Re: 86 325ES Experiences on Maintenance (2 different cars)

[Henri Baccouche <henrib@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't think that I had a bad experience with my E30,
I think I have had a typical E30 maintenance history.

I don't mind repairing my cars..........it been a serious hobby
for 30+ years. I was just remarking that E30's are not cheap used
transportation cars IMO.

Btw, as I remember, these E30 cars were rated as more expensive to repair in
Consumer reports and reliablitity was rated Fair in 1986.

I have the complete service history of my car and I would agree......
Fair is about right. The previous owner was an accountant........who also
spared no $$$ in keeping the car up.

Happy wrenching......

Henri






Purvis Brad Civ UAVB/DOI wrote:

> 1st Car
> Here is my experience with a car that had 200K when I bought it.
> First of all the car was owned by the same lady since 94 and I bought it
> from her in 01. Car needed work and I knew it. Brake pads in the front had
> ruined the rotor on one side. No big deal as I planned to replace the brakes
> all around anyway.
> Car had seen very little scheduled maintenance since 99 or so.
> I have put new rotors and brake pads all around, rebuilt all calipers,
> install SS lines and replace the exhaust from the cat back.
> New clutch as the throw out bearing was shot and replaces all seals at the
> same time.
> Planning on replacing the heater coil and controller as the heater out puts
> no heat with the controller in max position. You can not feel the resistance
> when rotating the temp knob. Seats all work but one has wear on the drivers
> entry side.
> Owner had a new radiator replaced and I bet I know why, no coolant changes
> as scheduled in the manual so toasted the radiator but it took 13 years to
> do so.
> Replaced the instrument panel with one that had a better SI battery and will
> put new batteries in the old one as a replacement. Replaced the battery as
> the SI board was always lite and toasted the battery as well..
> Both fuel pumps are shot, have new ones that will be installed when I do the
> heater coil and controller.
> New ICV as the old one passed all tests and was not gummed up but once warm
> the sealing passages that move this solenoid were bad or the spring was bad.
> Either way it needed replaced as it would not pull the idle down. Windshield
> wiper pump replaced, two lights with stone chips replaced, rear light
> assemblies replaced as they were cracked.
> Power antenna was also shot, passengers window motor was shot, replaced
> both.
> I have new control arm bushings and will replace the ones in the car as they
> are also shot. I am sure the struts are shot too but don't really effect the
> car handling. Rear shocks in my opinion seem to not wear out but will also
> replace those with a good Turbo Boge.
>
> So as you can see you can get a car that will need many things replaced.
> None of these were that hard to do and I knew going in the car was going to
> need work.
>
> Why buy this car?
> Rust free Florida car with a good straight body, good interior, 325ES looks
> and $1200 for the car.
>
> I guess I like driving the car and once I finish a few of these yet to do
> items the car will be reliable for a long time.
> Car has never let me down and even in a poor state of maintenance you can
> bring them back.
>
> 2nd car
> Maintained on schedule and picked the car up at 160K. replaced the
> instrument panel with a used one, replaced the windshield wiper pump. Clutch
> is heavy and will need replaced but over all a car maintained on schedule
> needs very little work but oil and fluid changes.
> Both cars are 86 325ES models and the one that was in poor shape will soon
> be close to the other model well maintained.
> Both are great cars on gas, 28-30 mpg at 75 mph. Smooth and quite with no
> rattles.
> YMMV
> I need a car for the airport so I use the 86 325ES rather then get door
> dents in my M-3.
> Brad
>
> Henri wrote:
> >A 12-15 year old  E30 is no bargain unless you are
> >a life long mechanic. These cars have major wear >cycles at 100K and at
> 150K miles. Ask me how I >know........
> >If it's important for the car to be 95-100% correct, >then a 3500-4500
> dollar E30 with 100k will likely be >a black hole for money.
> >100K
> >complete front suspension rebuild w/struts
> >new steering rack
> >new rear wheel bearings
> >new injectors
> >new ICV
> >new ICV ECU
> >new radiator
> >new in tank-fuel pump
> >new SI board
> ># 5 and #6 cylinder burning  oil because the >cylinders wearing slightly
> oval......very common on >the ETA.
> >new temp sender
> >new wiring harness ignition
> >new fan clutch
> >new alternator brushes
> >new thermostat housing
> >150K
> >new driveshaft
> >front wheel bearings
> >new O2 sensor
> >new intrument cluster contact board
> >new starter (this was a bitch to install.......)
> >new AC temp control block under dash.  (ditto......)
> >new catalytic converter
> >Automatic trans probably on its last legs.....(~$1350 >for a ZF rebuilt)
>
> >I would only recommend such cars to people who >*enjoy* wrenching as a
> hobby........
> >Henri
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