Buying a high mileage M42 - advice?

[DeutscheAutos]

Hello all -

Yes, this is my first post, first thread (insert applause/welcome/snickering jeers)-

I am looking to replace my MkII VW Jetta 8v.  It has over 300K miles on it, and it's just about done.  Could I fix it?  Probably.  Does it need a lot more work? Yeah.  Am I looking for something new?  Yeah.

I've been looking at quite a few cars to replace the Jetta with.  Bear in mind, I have a 2006 MKV GLI that I love, but I don't want to rack up even more miles than I already have on it, so I'm looking to get a reliable commuter (German only, of course) to get me from my job that is 80 miles roundtrip, 5x weekly.  

I have looked at quite a few cars, E30s with the eta motors, and one with the M42; E28s, almost looked at an E23 733i, but I found a 1991 2-owner 318i nearby that is in great shape.  Cosmetically, it's about an 8 on the outside, but a 9 on the inside.  It runs/shuts off/starts/stops/shifts/turns/brakes/reverses/is a BMW very well, but I have one concern - it has 262,000 miles on it.  

It's obvious the car is well maintained - there are no oilservice or brake lining lights on the dash that many E30 owners say "are nothing to worry about" and it has the vinyl beige seats that are perfect.  The dash has NO cracks.  At all.  The A/C needs to be recharged, but everyone says that.  I'm hoping that's all it needs, but if not, I'm budgeting money for an AC rebuild.  The current owner has papers/receipts back to 1991 from the PO.  The only reason they are selling is due to a baby on the way.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/397963304.html








What do I look for?  How durable are these M42s?  As durable as the M20B27 eta?  I'm looking for a car that is fun, reliable, gets good mileage, and will last.  I'm a DIY-er too.

[gearheadE30]

Pics don't work so I can't really tell from that. At 262,xxx make sure that the timing system has been rebuilt, the thermostat works, and that there are no vacuum/coolant leaks. These cars have very strong engines so long as they have had regular oil changes and have been run on 91 octane or higher gas. As far as engine comparisons go, the m20 is very strong save for the timing belt, rockers, and oil feed, but I'd say the M42 is stronger. The tranny should shift smoothly but most get tough to get into first when cold. I can't think of anything else at the moment, just the regular maintainance stuff. Good luck!

[FL318is]

I say, based on experience, just buy and work out the bugs as you go.  Beats a car payment!  Good luck.