91 318iS

[AlphaVortex]

I finally found a car today that I think may be my first official foray into the E30 universe, and I wanted to run it by you guys and see what you thought.

Asking price: $4000 (I'm very optimistic about being much lower than that)

1991 318iS 5-spd w/140,000 miles
2 Owners, the second one an old lady. She said the car always followed the BMW maintenance schedule, and oil was always changed with what the dealership sold.

The physical condition is fantastic. It has been repainted in original Metallic Black BMW Paint, no dents but some scratches. Upon my brief inspection I saw zero rust. All window trim looks great. Tan interior is perfect except for drivers seat and carpets. Seats are bucket type, and wheels are what you'd expect. The little computer display was wigging out the entire time, but other than that all electronics worked.

The car started up and idled without fluctuation at a hair less than 1000rpm... maybe 800? The engine bay looked very good, with no visible cracked rubber parts. The engine is making what possibly sounds like 2 clicking noises (what could this be? It's definitely coming from the head somewhere). The belts all looked good, and nothing seemed to be vibrating too violently. The AC had been completely replaced with an updated model only 4 months ago up to current code, so that works swimmingly.

The clutch and transmission felt worn in, but not near the end of its life (actually shifted smoother than my E46...). The brakes were new, and did not wobble under pressure. New tires all around.

The overall feel of the car was that nothing was "tight". By that I mean there was always a small bit of play in everything... the steering was a bit loose but not bad, the car slightly vibrated at highway speeds (alignment maybe, or something like control arms or tie rods?). It wasn't bad by any means, it was just sorta loose. The struts had been replaced very recently btw.

One other odd note of concern is that I could hear a sort of buzzing sound coming from the rear half of the car. I remember potentially reading about some sort of buzz like that from the diff area but I may be thinking of something else.

Overall the car looks to be in FANTASTIC shape for being so old, but I only looked at it and drove and listened.

Please give me your thoughts!

[HATER-PROOF]

According to your description it's sounds like an O.K buy, but if you're optimistic about the price, then knowing what your discoveries are from your inspection it's no doubt that she's worth the 4K.  In my book optimism will eventually get the best of you-IF-you don't follow what your heart is telling you Alfavortex.  If I were in your shoe's under this scenario, I would go to the seller and plead my case about the car's defaults and what it could possibly cost to get it repaired-Thus, bringing the actual amount of currency that I believe it's worth.--------metaphorically speaking; puting the cards on the table in front of the seller, because a lower price looks better when it's in front of you.   GoodLuck.

[AtlBMW]

"The overall feel of the car was that nothing was "tight"."
Having been test driving lately, this comment concerns me. Have the car inspected for sure. Do it.
Than come back to the seller and do as suggested above.
Good Luck!