M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

FAQ / REFERENCE => M42 Buyer's Guide => Topic started by: gravyface on October 25, 2009, 03:46:22 PM

Title: M42/318is buyer's checklist?
Post by: gravyface on October 25, 2009, 03:46:22 PM

I thought I saw this somewhere.  Looking to make my first (long overdue) splash into the e30 world on the following:
http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126003

It's back up for sale (left vm with guy reselling it).

Title: M42/318is buyer's checklist?
Post by: gravyface on October 25, 2009, 05:42:57 PM

Found it:
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaultstable.html

Title: M42/318is buyer's checklist?
Post by: xwill112x on October 26, 2009, 01:36:05 PM

what??

half that is bs.

ticking coming from valve train?? umm what e30 doesn't tick?

Title: M42/318is buyer's checklist?
Post by: Choking Hazard on February 10, 2010, 01:10:52 PM

Check differential mount bushing- lucky # 13 in this diagram
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...24&hg=33&fg=10
They tend to tear up.
Also, bad gauge cluster issues can cause a false indication of overheatring
-BUT_
overheating will crack the cylinder head. Check the #2 (from the front) spark plug to see if it is wet. If it is shiney, it probably is coolant and the head is cracked.
Motor mounts are liquid filled, and pretty expensive as well as a bitch to replace. if the car shakes alot (especially at startup), those mounts are probably shot.
A mysterious rattle from the rear windshield area is usually a broken rear shock mount- my cars need 'em, but I haven't gotten around to it. I think the parts are only $80.00 each, and the work not too complex- no welding anyway.

Title: M42/318is buyer's checklist?
Post by: Hungarian E30 on January 13, 2011, 10:58:44 PM

Hi. I about to take a look on a 318ci, tomorrow. Wish me luck with it. The posts were helpful.
Unfortunately I have to look something after my 325e.

Title: M42/318is buyer's checklist?
Post by: steel330i on January 23, 2011, 12:42:22 PM

Make sure you check all of the trunk for rust and leaks, I didn't and luckily nothing major, just a little to patch up under battery and a little on the driver's side from a 20 year old antenna grommet, a little wet shop vac and a new grommet(BavAuto $5) later and we're good as new! Always look for the best deal and the best condition of the car...to give you an idea of what I paid, a 1991 318i sedan(I got kids) and Sedan Supremacy, for $1900 with 176k miles and a few things to fix, nothing major and a shoe box of random spare parts...guy had it detailed too prior to purchased...GL with Purchase...