Help Identifying Model / car please

[richjcw]

Hi Guys,

Very new to the forum and am looking at getting my first E30! Ive been keeping an eye out for a few months and have missed a couple opportunities but (if all goes to plan) I'll be picking one up tonight!

I do however have a few questions for you guys to help me confirm this car is what it says it is.

I did a car check with the Reg and it appears this car used to be a white 320i and was first registered in 1991. However it has the chrome window trim. So is this in fact a pre-facelift? it also now has a 325 engine in it.

I don't mind the fact its been resprayed but its the year I'm unsure on. Needs a bit of TLC (new wing and repair to sill) but seems good value to me.

The car is pretty far away from me so just want to double check with the experts first!






Thanks in advance for the help!
[/img][/b]

[jslot]

Its got facelift front valence and rear lights. I think chrome trim was standard even on facelift cars, and dechrome was an optional extra?

[jslot]

Actually I think I am wrong about the chrome window trim

[richjcw]

Thanks Jslot,

Can anyone confirm this? I saw the article about Shadowline vs Chrome trim, but I'm also unsure if this was on facelifts.

Thanks

[AndyG]

Its a 1991 car so its a facelift e30.
I believe chrome was std on most of the e30's through the to the end and the dechrome was available as an option. Certainly was in 88 when I bought my 325i SE as I chose to retain the chrome.

[Gert_8]

If you're not bothered about the colour change or the fact that it now packs a 2.5l motor, then does it really matter about the age? What matters is the price asked for it and its condition.

[ross_jsy]

What matters is that it's not a ringer sporting a 320i's scuttle and number plates. That's a facelift

[zd3bx]

Those rear speakers alone are enough for me to run as far as I can from that...

I would keep looking, if I were you.

[bosers]

Looks like a good Turd from what I can see on me mobile, of course as the others have said, its rust that's the main problem and that isn't obvious from these pics.
You need to do a proper search with a magnet and torch to find any hidden rot. There may be loads or little as it is a fairly 'new' e30. My J plate seems to have not rotted out yet!
Good luck!

[capri_rob]

Facelift car, J is August 91 on anyway isnt it ? So no issues on the age. Chrome window trim standard on non sport saloons facelift or not so no issue there.
It has however clearly been molested with those wheels, what look like Ford Escort RS1600i seats, moody exhaust, chopped parcel shelf for massive speakers, tech 2 spoiler but none of the rest of the kit, unknown front splitter etc.

If its cheap it might be ok but dont pay a lot for it.

[richjcw]

Thanks for the replies guys, I went to see it, and it does need a fair bit of work as suspected, but for the price I figured it was worth the risk so its now my first E30 my first project!

Had it checked out by a garage and bodyshop as soon as I got it back and although it does need work as suspected it seems to be rust free.

Cosmetic it needs a new drivers wing, sill repair and general touch up in areas.

Mechanically it needs new rear struts, clutch slave (I think) rear disks, pads and lines, tyres - oh and rear seatbelts!?

capri_rob you have a keen eye on spotting those seats - they are indeed. Ill be replacing these with BMW ones in time to come, and I don't actually mind the wheels too much, although I do plan to change them. Exhaust is also too loud for my taste.

Its now in the garage so I'll keep you updated on how this project goes, hopefully I can breathe some new life into this one!