Considering a 92 E30 (318) convertible

[75BMW2002]

I have found a nice e30 convertible that I am considering purchasing but I have a few concerns

1) it has over 200K miles - runs like new with plenty of power but not sure what the life of the M42 is.  If it hasn't had the timing chain and tensioner replaced (I forgot to check on that but will ask owner for proof if he claims it has been) how much should I expect to pay to have that done?  If I were to replace the motor sometime int he future, what are my options - do I have to stay with a M42 or can I put something else in there without doing major mods?

2) Back soft window needs to be repalced.  Top is pretty good otehrsie - not perfect but good.  Can I jsut have the window replaced without replacing the entire top? If not, what should a top repalcement run me?

3)  Has cloth interior - I thought they all came with leather but obviously not.  THe front seats are the recaro style with the pull out leg boosters, etc.  There is some wedar on it and some wear on the top of the rear seat.  I would like to change over to leather recaros - how hard to find and how difficult to do?

I can buy the car for $1500.  As I said, it runs good, looks great (new piant within the past year, no rust at all, everything works on the car except the AC but the compressor spins freely so I don't htink it is anything major.  Also has nice 17 inch wheels with low profile tires. Has a clean title.  Does this sound like a fair price?

Thanks

[sennasixty8]

I've had 2 previous m42 powered cars with over 200k, and never missed a beat.  I've also got a pair of black leather cabrio sport seats for sale, fronts only.  Hope this helps...

send me a PM if interested in the seats ,and if you're not in california, shipping won't be cheap!

[RED IS 91]

buy it

[318kid]

That sounds like a good car, but you can't really tell without pictures. There's a e30 on the board with over 300k, Just make sure you check your oil pan for bolts!
1) On replacing the motor, if you want an m20 it's not really worth it to put in a 318, the only thing I would do would be an S/M 50 (not that I am). But for the cost you could get a Metric Mechanic M42 or Dowining Atlanta S/C for the same if not cheaper. On the M/S 50 swaps, there's C/D's or books that you can use.
2) If it has a zipper around the window you can replace it easily, but if not you have to replace the whole top.
3) Cloth is fine, It's not hard to find seats as long as they're E30 seats I think the fronts are all interchangable. Also the convertible only has 4 seats (the rear only has 2) so you'll have to find a Cabrio specific seat. Also the stiching in horizontal and on a regular E30 its vertical, but if that doesn't bother you then regular front seats will work. The best be would be to just get them  reupholstered. I'd say buy it, you'll love it!
     Preston

[75BMW2002]

It does not have a zip in rear window so this may be a show stopper - I don't want ot have to put another $1000 in a top as soon as I get it.  Will most likely pass on it now

That sounds like a good car, but you can't really tell without pictures. There's a e30 on the board with over 300k, Just make sure you check your oil pan for bolts!
1) On replacing the motor, if you want an m20 it's not really worth it to put in a 318, the only thing I would do would be an S/M 50 (not that I am). But for the cost you could get a Metric Mechanic M42 or Dowining Atlanta S/C for the same if not cheaper. On the M/S 50 swaps, there's C/D's or books that you can use.
2) If it has a zipper around the window you can replace it easily, but if not you have to replace the whole top.
3) Cloth is fine, It's not hard to find seats as long as they're E30 seats I think the fronts are all interchangable. Also the convertible only has 4 seats (the rear only has 2) so you'll have to find a Cabrio specific seat. Also the stiching in horizontal and on a regular E30 its vertical, but if that doesn't bother you then regular front seats will work. The best be would be to just get them  reupholstered. I'd say buy it, you'll love it!
     Preston

[75BMW2002]

It was a piece of junk - literally.  I would not have brought ti home had he given it to me.  The only redeeming quality was it was a BMW

[Cobra Jet]

Just an FYI - I don't know which BMW convertibles ever had a "zip in" rear window.  I can confirm that my 91 318ic does not have a "zip in" rear window.  

I believe that the only way the rear windows can be replaced would be:

A) have an experienced, professional convertible/upholstery shop remove the old plastic window and sew/stitch in a new one.  Some shops can do this, while some won't due to lack of knowledge or not wanting to depending on overall condition of the rest of the top

B) have entire top replaced by a professional upholstery shop OR purchase a new complete top yourself and try to install it yourself