Getting another E30

Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:32 pm

Hi All,

I know it's the usual first post asking questions but I'm hoping to stick around as I have a restoration project in the offing. ;)

I've been to look at a 320i and am just after advice about a couple of quirks I noticed.

1 - Water leak from front of engine on exhaust side.

It looks to me like it's either a leaking pump or thermostat, am I correct in thinking that this usually leaks around this area if so?

2 - Exhaust smoke.

There is some white smoke on cold running, it hasn't been run for long journeys for about 18 months, literally just 100m runs up the road. I guess this would explain the smoke, if I run it for about 30 mins and it clears does this rule out (as well as possible) any head problems? There isn't any oil/water contamination.

Any other things to look out for? I've had a really good poke around and while there is some rust on all four corners the floor and inner arches themselves seem solid.

It's on for less than 2k so I know it's going to be a restoration job if I want to keep it for any period of time, I'm just looking to go in with my eyes open.

I had an e30 around 6 years ago and have been complaining about getting rid of it ever since! All while watching their prices skyrocket!

Thanks for any advice guys, I'm going down for a final check with a trailer this weekend and will make my decision on whether to buy or not after a second poke around.

Mon Jan 16, 2017 3:56 pm

Hi and welcome, the 'white smoke' you mention is just steam from condensation in the exhaust system, quite usual for this time of year especially.

Mon Jan 16, 2017 4:22 pm

Yeah I thought so, it just seemed a bit much and I can't remember how mine used to be! I guess I'll warm it up anyway to be safe..

Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:53 pm

Hi,mine does the same <white smoke >from the exhaust when cold,not a worry,as mention above its just steam!

Mon Jan 16, 2017 7:56 pm

That's great cheers

I've had a look around at prices and does anyone have any idea roughly what this is worth? 320Ise, 130k, 2door, water leak on engine and mild rust on all 4 corners. Otherwise seemingly solid.

I'm thinking between 1.2-1.4k? Guess it's hard to tell without seeing it yourself..

Wed Jan 18, 2017 11:44 am

i would pop out the spark plugs and look at the running condition of the engine.....

Wed Jan 18, 2017 1:30 pm

What would I be looking for it I did that?

Wed Jan 18, 2017 5:04 pm

If you search for a spark pllug condition chart it will give you an idea the condition of the engine.

e.g. oil being burnt/running lean or rich etc

try this:

http://www.totallyamaha.com/snowmobiles ... erview.htm

Wed Jan 18, 2017 6:26 pm

Don't get too hung up on the condition of the engine, or any of the other mechanical bits. M20B20 engines are still cheap and are easily swapped. The condition of the bodywork is of far more importance (and potentially expensive to sort.)

Wed Jan 18, 2017 10:12 pm

Ignoring engines, how much would a half decent 2Door shell cost in general?

Cheers for the advice so far guys, one way or another I'm getting back into an e30 this year even if this turns out to be too much of a shed.

Thu Jan 19, 2017 3:38 am

I paid £500 for mine then about £50 in fuel getting it I've almost finished it but I wouldn't do it again as getting every little piece is a nightmare best bet is to buy a complete car and do what u want from there

Sat Jan 21, 2017 9:25 pm

Well I trailered it back today, ended up just over 1500 but I'm very happy. The bodywork is in pretty good condition, and the rust on the corners seems confined to the edges or the sill/wings quite low down so fingers crossed it will be reasonably straightforward to get it into good shape. Although as ever removing the carpets and getting the wheels off will give me a better idea.

I've only been moving it on and off the trailer and parking it up but already remembering why I liked the M20 so much, I can't wait to get it on the road! That wont be for a few months tho as I want to get it into great condition and I know if I try and do it while using it daily that I'll never get it done.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll get some pictures up soon and probably be around asking some stupid questions!