Looking at 318 is with 180xxx 5sp

[BIGBOI3]

Hey All,

I have always had a sweet spot for a really cute E30 (but it seemed to be a car for me in teh future). I am actually looking for another BMW (E39) but until I find my exact one (hard to fine), I really need a car ASAP that I won't want to kill myself when I step inside.

Fast forward to now. I always walk past this beautiful 1991 2dr 318i (s?) 5sp E30 on my way to work and the other day I left the guy a note telling him to contact me if he were to sell it. He called me and told me he has had it for 15 ish years and it has 180,xxx miles on it. The interior is ok at best, seats are pretty cracked up though.

I looked up on KBB and the farthest back it went was a 1993, which in excellent condition for this many miles is around $1,400.

Questions:
1) I have seen many E30's go 200k, 300k plus miles, so is this 180xxx miles no biggie, if he has maintained it well? What if only avg maintenance?

3) What questions should I ask him about what things have been maintained/replaced?

4) What should I look out for in these cars? (Paying my mechanic $120 to inspect it I feel is a lot, if the car is worth less than $1K.

5) What is a decent thing to offer him? If a lot of people are saying go for it on (1), then if I get it for under a 1000, I think I will be pleased.

6) Other thoughts on the car, how is the ride comfort, etc.

Thanks a bunch guys! I really appreciate it.

[deansweet]

http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1991/BMW/318is/2-Door-Sedan/Values

Ask him about the profile gasket, steering rack, end links, control arms, lollipops, rear bushings, fuel lines(rubber around motor) tend to fall apart due to heat cycles. Fuel pump is probably about to go with 180k if it hasn't been replaced already. Mreotor mounts? Find out what kind of coolant is in it? If its blue then he replaced with oem bmw fluids which is a big bonus to me as it means he pampered it. If its green, that means something has failed along the line and may want to ask him what? Look for a leak under the oil filter housing. As you are standing on drivers side looking at motor. It's the sun dial looking cap that is the top of it. Easy fix if oil is leaking from where it bolts to block.

If it runs and drivable, $1k would be a steal but I am guessing he might take it as an insult but what can you lose. It doesn't sound like you really want the car anyways as you look for the bmw you really want.

I have two, One is lowered, chipped, header, exhaust etc and it is a tad bouncy but we had to put a skid plate on it because the lower oil pan is aluminum and just a tad under 2" from terra nova. The second is as stock as you'll ever see and it drives and runs as sooth as a Cadillac on the freeways.

Pot some pics of it!
Dean

[Bald Eagle]

I say see what he/she wants for the car. I picked mine up for $1200 from a friend, both of us knowing it was worth much more. He knew it was going to a good home and would be taken care of. I have since replaced entire cooling system along with Mess under the hood. There is still a lot of little things to replace but you have to understand its a 23 year old car. It turns heads, is a blast to drive and everyone asks me "if you ever want to get rid of it....." I might also want to note mine has never left Arizona, rust free but most of the rubber is dry rotted. The only thing I would worry about is Rust and wreck/frame damage. Everything else can be fixed/replaced for cheap. Good luck with your search.