Looking at an e30

[harry13789]

Hi guys,

Im new to this forum and i was wondering whether someone could help me. I'm looking at an 1990 E30 316i later tonight with 120,000 miles on the clock. I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what to look out for. Also do you think the mileage is too high. Apparently its superchipped and has an M tech body kit by the looks of it. Any advice would be appreciated.

anyways the reg is H366 FRD

thanks guys

[Brianmoooore]

Rust, rust and rust! Nothing else is particularly important, as it can all be fixed with help from the zone.
Go through everything though, as mechanical and electrical faults are good price bargaining tools.
Most important place to examine for rust is the right hand rear wheelarch, inside and out.
Unfortunately there is a plastic half liner in the way, and it's behind this that the problems start. Peel away the boot liner if you can and look behind this.
Other places to look for (more fixable) rust is at the bottom of the windscreen pillars on the scuttle, the front "jacking points" at the back of the front wishbones, under the boot rubber, front valence at the sides where its hidden by the bumper, and right at the bottom back of the front wheel arches, and around the right rear wheelarch.

[harry13789]

thanks for the response mate. i should be taking for a test drive, but cos i only have a provisional license he pobably wont let me drive it. is there anything i should look out for?

what do you mean when you say wishbones and front valence. like i said mate, thanks for the reply.

[cliffybabe]

try every button going mate always a good one to remember,
if its got alloys and a locking nut make sure you get the locking nut key.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Hello mate. Front valance is under the front bumper. Front wishbones are a sideways "Y" piece that connects to the front wheels.

Try posting this in e30 chat mate.

Oh and welcome to the zone!!!

Mods can it be moved??

[harry13789]

btw guys its not at a dealership, its private ownership.

anyways heres the link to it

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... %3AIT&rd=1

[cliffybabe]

There no mtech body kit on that fella just a tech 2 spoiler, steering wheel and gear knob.
It also has a cab/ m3 style rear bench seat and rea rhead rests all a good thing.

[bigmattpowell]

Nice looking motor. Mine had a rotten fuel tank which is difficult and/or expensive to sort, so I'd say have a good look underneath. Also check other fuel lines and brake lines.

[harry13789]

as you can see by my username im only young so could someone tell me how to check half of this stuff.

[cliffybabe]

I tell ya what that cab that guy is selling is interesting aswell

[Rosc0PColtrane]

I tell ya what that cab that guy is selling is interesting aswell

Yeah funny bottle tops!!!

The 316 looks a straight cra. Strongly doubt the chip!!

[harry13789]

did someone just buy the cab, cos its not on his other items im selling list.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

think it must have!!

I only looked at it 30 mins ago!!

[geo1400]

Car looks like it should clean up well, just check EVERYWHERE for rust and use common sense - if the rust looks or feels like it has eaten through the metal/panel then its prob gonna cause you some probs and need welding. But end of the day, it has a years ticket which means it's at least road legal.

Check inside the car footwells for water or rust on the seat runners/frames. This would tell you you've got water getting inside which is very common, not the biggest problem in the world but a bit of a pain!!

Take on board all the advice given on this post and go have a good look at the car.

If it drives ok and its MOT'd it can't be that bad, just start him real low on the price, he wants rid of it so I would start him on about Ԛ£400 and see where it goes.

Good Luck!!

[harry13789]

thanks everybody for all the advice, you're true gentlemen

[harry13789]

would anyone be so kind to do a car history check on it please. the last thing i need is the police knocking at my door claiming the car is stolen!

[Cloggy Saint]

Date of First Registration 10 08 1990
Year of Manufacture 1990
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1596CC
CO2 Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type Petrol
Export Marker Not Applicable
Vehicle Status SORN Not Due
Vehicle Colour BLACK
Vehicle Type Approval

[harry13789]

does that mean its legit?

[steerfromtherear]

I think it is a good start, the car looks smart albeit the only m-tech kit piece is the spoiler. The interior (what we can see of it) looks very nice though and can't go wrong with black.

[harry13789]

i know, i love black beemers. anyways like i said, im gonna have look tonight, just make sure non of you lot bid on it.

does it say if has been crashed or anything. oh and im gonna look at it at 6'oclock so ive gotta be quick checking it over due to daylight, so what is the priority. once again ladies and gentlemen, thanks for the advice and information.