I hope to join you guys, opinions on this car

[The Mentalist]

I've been looking for an E30 to commute in when I change jobs in a few months and I need an experts' opinion on this beaut. This seems like a much better daily commuter car than my 540iT would be.

I've made the decision to put my E30 up for sale. It's a great car but I've been getting more serious about tracking my S13, so I'm in need of an SUV that can do some towing. The car currently has just under 172k and has been meticulously maintained since I bought it in November 2010. Here is a list of some improvements I have made to the car since the purchase:

* Bilstein Shocks / H&R Race Suspension (Spec E30 setup)
* 15x7 +25 Kosei K1's (purchased brand new from tire rack)
*Yokohama S Drive Tires (205/55/15) - (less than 2k miles on them)
* New radiator (old one had a slight crack in the plastic)
*OEM BMW Floormats
*Lamin-x Yellow fog light films
*325is Front Lip

Issues/ problems:

While in interior of this vehicle is mint, the exterior is not perfect. It looks amazing from 5 feet away but the paint could definitely use a good waxing/buffing and has minor dings. There is also paint chipping off of the passenger side view mirror.

The A/C does not work. The blower motor and compressor both turn on and work properly, but I was told there is a leak at the in the drier canister. The a/c place that I took it to said that I would need to replace that part to charge the A/C system. The only reason I didn't fix it is because I had it checked in the middle of winter so it wasn't a very high priority at the time. Pelican parts currently stocks this part for $19.95 on their site (part# 64-53-8-391-025-M326)






Other than these items the car is in really good condition and has never let me down. The car just recently passed state inspection at the end of January (1/13 sticker) and had an oil change last week with Brad Penn 20/50 semi synthetic. I love this car and have spend over 2k just in suspension upgrades and wheels in last 6 months, but its time to upgrade to something with a tow package so I can attend more track events this summer.

If you are interested in the car, please only schedule a test drive if you have cash in hand. I have many commitments at work that take up the majority of my time so please only schedule a time to check it out if you are motivated and ready to purchase the car. Feel free to Text or PM me with any questions that you might have.

He's asking 3750 with the wheels and tires. 3200 with stock wheels and tires.

What say you m42 experts? I know a little about what to check for like some rust spots and such. I'm just looking for some more opinions on it. Thanks!

[DesktopDave]

Too much $$ IMHO.  If it was a coupe, and it had a recent water pump, the entire timing chain case redone,all F&R suspension rubber replaced (especially the rear subframe bushings!), a good LSD AND a minty sport leather interior & dash, maybe (nice upgrades though - the PO knows what he's doing).  Problem with upgrades is that they depreciate about 50% as soon as they're bolted on.  That's a fairly harsh setup for a commuter IMHO.

The car is a great commuter.  I've seen an overall 31mpg average...I've driven it all over the state, all seasons, back & forth from N.C. as well.  Easy on gas, not too much trouble to run.  The e30 isn't as refined or 'solid' feeling as an e34 though....fairly harsh ride, short wheelbase, unsophisticated front suspension, etc.  I sold my e34 soon after I bought this one, in fact.

Problems I'd take a long look in any M42 are the never-functional A/C system, the cooling system and the timing chain.  Rust can be terminal in all the e30 places...behind the front wheels at the frame jacking points/bottom of the a-pillar, in front of the rear wheels, windshield and rear window lower corners, rear shock towers.  If you choose the e36 variant, I'd be aware of the paint, interior trim issues, trunk wiring harness, all rear suspension bushings, rust in the lower a-pillar and under the doors and A/T problems.

I paid only $800 for my sedan, though it had nearly 100K more miles on  it (266K).  Mine came with a bad diff and no A/C.  The body was spotless  and I had a folder full of records...I figured a used M42 is cheap; so  why not?  But the motor has lasted thus far ~287K miles.  I've had to replace a diff...I put in sport seats....replaced the wheels as well.  Otherwise it's all been routine stuff, the car has been a really good deal overall.

[JohnHenryE30]

Before I traded my other car(1999 Honda Civic) I priced values and checked all specs... $800-$3000 was the value range that I found based off of STOCK conditions. I personally think the asking price is high on it, cash talks and you know the rest... I'd stay firm and go for car as is with wheels for a price between $2500-$3000. I used to buy cars personally and "flip" em'...

Big down-a/c not working
and after market stuff does not increase value, goes down...

[doitover]

If what he says about the AC dryer is true, fixing it would be less than $200. If it's anything more than that it could be over $1000. I'd assume it was the later.
I'm biased towards these cars. If it has been maintained and the timing chain is in good shape I'd pay what he is asking.
On the other hand check the other thread going on about the "free" car someone has gotten and has put 3K into it already.

If you can do work yourself, these cars are cheap to repair, as long as it isn't a fatal rust issue.

[The Mentalist]

Too much $$ IMHO.  If it was a coupe, and it had a recent water pump, the entire timing chain case redone,all F&R suspension rubber replaced (especially the rear subframe bushings!), a good LSD AND a minty sport leather interior & dash, maybe (nice upgrades though - the PO knows what he's doing).  Problem with upgrades is that they depreciate about 50% as soon as they're bolted on.  That's a fairly harsh setup for a commuter IMHO.

The car is a great commuter.  I've seen an overall 31mpg average...I've driven it all over the state, all seasons, back & forth from N.C. as well.  Easy on gas, not too much trouble to run.  The e30 isn't as refined or 'solid' feeling as an e34 though....fairly harsh ride, short wheelbase, unsophisticated front suspension, etc.  I sold my e34 soon after I bought this one, in fact.

Problems I'd take a long look in any M42 are the never-functional A/C system, the cooling system and the timing chain.  Rust can be terminal in all the e30 places...behind the front wheels at the frame jacking points/bottom of the a-pillar, in front of the rear wheels, windshield and rear window lower corners, rear shock towers.  If you choose the e36 variant, I'd be aware of the paint, interior trim issues, trunk wiring harness, all rear suspension bushings, rust in the lower a-pillar and under the doors and A/T problems.

I paid only $800 for my sedan, though it had nearly 100K more miles on  it (266K).  Mine came with a bad diff and no A/C.  The body was spotless  and I had a folder full of records...I figured a used M42 is cheap; so  why not?  But the motor has lasted thus far ~287K miles.  I've had to replace a diff...I put in sport seats....replaced the wheels as well.  Otherwise it's all been routine stuff, the car has been a really good deal overall.

Thanks for the insight.

The suspension being harsh for a daily commute won't bother me as much as some other people because my old car was a Civic that was basically a daily driven track car.

I'd really rather have a sedan which is why this car caught my eye. I'm going to of course check it for rust in all the spots and try to get some answers from the owner about those maintenance issues you mentioned.

Thanks again guys. I'll report back when I go check out the car tomorrow. I wish it was closer so I could maybe get it the same day if I like it but I'll just have to manage.