Advice for a newbie looking at e30 tourer's

[Alburglar]

Hello folks,
I am new to the world of e30's. I have fancied one for ages, but this has been concreted by my third trip to the nurburgring this year. I am after an e30 touring, for as cheap as possible, to tow my race/track day car and carry all the crud that goes with that. I'm quite sure that I want either a manual 325 or a 320, preferably with leather and a tow bar. I just have a few questions, forgive me if every newbie posts the same thing:

1. What common faults, if any, should I be aware of?
2. Most examples in my price range appear to have 140,000 miles plus, are they good for 200,000 plus or 140k examples on the verge of dying?
3. Where are the common places I should look for rust?

Any tips, will be much appreciated,
Regards Alastair

[Jesus325iTouring]

Hello folks,
I am new to the world of e30's. I have fancied one for ages, but this has been concreted by my third trip to the nurburgring this year. I am after an e30 touring, for as cheap as possible, to tow my race/track day car and carry all the crud that goes with that. I'm quite sure that I want either a manual 325 or a 320, preferably with leather and a tow bar. I just have a few questions, forgive me if every newbie posts the same thing:

1. What common faults, if any, should I be aware of?
2. Most examples in my price range appear to have 140,000 miles plus, are they good for 200,000 plus or 140k examples on the verge of dying?
3. Where are the common places I should look for rust?

Any tips, will be much appreciated,
Regards Alastair

I'm not far short of 250,000 miles on mine and it's not hanging!

325 is best option,more power but with equal running costs of 320.

Rust,everywhere TBH,just give it a very good look over.

What is your price range?

PS Welcome to ze Zone

[gareth]

it's worth noting that for whatever odd reason, tourings rust less than any other E30's!!!

for towing, get a 2.5 but look for oil in the water or 'headgasket problem' cheapos. the head gaskets are usually fine but the heads can crack between the oilway and waterjacket. it's a common 2.5 problem that i cured by fitting a 3.5 M30! a much better tow car now! i towed my brothers audi 80 estate a while ago, uphill, in second, from a start... at idle with no throttle!
ttttoooorrrqqquuueee!!!!!

[Jesus325iTouring]

it's worth noting that for whatever odd reason, tourings rust less than any other E30's!!!

for towing, get a 2.5 but look for oil in the water or 'headgasket problem' cheapos. the head gaskets are usually fine but the heads can crack between the oilway and waterjacket. it's a common 2.5 problem that i cured by fitting a 3.5 M30! a much better tow car now! i towed my brothers audi 80 estate a while ago, uphill, in second, from a start... at idle with no throttle!
ttttoooorrrqqquuueee!!!!!

I do like torque,ok,so mines not an M30,but when I lost clutch in the middle of Salisbury Plains,I got moving again by switching the car off,selecting third gear and turning the key,fired up and gently pulled away,hurrah for torque M20B25

[greentouring]

I guess for towing, the powerful 325i is a good option. Glad you've chosen a touring! Welcome to the Zone mate.

[touringandy]

up the new man he wants a touring welcome to the site

[pnd]

buy one with a lot of recent bills or you will have them!

[SamE30]

Tourings are the way forward!!

I have got an origional BMW tow bar which I would sell if yours didnt come with one!

[Gortour]

Welcome to the Zone.
There is a "Buying Guide" on here, written for the 325 Sport, but pretty much reads for any E30.

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=22543

Main thing in addition for the Touring is the rear panel where the BMW badge is, and the top of the rear valance where the boot lock / button is.
The seals on the bottom edge of the back windows tend to shrink with age, leaving slight gaps in the corners. This allows moisture into the panel where the boot badge is and causes rust. Always worth getting a new seal, less than a tenner from the dealers...

Interesting username... is this your profession?

[Alburglar]

Thanks for the response Guys. I think I have found a decent manual 325i touring with a recently rebuilt engine so I'm gonna go and see that. I would have gone today but my bank was shut so I couldn't get the dosh out.

Interesting username... is this your profession?

LOL not yet, but might have to rob a granny or to to get this car bought.

[josh-hocking]

sounds like a good car!! stay on the zone!! check it for rust everywhere and if its a 325 check the oil!!! if theres water in it
good luck!
josh

[StuBeeDoo]

it's worth noting that for whatever odd reason, tourings rust less than any other E30's!!!

Tourings (and cabs IIRC) were built in a different factory to the 2- and 4-doors. Those in the know reckon this is why.

[gareth]

well, consider me 'in the know' now!

i thought there was something odd in it...