Author Topic: opinions on this 318is ? (Read 9062 times)

popi-dude · « **on:** February 08, 2010, 11:49:48 AM »

Hey folks,

I'm looking for an e30 with a m42;)
I am wondering what you guys think of this one.
http://quebec.kijiji.ca/c-autos-et-vehicules-autos-BMW-318-IS-1991-W0QQAdIdZ141931381#

It has 150 000 kms
Flawless paint, stored for winter,brand new tires, many maintenance records,flawless interior.

The guy want 4800 $ (cdn) for it. Do you think this e30 worths it ?

Sorry for my bad english btw :p

Chalino · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2010, 11:56:56 AM »

What's 4800$ CDN in dollars?

popi-dude · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2010, 12:01:45 PM »

4453.84 $ (usd)
atm

Chalino · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2010, 12:25:09 PM »

If it's as immaculate as you make it out to be, it might be worth $4.8K but I's definitely make him a lower offer.

popi-dude · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2010, 12:40:20 PM »

yes, i'm going to offer 4000 $ as a first offer and wont buy it for more than 4500 $
the old guy tryed to sell this car since last summer... he was asking 6000 $

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2010, 11:23:18 PM »

Unless there is documentation, you will want to do a brake job with a fluid flush and probably new rotors, flush the coolant, replace the differential fluid, replace the fuel filter and run a can of techron through. Then oil and filter change with synthetic oil. Springs and shocks are well worth it. And then tires....
I realize that is a long list but it is a bare minimum (except suspension stuff) to make sure the car provides safe transportation. All these things also create a strong bargaining point

popi-dude · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2010, 12:45:19 PM »

yes, i agree that there is a minimal maintenance thaht must be done whenever you buy a +/- 20 years old car. But i can do most of these things by myself.

What should i look for when i'll go and see the car ?
I've been aware that the rear suspension bushings are a common failure, i know about the profile gasket and the oil pan also. Anything else ?

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2010, 06:39:04 PM »

Check differential mount bushing- lucky # 13 in this diagram
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AF93&mospid=47305&btnr=33_0124&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.

One very important maintenance item I forgot to mention is a timing chain tensioner- easy replacement in 5 minutes...

Thats all I got right now...

popi-dude · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2010, 04:04:54 PM »

Well i hope i wont have to do several maintenance on a 90k miles car...
Hopefully from the documentation i'm going to be able to decide what must be done first

harvey2 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2010, 01:46:41 AM »

$4k is a reasonable offer, so it is a bit too generous as an opening bid. A true bargain hunter would start a bit below $3300. As the seller laughs at the offer, give him a card with your phone number and walk away calmly saying the offer is open for a week. Then just let him sweat.

Romrog318is · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2010, 05:11:19 PM »

i would say it is completely worth it! i paid almost 3 grand for mine and i had to do some minor fixing

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #11 on:** February 27, 2010, 06:58:33 PM »

I paid just under and just over $3k for both mine...

I think that is pretty much market value... for a car needing $1k work like I talk about, so if that is documented as complete, $3.5 or $4k is alot of car for the money. But thats my overall thought anyway, that a 318is is alot of car fun for a low buy in.

BlueBMW · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2010, 07:32:45 AM »

I paid $2200 for mine and put about $800 into it so far. That included shocks, brakes, fluid changes, and a radio with speakers.

My car has a little bit of body damage though.. (hardly noticable, but I know its there...)

B318M42W · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2010, 05:19:55 PM »

Paid 2500 for mine (in montreal) and put a lot more in. Decent 318is in qc are hard to come across, and some ppl do know that. chances are that his car was his baby and won't let it go for pennies. 4000 seems fair.

popi-dude · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2010, 09:55:03 PM »

yep that is true. I barely notice 1 or 2 e30s a month on my path.
Hopefully i can buy this hella clean e30 next month