RE: Getting into BMWs

["Boyd, David (Neighbour Boy)" <boydd@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi John,

I say go for it.  84k is very low mileage, and if the dealer agrees to
fix all the problems you listed, it sounds pretty good.  I have just a
tad over 200k on my '84 325e and it is still running strong.  Most of
the repairs that I've had to do was because of the previous owner.  If
you keep the maintenance up the thing will run forever.  It's not the
speediest 6 cyl, but it goes pretty good.  The maintenance on these
isn't too expensive, especially if you can do some of it yourself.  Get
the Bentley repair manual.  I've been able to do a lot of work myself
using the Bentley.  And of course the digest has been a huge help too.

You may want to ask them if the timing belt has been changed, that needs
to be done every 50-60k.  While you're changing the timing belt It's
also a good time to swap the water pump.  Another biggie to look at is
the head bolts.  I guess the old hex style head bolts were snapping off
in the valve train causing all sorts of damage.  You can tell by looking
in the oil filler hole, and if there's torx style bolts your fine.  If
you have the hex bolts they should be replaced. 

I doubt the ///M badge means anything unless they've added some M3 parts
to it.  I would take the badge off if you buy it.  When I bought my car
it had the M badge on it.  Needless to say, it's been removed.

Good luck.
- --David Boyd, boydd@domain.elided
'84 325e 200k
BMW CCA
BMW ACA

> ----------
> From: 	John Planow[SMTP:JRP7731@domain.elided]
> Sent: 	Wednesday, September 02, 1998 11:29 AM
> To: 	bmw@domain.elided
> Subject: 	Getting into BMWs
> 
> Here's how I'm HOPING to get into BMWs.  Hopefully some of the more
> experienced
> can give me some advice.
> 
> With almost two years of college left, I've been put in the
> unfortunate
> position of having to get another car.  I'll leave out the details of
> my
> getting to this point.  I've been searching the Rochester, NY area for
> a decent
> E30.  My only decent find(s) so far are at a small used import
> dealership: an
> '86 325es with 84k on it.  It's a 5 spd, the exterior is in beautiful
> condition.  I was fortunate enough to inspect it on a lift and found
> the
> underside was also in very good condition.  The engine compartment was
> impeccable, as if the car were brand new (this was a little puzzling,
> actually).  Here are the problems I noticed: a leak in the radiator
> (will be
> replaced by dealer, if not already done), an oil leak, apparently from
> the oil
> pan gasket (dealer agreed to replace gasket), a transmission fluid
> leak,
> apprently from rear tranny seal (dealer agreed to replace), a quick fx
> on the
> exhaust that won't last another year (dealer agreed to split cost of
> new
> exhaust), and condensation in the passenger-side low bea headlight
> (did not
> discuss with dealer).  Asking price: $5800.
> 
> So, does anyone have any overall opinions based on this limited
> description? 
> Does it sound like a good price?  What kind and how much maintenance
> should I
> expect in the next few years?  I notices an M-badge on the rear of the
> car,
> along with one on the shift knob, and M-colors on the steering wheel.
> Are
> these from the factory, and if so, what's the connection between this
> car and
> the M?
> 
> Thanks,
> John
> 

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End of bmw-digest V9 #133
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