Author Topic: Opinions Please on this 91 318is (Read 8184 times)

Stamos · « **on:** March 29, 2012, 08:35:25 AM »

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2911028492.html

I have owned many E30s but all have been the M20 engine so i am not very familiar with the 4 cylinder. I can do all of my own work no problem....I know about the "common" issues with E30 bodies, but am I looking for the same stuff (besides the timing belt of course) with the 4 cylinder?

Cooling system issues ...rear subframe, rust (obviously) as well as timing chain replacement?

Thank you in advance.

d.hitchcock · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2012, 08:48:30 AM »

Too much money for a car with all those little weird things.

I paid about the same price for one with 150k miles and way less bad stuff.

Oh, and then I swapped in new timing chain/sprockets as a preventive measure, fixed a couple locks, etc.

I'd feel better paying closer to $2k for that car. The owner probably won't go that low, but that's my gut reaction.

tfrain · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2012, 09:03:50 AM »

ehhh I think I would pass on that particular one at that particular price. I paid $3000 for mine and it only has 140K on it (granted with tax and shipping it was more like $3750, but still. Prior to that, I "slept on" buying a previous 318is and someone bought it out from under me. It was $3900 and way clean, with about 150k. What I did is put a saved search on Autotrader and on ebay. I got emails every morning if something new was listed previous afternoon, evening. I saw one in FL and jumped on it. You can also try looking on all the e30 forums - not sure if you can setup a saved search that way or not. Look on the "current problems with your car" thread on this forum, as well as this site http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/ under Advice, Common Faults for details about this issues with these particular cars

Stamos · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2012, 10:01:19 AM »

Thanks guys.

That's kinda what I was thinking.

Ya think if I can get it for $2300.00 it would be worth it?

vonkamp · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2012, 07:23:42 PM »

I would buy it at $2300. despite the high mileage and weird issues, he has done some of the best upgrades for the car. COP kit and Mark D chip and it'll be a runner...

deansweet · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2012, 07:30:39 PM »

I'm with the rest. Take $1k-1200 off the asking price and I would pick it up.

Nice solid car that's for sure.

keflaman · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2012, 06:52:44 AM »

The car has very good things going for it and being a rust-free car is worth something in itself to you guys living in the rust belt. The dash appears to be crack-free (can't see the area atop the instrument panel) and the seats wouldn't take much to bring up to speed. The underside doesn't look to be soaked with engine oil and tranny fluid, the rear diff looks to be dry and it has a fairly new exhaust system.

The ad mentions D/S door replacement and the front fender is a different color as well. Take a good look at the front shock tower on that side and all the wheelhouse/engine support members (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/318is-M42/LHD/M/1990/july/browse/bodywork/wheelhouse_engine_support/). I imagine if you look at the body panels for VIN stickers you will probably find evidence of replacement. If repaired properly it's not a big deal and may give you some leverage for negotiating a lower price.

Sometimes high-mileage cars like that have had a significant amount of sweat equity put into them and make more sense to buy than a car that looks better, but needs all the gaskets and seals replaced.

tfrain · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2012, 08:57:01 AM »

Quote from: keflaman;111522

Sometimes high-mileage cars like that have had a significant amount of sweat equity put into them and make more sense to buy than a car that looks better, but needs all the gaskets and seals replaced.

excellent point. What is the DOT-R sticker photo for??

Stamos · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2012, 10:06:02 AM »

Quote

excellent point. What is the DOT-R sticker photo for??

I believe a visual refernce for me to look for when inspecting the driver's side panels on the car.

I cannot tell you how many of those stickers I have seen over the years of E30/E36 buying.

Thanks guys for all the help.

Going to look at this one tonight...will update asap with findings.

keflaman · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2012, 10:42:56 AM »

Quote from: Stamos;111525

I believe a visual refernce for me to look for when inspecting the driver's side panels on the car.

I cannot tell you how many of those stickers I have seen over the years of E30/E36 buying.

Thanks guys for all the help.

Going to look at this one tonight...will update asap with findings.

That's correct and I was so caught up in wordsmithing my post I forgot you mentioning that you had owned several E30 prior. Sorry.

Along that vein, the last two e30s I have purchased were listed as "never been in an accident" and between the two cars I found those stickers on 5 of eight fenders/quarter panels. That's the bad news. The good news is I have 5 fenders/quarter panels in pretty good, rust-free condition.

ironpaws · « **Reply #10 on:** April 02, 2012, 11:47:31 PM »

I bought a 91 318i,four door. The car is an all around jewel,but it was driven
by an adult who was a maniac for regular maintenance done by a german
mechanic. It was in superb shape,had 108K on it when I bought it and
I paid twice what it was worth. Five yrs later,its the best used car I ever
bought.
I found several tips on this site that saved me TONS of hassle.
I bought mine because it was a RUST FREE western car. I suggest the same.
Ive had NO sheetmetal issues,just mechanical maintenance and repair.
WONDERFUL car.