Buying a E30

[Danks]

Looking to buy a 1.8is i have booked a viewing for tuesday i have never owned a bmw before but have always wanted one ,so i sold my golf.
Just wanted to know are there any problem areas, i assume like the vw's high millage is not a problem as long as its been looked after.

I have about £3500 to spend what kind of car should i expect to see for this money (millage, condition etc etc)

Thanks

[bmwsport]

You can get a decent Sport with around 120k for about that amount of money

[m7roadrunner]

Anything you need to know is probably on this site,
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html
Also a 325 buyers guide on technical help.

[darkchild]

For 3.5K you should get the best 318is on the planet at the moment! 3.5K should get you into a half decent 325i Sport. The 318is is fairly bombproof and the main problems to look out for are rot, noisy timing chains and a leaking profile gasket (should've been sorted by now).

[Danks]

For 3.5K you should get the best 318is on the planet at the moment! 3.5K should get you into a half decent 325i Sport. The 318is is fairly bombproof and the main problems to look out for are rot, noisy timing chains and a leaking profile gasket (should've been sorted by now).

Thats good to know. i have found this one which is very local to me and looks very tidy its been posted on here allready i think may have too go and this one too http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/203076.htm what you recon?

[pnd]

for this money you want a car with low mileage and complete history with no obvious money needing to be spent. the car on pistonheads looks good but it isn't totally standard have a look at the bmw car club website and see whats on there. also look behind the number plate lights and at the sunroof from inside for rust. also think about a 325 these are more robust engine wise and go better.

[darkchild]

For 3.5K you should get the best 318is on the planet at the moment! 3.5K should get you into a half decent 325i Sport. The 318is is fairly bombproof and the main problems to look out for are rot, noisy timing chains and a leaking profile gasket (should've been sorted by now).

Thats good to know. i have found this one which is very local to me and looks very tidy its been posted on here allready i think may have too go and this one too http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/203076.htm what you recon?

It looks a nice car but for 3K I personally would be wanting a nice original, unmolested, lower mileage example. Not me buying it though!

[Danks]

for this money you want a car with low mileage and complete history with no obvious money needing to be spent. the car on pistonheads looks good but it isn't totally standard have a look at the bmw car club website and see whats on there. also look behind the number plate lights and at the sunroof from inside for rust. also think about a 325 these are more robust engine wise and go better.

cheers for the info i would love a 325 but im only 19 and insurance is just mad even with 2yrs no claims yes i would like one with lower millage but am having trouble finding one, as for the mods thats pretty much what i would be doing to a standard one any way (sorry ) i love that look and the paintwork looks mint!! plus its so local it has to be worth a look ill check out that car club web site tho
thanks again

[Cotty]

I have about £3500 to spend what kind of car should i expect to see for this money (millage, condition etc etc)

Five years ago I bought my touring for £3,750. It was the best I could find, 60,000 miles, everything worked, fresh MOT from the dealer etc no rust. I believe prices have come down and if I sold mine I dont think I coud recover that initial outlay.

Basiacally £3.5 will buy you a very good 325i if you want the bells and whistles then you can pick things up on the zone as cars are regually broken