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Buying an E30

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Darnoc View Drop Down
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    Posted: 19 Jan 2019 at 5:57pm
Hello there,
I am new to this forum. I had a classic mini for a few years, did a full restoration on it and ended up selling it.  On to new pastures and looking for an E30 325i.  Got to admit, I would love some advice on what to look for when buying?
Thanks in advanceBig smile

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hennabm View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hennabm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jan 2019 at 6:31pm
One that hasn't been barried - good luck on that one. Depends what you are looking for but many a 325 has been "modified". Some for the better but some not.

Rot in the usual places eg rear subframe mountings on sills; front floor area; rear wheel arches; bulkhead and battery tray area (on lesser models by the bulkhead); sunroof tray to name but a few.

Cracked head - is the header tank filling up? Timing belt changed?

LSD, if fitted, worn out.

There are several publications out there as well outlining what to look for including one by Andy Everett.
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NickDE View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NickDE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jan 2019 at 7:39pm
Not much more to add really - rust, originality, maintenance.

Rust is expensive.
Originality is expensive as many trim etc parts are hard to get hold of.
Maintenance is a pain if a previous owner has left you list of issues to get on top of. E30's are old enough to need a regular supply of TLC.  
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Darnoc View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Darnoc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jan 2019 at 12:44pm
Thanks for the feedback.  Some good points to consider and look for 👍
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Cabrio View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cabrio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2019 at 7:07pm
If you contact the office they have a buyers guide for the E30 you can purchase or Andrews book would give similar info - what budget were you looking at in case I know of one
E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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Darnoc View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Darnoc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 2:53pm
Hi, looking to spend less than £9k.  I am mechanically minded so getting something that needs a bit of work on isn't a problem.  If you do know anyone selling one that would be good.
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Norrie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Norrie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 7:19pm
There is a nice white E30 Alpina C2 2.7 for sale by BMR at crawley down Sussex. Rare car genuine Sytner conversion, so if you want something slightly different with good performance that might suit you?
n
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dtg50 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dtg50 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2019 at 1:37pm
If you were to consider an E36 instead I have nice rare genuine Sytner converted Alpina B2.5 Coupe that I am thinking of selling soon. 


If you are interested pm me for more details.

Cheers,


Dean
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Cabrio View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cabrio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Feb 2019 at 8:32pm
What did you want to help you - 2d 4d 5d cabrio etc as then can point you in right direction thanks neil
E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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