First Timer.

[Bobert]

Hello everyone. I'd like to introduce myself as Bobert. I'm here because I have decided to buy and restore an E30 BMW 3-Series. Now, I have the basic knowledge and tools for for maintaining cars But in order for me to do this job well, I'm going to need some help. Which is where you all come in. I'm hoping that you can all tell me what to look for, what may go wrong, what to buy, where to buy it from etc.

But here's what I'm thinking:
1: It will be a two door coupe. A cabriolet is out of my budget.
2: It will preferably be red, although black is an option.
3: It will be a manual.
4: It will cost less then 500 euros.

So, if you think you can offer me any advice, please let me have it.

[Scruffymurphy]

Where are you based?
Usually a red in that budget will have faded paint. I would try for black, its up you though.
There's plenty out there to choose from.
Make sure you get something with a clean body.

Best of luck.

[Bobert]

I'm based in Ireland, like yourself Scruffy.

[Jhonno]

this is in feedback why?!

[Kos]

this is in feedback why?!

he's after feedback a bout what to do with the car .................

for 500euro's you'll have one hell of a basket case to deal with, and i'd be looking for rust, a bit more rust and some more rust. after you are done checking for rust look for some more rust

[Jhonno]

Good point mate, hadnt thought of that!

[Scruffymurphy]

I'm based in Ireland, like yourself Scruffy.

Where in Ireland are you?

You would be doing very well to get a 2 door in Ireland for that kind of money. Bump it up a bit if you can.
You would pick up a four door but you will be looking at rust.
There's an '87 316i black four door for sale up here in Donegal. Didn't look at it. I'd say it's rough though.
I have a 316i touring which I might be selling, I haven't decided yet.
You mentioned a cab. There's one for sale in derry. a 318. It's on ebay. Not long left on it. Here's the link,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1990-BMW-318I-CAB ... dZViewItem

[Bobert]

I'm based in Galway and have seen several E30's driving but could never persuade the owner to sell. Even though I was willing to pay more then the value.

[Bobert]

BMW 318i 1988, Leinster Dublin 6 ┚¬750.00
160k mls, 3 dr, grey, CD, fsh, UK reg, drives very well, good cond & very clean but needs some work hence


That is an advert I saw in a newspaper for an E30 and would like some feedback on what you all think the work might be. As it's a car with English plates I'm assuming there may be some rust on the bottom. Which wouldn't really bother me as I can easily repair that. Also, even though I said earlier I'd like one in red or black, grey is an attractive colour. And besides, God gave us respray for a reason.

[Bobert]

Well, I found out that that the problems are

1: Rust in the rear left wheel arches.
2: The passenger seat needs to be moved as it's "very far back".

So, not too bad. After that I can just recondition the engine, change the rear drums for disks, alloys and maybe a respray. So I think I'm on to a bloody good deal. And, while some of you may feel this racist, the English do tend to take excellent care of their cars so it just keeps getting better. I asked the chap earlier to email me some pics and when i receive them I'll post them here.

[Bobert]

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtop ... 208#492208