Hi guys I've been looking around for ages now for a 318is and it's been pretty hard to find one I like. I found a perfect one but have to wait Untill june. Anyway so I posted a wanted add on Gumtree and someone has got back to me. The guy has owned the car since 97 and is the second owner, it has a full BMW service history and great care has been taken of it. Also been stored away for 4 years. He bought it out to sell so he can repair his 320is, it is clean and no rust what so ever, it's had a head gasket change a couple of times. He said he doesn't take it over 4krpm and it's still on its original clutch. The interior is mint and its clean under the bonnet, he said he's had lots or repairs done in the past (hopefully he has invoices) and all the work is done by BMW. My only issue is the 171,000 miles on it. I don't mind about the clutch really I can get that done, it's just how long will this last? Does anyone know of any high mileage 318is or any common problems I should look out for? He wants around £1800 for it which I think may be a little high as I've seen others around for less. A little help would be great thanks guys.
Stuart
Should I buy an e30 with 171,000 miles?!?
Moderator: martauto
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snakebrain
- E30 Zone Addict
- Posts: 3685
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:00 pm
It just depends on the condition of the car. You need to look at it yourself. The mileage isn't necessarily a big problem if the car's been well-maintained. Bear in mind that standing for years will run the risk of braking system seizing up etc..
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Grrrmachine
- E30 Zone Wiki / Team Member
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- Location: Warsaw, Poland
171,000 miles in second and third gear around town are completely different to 171,000 miles on a motorway in fifth. The number means f***-all.
The only word that matters on these old cars is RUST. Everything else can be fixed easily and cheaply, including whole engine swaps if you're that worried. But if there's even the smallest bit of tin worm, there'll be a whole lot more in places you can't imagine.
Check the buying guide for more info:
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_an_E30
The only word that matters on these old cars is RUST. Everything else can be fixed easily and cheaply, including whole engine swaps if you're that worried. But if there's even the smallest bit of tin worm, there'll be a whole lot more in places you can't imagine.
Check the buying guide for more info:
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_an_E30
'89 325i Touring | Touring Resto Thread | In-Dash Screen install
if its as nice and well maintianed as you say, £1800 is a good price,, ones that sell for less are generally a bit rough in places and need attention
check rust, thats the main factor, get rear door cards off look inside there, jacking points, arches, all around the wings,rear panel, towing eye etc
i paid 2 grand for one with 179k on the clock, drove it to near 200k and sold it for 3 grand , its condition over milage with these
check rust, thats the main factor, get rear door cards off look inside there, jacking points, arches, all around the wings,rear panel, towing eye etc
i paid 2 grand for one with 179k on the clock, drove it to near 200k and sold it for 3 grand , its condition over milage with these