Buying an E30 as a first car: Should I?

[BoostedBimmer]

I'm a canadian teenager passionnate of E30's and I'm seriously thinking of buying one.

I'm on a tight budget, but not affraid of doing the work myself.

I spotted one a few days ago and would like to know what you guys think of it, what I should be aware of and what precautions to take.

[images coming soon]

Owner says:
Selling for $4000 CAD
-1991 318is slicktop
-3rd owner
-M42 swapped with manual transmission
-Engine: 160 000km
-Shell: unknown km
-Daily driver - hasn't seen snow in a few years
-Dropped on unknown lowering springs

Gives a few parts with the car:
-4.10 welded diff.
-clutch
-transmission
-Multiple accessories and electric parts (cluster, mirrors,...)

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-Sports interior in good shape (seats are a bit worn, but normal for the age of the car)
-Body is okay, needs some work on the rear bumper, paint isn't perfect
-Floor is in good shape
-Comes on XXR 002.5 wheels and gives a set of BBS RZ "top notch"
-Exhaust line replaced and magnaflow muffler - "sounds okay" according to him

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-Needs new tires
-Needs new tie rods
-A/C has been removed (didn't work)
-Windshield washer system removed
-Power-steering removed
-May need valance and rockers
-Huge hole in the boot (inside of the left wing) where the battery tray is located - repairable?

-----

Is it a good move? Is the price too high? Is it somewhat responsible? a˜‰

Thank you in advance!

[Macsmack]

Im 19 from the UK and have an E30 touring and I could never imagine driving it without powersteering, test-drive it and you'll see what I mean, paired with the big old hole in the boot aswell as the facts he's ripped all of that stuff out what else do you think he's done and for that price no. Better off going for a basemodel and looking for more power in the future.

[billyfrost]

I'd be tempted with a genuine E30 318is regardless of whether it's your first E30 or not. But $4000 seems a bit steep for a car that is presumably a non-runner currently (e.g. no washers, hole in boot/wheel arch etc).

Though it does come with loads of bits you could sell on, extra wheels etc.

Without the extra parts, a none-running (tatty) 318is here in the UK you'd be looking to pay around 1000-1500 for. They are ALL high mileage here, I wouldn't be worried about that. They were cars that were just used as dailys, only seen a couple recently sub the 100k mark.

If it were me, I'd be tempted to buy it and return it to OEM-spec, as 318is will become (if not already) proper classics, due to the relative low-build numbers.

All E30s in relative car terms are simple to work on. If you can do a deal with the guy and have a good welder to sort the hole (+ any other mothy bits) then why not?

[BoostedBimmer]

I'd be tempted with a genuine E30 318is regardless of whether it's your first E30 or not. But $4000 seems a bit steep for a car that is presumably a non-runner currently (e.g. no washers, hole in boot/wheel arch etc).

Though it does come with loads of bits you could sell on, extra wheels etc.

Without the extra parts, a none-running (tatty) 318is here in the UK you'd be looking to pay around 1000-1500 for. They are ALL high mileage here, I wouldn't be worried about that. They were cars that were just used as dailys, only seen a couple recently sub the 100k mark.

If it were me, I'd be tempted to buy it and return it to OEM-spec, as 318is will become (if not already) proper classics, due to the relative low-build numbers.

All E30s in relative car terms are simple to work on. If you can do a deal with the guy and have a good welder to sort the hole (+ any other mothy bits) then why not?

Problem is: it isn't only my first E30, it's my first car (I'm 17).

[billyfrost]

Problem is: it isn't only my first E30, it's my first car (I'm 17).

I've owned just about most varieties of BMW and Mercedes pre-2000 era, plus a few Porsches, Integrales, Imprezas, a variety of 'lesser' reputation cars (Minis, Ford, Vauxhalls etc), not to mention a mix of modern stuff.

I'm in my 40s now and have 'settled' on E30s being the best blend of decent handling/modern(ish) driving experience/easy(ish)-to-fix.

So my advice would be to get an E30 whenever you can - it'd make a great first car, providing you can insure one (UK insurance is super expensive for youngsters, prohibitively so in most cases I hear).

Also, a 318iS as your first car/first E30 might 'spoil' future purchases! But if you can afford it, get a good deal etc I can't see why not?

[Speedtouch]

What is a 'slicktop'? I'd be wary of a converted car - what model was it originally?

Insurance companies tend to charge a hefty extra premium for any modifications, so get a few quotes before buying!

Lack of PAS shouldn't be a problem with a four-pot; my first E30 was a 1984 320i with a hefty six-cylinder engine, but I didn't find it's lack of PAS to be a problem - then again, I was used to several classic cars beforehand that didn't have this.

[verde]

My first car which I still own was an E21 with no PAS and you manage fine. If anything it gives you a better appreciation for what the car is doing on the road.

Just get a good look round out it and make sure its not riddled with rust in places he hasn't mentioned or been absolutely abused. XXR wheels and the presence of a welded diff indicate it may have been owned by a bell end and " form over function " was key. Otherwise they are cheap and easy to work on so suspension and brake work etc wont be a major issue. Think those engines are quite bomb proof despite being tappety.

[BoostedBimmer]

What should I be expecting in terms of annual maintenance and repair costs?[/quote]

[Cloggy Saint]

How long is a piece of string? You can't predict what it will cost you over a year, you might be lucky, you might not. These cars are upwards of 25 years old now so unless it's been kept in good shape with regular services, All rubbers replaced at the very least once in it's life, ditto suspension etc etc then it will cost you a steady flow of cash. Add to that, I promise you it will NEVER be finished. This thing sounds like a dog, walk away.

[Speedtouch]

Yeah, it certainly sounds a bit hacked about. Why would someone remove the windshield washers on a road car, FFS?

[aimlessrock]

for a first car and E30 is not a bad choice, especially if your handy with the spanners and some graft. That car you looking at sounds like a dog and will almost certainly be riddled with bodges as problems.

Try and avoid ones that have been poorly modified.