What are the first things to do on a newly bought E30?

[stefano30]

Hey all.

I just picked up my BMW 316i E30 today. I was just wondering what are the first thing's you guys did when you got yours.

The car is solid, no rattles, barely any rust (apart the bottom of left rear wing)

A few more questions:

The engine bay is obviously a bit oily with small builds up of dirt etc. Whats the best way to properly clean the engine?

Any reliable source for cheap extras for the E30 model? (bulbs, interior, body)

Thanks

[ImysE30]

Went sideways in it

Welcome btw

[magpie]

put fuel in .

[stefano30]

Went sideways in it

Welcome btw

sounds brilliant, unfortunately didnt have the chance to do so on the way back!

Any tips or tricks before i begin work on the car?

[Kos]

Check belts & water pump

Check for rust & get busy with waxoyl

Wash polish & seal/wax

Then it's maintenance & upgrades

[stefano30]

Check belts & water pump

Check for rust & get busy with waxoyl

Wash polish & seal/wax

Then it's maintenance & upgrades

Small bit of wear in timing belt which is a shame. Will be the first thing getting replaced.

In your opinion what would be the most useful upgrade to the car?

[Speedtouch]

Do a full service - check all the engine bay items, rubber fuel hoses, etc., and take a good look at the state of the safety critical items such as brake pads and tyres - check the inside wall of the tyre as well as the outside.

Maybe also change the fuel filter, as these are often neglected on most E30s in my experience.

[capri_rob]

If I knew then what I know now :

Take seats out
Take carpet out
Take all boot trim out
Take splashguard out from drivers side rate arch by filler neck

Assess amount of welding needed

Then decide what its worth spending money on.

If its all good then a full service is first on the list after youve filled it full of waxoyl.

[stefano30]

Do a full service - check all the engine bay items, rubber fuel hoses, etc., and take a good look at the state of the safety critical items such as brake pads and tyres - check the inside wall of the tyre as well as the outside.

Maybe also change the fuel filter, as these are often neglected on most E30s in my experience.

Thanks. Also, do you think it would be worth it purchasing an "oil catch tank"

[Speedtouch]

No, unless it is leaking oil excessively, in which case, you should fix the cause of this.

[pud1]

This may sound like p#####g on a very pleasent parade but capri-rob has said words of wisdom.
If you cant see rust, look for some. If you CAN see it, you wont have to look far for some more in all the favourite places. You then have to assess if you can afford to spend 1500 quid plating all that rust. A lot of us harp-on about this subject but unfortunately its the biggest hurdle with owning any car of this age. You have to have lots of time, patience, money and a good mate thats handy with a gas-axe and grinder.

[Nick45]

If you've money to spend, spend wisely on good tyres, proper service parts, good oil, new bushes yada yada. A well sorted 316i trumps a shagged out 6 pot.

[stefano30]

This may sound like p#####g on a very pleasent parade but capri-rob has said words of wisdom.
If you cant see rust, look for some. If you CAN see it, you wont have to look far for some more in all the favourite places. You then have to assess if you can afford to spend 1500 quid plating all that rust. A lot of us harp-on about this subject but unfortunately its the biggest hurdle with owning any car of this age. You have to have lots of time, patience, money and a good mate thats handy with a gas-axe and grinder.

Totally understand. Stripping the car tomorrow, hopefully nothing too bad.