Newbie Help

General E30 related discussions -
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Switch82
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Post Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:39 pm

Hi guys,

really sorry because i know this will have been asked a million times, but i'm goin to look at a 325 vert at the weekend and want sum info on what i should look out for?

i had an e36 loon which was sold a few month back, so know of the main probs they suffer from! are the general problems the same on the 30 as the 36?

would really appreciate any help at all this guys! also am i looking for trouble looking at a 325 vert priced at £1k???

thanks in advance

Switch
Last edited by Switch82 on Sun Aug 13, 2006 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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billgatese30
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Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:25 am

basically, check everywhere for rust, although on a 1K your always gonna find some somewhere, just don't get and thats structural (i.e. scuttle panel (under windscreen) or on suspension turrests, front beam etc)


check for damp carpets as there may be holes in the floor, also drainage chanels may be blocked so check front and rear footwells for signs of water damage/dampness, makes sure the roof has no rips and doesn't leak, make sure it goes up and down as it should, especially if its electric

check all electrics work, check theres no oil in the water and vice versa, check the oil filler cap is clean and has no white creamy gunge on it

make sure you hear it from cold and its not too noisy/rattly, it will sound a little bit ticky as you can hear the injectors, but this should not change between hot/cold, other noises form the cam and bearings etc will change with temp

check the clutch realease bearing is ok (although many run fine with shagged ones, its just nice to have one thats good) and there's no knocks from hot or cold in the gearbox

make sure the diff isn't too noisy, check the abs works if you can, not that many fail but its worth trying if its wet out and about

i can't think of much else other than what you would normally check on other cars tbh (like brakes/tyres etc)

sorry if some of it sounds like teaching you how to suck eggs but you didn't say how much you already knew.

hope this helps, if its not too late

cheers

Chris
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Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:32 am

Rust is the single most important thing to look for mainly though and a leaky roof, any bits that are old or rusty can be replaced cheap enough on here in the for sale section, you really can get anything on here so check the structural things very closely. The main things have been posted above but spend time looking around it closely !
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bootyman
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Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 6:44 am

If you can, save some money and buy a well lookede after later model. Buying a car for £1k is more than likely to need some work doing to it and the cost can soon run away. If you have to buy this one, then i'd look out for basically all the thing that have been said above really. Good luck :wink:
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Rosc0PColtrane
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Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:03 pm

How about window and roof adjustment. Check that the doors close properly with the roof up and the windows sit proplerly when they have been closed.
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bootyman
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Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:14 pm

This is a £1k car so lets not get too carried away guys :D
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Switch82
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Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 5:40 pm

cheers lads,

think i may have to leave this one be and as bootyman suggests.. save up for a better one! it doesnt have to be bought so i wont, was planning on buyin in the winter anyways when they'll hope be a lal bit cheaper!

thanks again guys

much appreciated!