiel, it all looks decidedly fishy to me.

If the OP wants a good starting point to put together a tidy iS this could be it, if he wants a cheap BMW that doesnt need work there's a 320 in the for sale section for £795.

[robbo86]

money pit is not what I want.. (who does tho!?!)

Me! If by which you mean a pit full of money

[mt1104]

a 320 is hardly a 318is though is it.

[sweep]

Buy a 325i,

[Alex]

a 320 is hardly a 318is though is it.

no its a 320i

[magpie]

press every button,check c,locking.
the windows and sunroof if electric should open close with the key out and the door open.
happy IS