Advice please

[Jamboree]

I've got my eye on a bmw 325i e30 it's an f reg with 90'000 miles full service history and a new timing belt 5000 miles ago can this car be used as a daily drive. The body looks sound and engine bay looks clean, plus underside has no rush and been sealed it looks lush. My family and friends are trying to talk me out of it. Are these cars realiable or will I be spending lots on repairs would like to hear your thoughts, thanks

[saloon591]

If you can keep up with the fuel cost then they are a very sound choice of car reliable and drive superb. Have a look through wiki for what to look for.

[Grrrmachine]

if it's got 23 years of service history then it must be a good one, but without photos it's impossible for us to know whether it's a good example or not.

However, a well-maintained example will be just as reliable as a modern car. You just have to be prepared for the fuel bill - the 2.5 engine is a really thirsty animal.

[daimlerman]

I have been using E30's as dailies for the last 6 or 7 years. I have only had one serious recovery to do in that time,most minor stuff can be fixed at home or roadside.

We cannot tell you if your proposed purchase will be 100% reliable,but going through the thing from front to back over a couple of weekends will give you a fair idea of it's mechanical/body condition.As with any elderly car,bushes and other suspension components wear and the ride/handling can be transformed for a modest outlay,provided you can provide the labour!

[Funnybear]

Mine has just gone through it's 23rd mot anniversary, spent 170 quid. Not many modern cars will even get to that age, let alone still be passing MOT's.

From what I've learnt over the past 4 years of ownership is that the 325 is a realiable, cost effective and fun drive. And it will be the tin worm that kills it, not the mechanicals.

I could spend more on a brand new motor which will suck me into the 3 year renewal blackhole and end up costing me far far more.

Just keep up with the servicing, replace what needs to be replaces. Be sympathetic (they are 'older' cars) and you won't regret it. But as it's been mentioned, these cars from an era when fuel economy was not top of the agenda. But at the end of the day, you'll use as much fuel as the wieght of your right foot dictates.

Plus the support you get from the community is invaluable. Priceless even. That alone is worth the car price.

[magpie]

if your over 21 you can insure it with pete best on a classic car policy for about £200 fully comp then you can have a second car [daily drive] to keep your no claims bonus runnuing if you have one/any .

how much is the car ?

[MattTheHat325]

Fuel economy is for sensible people, this is the zone!

In all seriousness, mine is only off the road as it is an ongoing project, I bought mine as a total shed in 2009 for £550 and my mileage has gone from 147,000 to 170'000 with the only 'mechanical' failure being a snapped drive belt, fixed for less than a packet of fags! And I ramp it everytime I drive it. Basic servicing at the correct intervals is your friend!

[pnd]

more reliable than a modrn if its had all the work done if it hasn't it will have quite a few niggles which will take time to sort. As for fuel economy it will do around 25mpg in mixed use worse if its an auto. I ran e30 325's as daily cars for fifteen years until last year since i have had an e46 which has been less reliable more expensive to fix and only marginally better on fuel

[ross2009]

i used my 325i daily doing over 300 miles a week for about 2 years never let me down once

[mcbonio]

Yeah I used my '87 325i cab as a daily, brilliant it was. Only failed an MOT once whilst in my keep on a split steering rack gaiter. Very solid cars and the m20b25 is a seriously tough engine. Does like a drink though.!

[tonybtonyb]

I have to agree with all the comments everybody has mention so far.These are great cars to own,drive and once you look after them servicing etc it will look after you!I drive mine every day.Good luck