Newbie looking to buy a 316 what should i look for?

[stixe30]

basically im after a list of things i need to look at when i go to view an e30 316i? also its an Auto.

[DHFiS]

Rusted bodywork - scuttle, bottom of the front wings, jacking points, rear arches and around the sunroof are all common rust points.

Google 'E30 buying guide'

[Brianmoooore]

For the 316i (and 318i) specifically check for a horrific knocking from the top of the engine after it's been idling a while, or in some cases, most of the time. This is caused by failed hydraulic tappets, and while it does no damage, or have much effect on performance, it doesn't exactly fit the image of BMW, and is expensive to cure.
This is very common, and you'll be lucky to find one that is completely free of this.

[stixe30]

well im hoping it wont have noisey tappets as it only got 30k miles

im reading througha guide now thanks

[Finto_316]

check that theres no whine from the diff
check that theres no grine after you let your foot off the accelerater
check that the speedo is working perfect
check that theres no leak from the radiator

[Brianmoooore]

check that theres no whine from the diff
check that theres no grine after you let your foot off the accelerater
check that the speedo is working perfect
check that theres no leak from the radiator

These are just price adjusters. Rust is the sale/no sale decider.

[juddye30]

i found aswell as rust on the arches, jacking poins etc the seals on the boot lid root throught aswell from sitting rain in the gullies