RE: E30 buying tips (325is in particular)

["Fadeev, Alex" <Alex.Fadeev@xxxxxxx>]

Dane Carlson <danec@domain.elided> asks:
> 
> So what worries should I have looking at, say a 1987 325is w/ 
> 180k on it? (timing belt?)

Ideally, the used car you are buying will come with a maintenance history.
That will help you figure out when next to swap the timing belt (this will
save you $500-700 for another used M20B25 engine) and give you a general
idea of how well the car was cared for.
Second, always do a pre-purchase inspection. Pay for it yourself if you
must. You can always bargain off its price later by pointing out all the
(hopefully) little things that the inspection will uncover.

> Can anyone comment of the handling differences between a 325i 
> and a 325is?

After 180K miles, hardly any ;-)
Originally, 'is' E30 models came with a little stiffer springs (same height)
and a little stiffer shocks that by now need replacement anyway (shocks, not
the springs). Depending on the year, the 'is' model will also have a little
stiffer sway bars (by 1-2mm front & rear).
'is' model will also always come with an 3.73 limited slip differential
which was optional on 'i' models. 

> What attracts me to the "is" model is the interior, the seats are more
> comfortable.

You are right about the seats, although all rat skin E30 leather seats have
already badly cracked due to their age. If you can find an 'i' car with
_cloth_ (not vinyl) seats, you will be better off IMHO.
The 'is' does have a bunch of extra interior goodies. Things like OBC, fog
lights and 'premium' stereo were also optional on 'i' cars. Electric sunroof
and 14x6.5 (vs. 14x6 for 'i' model) BBS wheels are nice 'is' additions. The
rest: silly trunk lip, deeper front apron plastic (curb scraper) lip are
not. 

> I still would rather have a 4dr, but just didn't like the 
> interior of the "i" model, and most of the premium package 
> models have automatic transmissions (out of 10 only 1 was 
> a 5spd).

Dane, don't fool yourself about the 4dr E30s. With either 2 or 4 doors, rear
seats are for luggage/groceries/kids only ;-)
Automatics are also more prevalent in 4dr models.
I would also hold out for a '89+ model year E30s. The new euro bumpers are
visually more pleasing and little brake cooling ducts are a nice touch IMHO.

have fun hunting,
alex f

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