New E30 touring owner

[E30touringbegins]

Hi all put a deposit on an E30’s tourer yesterday with the view to collect next week, it had 31 stamps in the book but I don’t think it’s covered 10 miles in 8 years unless the odometers broke , took some pics of the worst parts I could see and wanted some opinions.

Unfortunately all undersealed so don’t know what’s lurking and can’t remove headlining although it has been repaired due to sagging. Didn’t lift the carpets but will do so when I return before settling

Opinions on pics welcome

[E30touringbegins]

More pics

[E30touringbegins]

Tailgate has rust by seal and corners of rear lights also the paint is shot . The plan is to drive it for a year and then totally overhaul it, been a bit worried about the roof problems and obtaining spare parts like a new boot lid but this really is a dream car for me just need some advice before I part with all the cash. Few dents and dings , interior was clean . Only thing troubling me is if there’s hidden rust ........

[martauto]

Welcome to the zone mate , you have come to the right place for help and good advice so fire away with the questions.

Mart.

[Cloggy Saint]

Looks like a decent car although be prepared for more rust after having a proper poke around. Regarding the tailgate, you'd be extremely lucky to find a used one that doesn't have rust, they're notorious water traps. Don't be tempted to buy a new one from BMW. I made that mistake and the fit was terrible and I had to drill a lot of holes that were missing to attach trim pieces.

[E30touringbegins]

Just want some general pointers on when I return to collect anything that I should be alarmed by on these photos and also how easy will it be to source a new tailgate and parts such as the touring spoiler as this was shot , also the mirror mounts were bubbled under the paint , door looked fine from what I could see. The inner bottom corner of each light also has rust I imagine were run off has settled or continuously dripped , is this going to be a big problem to sort etc . Just pre purchase nerves and hoping I haven’t brought a nightmare . As long as I know there is places that can help me and get it sorted I’m more than happy

[Shutthatdoor]

Hi, I have the same vehicle , feel free to pm and I can talk you through some of the concerns you have
Simon

[Cloggy Saint]

The rust shown in the pictures is fairly superficial/cosmetic and won't be hard to put right but as previously said, be prepared for more after a proper investigation. Any parts can be sourced here on the zone or ebay, there's still plenty of E30 parts out there.

[brutus]

yes and finding a RUST -FREE tailgate,
wont be hard, ,,

Ii have 1 available but not silver,

[Foe]

Whatever rust is there, hit it now, before it hits you!
Looks tidy to me.

[E30touringbegins]

The only thing I was worried about is when I fully opened the sunroof I noticed a rust flake had dropped off from somewhere onto the skin it sits in , the skin was spotless so I’m hoping it’s off the sunroof panel itself but it’s so hard to tell when you can’t see , the roof looked in good condition from the outside bar some sun paint fade . Seems a reputable garage and they have changed the roof lining so any problems I hope would of been seen and addressed . It’s just the unknown.

[Shutthatdoor]

The only thing I was worried about is when I fully opened the sunroof I noticed a rust flake had dropped off from somewhere onto the skin it sits in , the skin was spotless so I’m hoping it’s off the sunroof panel itself but it’s so hard to tell when you can’t see , the roof looked in good condition from the outside bar some sun paint fade . Seems a reputable garage and they have changed the roof lining so any problems I hope would of been seen and addressed . It’s just the unknown.

Sunroof panel is 450 odd from dealer I think, new seal is 70odd, then paint on top. Or get second hand approx 100-150.

This car was on eBay a couple of years back - ask garage for reg and do an mot check. I remember seeing this as the rear valance has been sprayed a lighter silver vs rest of car.

[E30touringbegins]

I’ve done an mot check , It’s missed a couple of years and in 8 years has only covered 1 mile which is strange unless it’s just been sitting around In someone’s garage or at the dealers ive brought it from for a long time. It seemed genuine with 31 stamps etc . I’ll check the mot garages when I have the v5c number upon collection