Owning a BMW E30 can be expensive. Maintenance, repairs, insurance, and premium fuel all add up. Restoring a BMW can also be expensive. But it can also be a great learning experience and a chance to enjoy a classic car. Be sure to look for rust, a worn driver’s seat bolster, faulty instrument cluster circuit boards that won’t reset, and misbehaving temperature or Service Indicator (SI) lights.
Look at the Interior
The E30 is the quintessential BMW and one of the most desirable cars today. They’re light, fast, and fun to drive. They’re also incredibly reliable when well-maintained. If you’re looking to buy a used BMW E30 for sale, looking for a car that has been cared for is essential. An excellent way to determine if a BMW has been taken care of is by looking at the service history. You want to see a consistent servicing pattern with the same mechanic, ideally a BMW specialist.
If the service history isn’t available, try contacting the dealer to ask for it. You’ll also want to check for signs of rust in the trunk, the rear wheel well, and the front “jack points.” These areas are prone to corrosion because they are exposed to road salt. It’s rare to find an E30 rust-free in these locations, but moderate rust is not necessarily a deal breaker.
Look at the Exterior
As time passes, the E30 has graduated from the ‘banger’ phrase into one of BMW’s most coveted cars. That is why you often see them fetch eyebrow-raising prices in good condition. Rust is a big issue for these cars, and it can be challenging to fix without the use of expensive bodywork parts. Look at the rust spots on the car’s underside, around the doors, and rocker panels. Also, keep in mind that cracks in the dashboard are widespread. However, they can be easily replaced by a new dash from a donor car.
Another thing to pay attention to is the type of front and rear valances on the car. Early model E30s have large metal bumpers that stick out often, sometimes called “diving board” bumpers. Later models have a more streamlined plastic set that fits better with the rest of the bodywork. Personal preference plays a significant role in this regard, so it’s worth trying out both styles to see which suits you.
Rust is a common issue that plagues many BMW E30s due to their age and exposure to the elements. If you come across rust during your inspection, don’t be discouraged, as it can be addressed with proper rust repair techniques. To tackle rust effectively, it is recommended to consult a rust repair guide or seek the assistance of a professional specializing in automotive rust repair. They can provide valuable insights and step-by-step instructions on how to identify and treat rust spots on the E30’s body panels.
Take it for a Test Drive.
When buying a used car, nothing is as important as taking the vehicle for a test drive. This is especially true if you are looking at an E30, as they are quick, fun to drive, and timeless in style. In good condition, they are also very reliable. Having the vehicle inspected by an expert before you buy is also a good idea. It would be best to look for a one-owner mint condition E30 with a straightforward service history with the same mechanic.
The engines in these cars are known for being solid and reliable, but it is a good idea to refresh critical components as needed. During the test drive, listen for squeaks from wheel bearings, try to accelerate and brake quickly, and see how the car handles on the twisty roads. A functional check panel is also necessary to determine if the engine oil, coolant, or headlights are low. If any of these are faulty, it will be expensive to fix them, so be sure they work before you make the purchase.
Inspect the Mechanicals
Although galvanized steel makes E30s less prone to corrosion, it is not unreasonable to expect to see some signs of rust. Look for it around the bottoms of the front wings, rear sills, the front square lifting pads (they aren’t jacking points!), and the battery tray. Also, listen for rattles coming from the back, especially if they are louder when you accelerate. This could be caused by worn suspension linkage bushes or the lower strut mounts on the older cars with front disc brakes.
On the bright side, these can be inexpensive and easy to replace. Finally, start the car up and idle it for a few minutes. E30s have notoriously weak cooling systems, and you should be able to tell whether or not the system works by watching the temperature gauge. If the car starts to overheat, this can be a sign of an issue like a bad fan clutch, broken auxiliary fan, failing head gasket, or stuck thermostat. The good news is these issues are relatively inexpensive and easy to fix.
Make the Offer
You must have all the necessary information before buying a used car. This includes details about the vehicle’s history, past repair and maintenance services, and any accidents it may have been involved in. This can help you to determine how reliable the BMW E30 will be in the long run. If you want to purchase a used BMW E30, take it for a test drive before deciding.
This will allow you to see how the BMW drives and make any adjustments necessary for your comfort level. Additionally, it will allow you to inspect the condition of the car’s engine and transmission and any other mechanical components. Once you’ve done this, you will be ready to make the most informed decision possible about whether or not to buy the car.
