'90 325i

[60pilot]

I am looking at buying a '90 325i. They are asking $3200 for it. It has 129K miles on it and is in good shape. What should I look for and is that a fair price?

[bmwworld]

Here are the Edmunds prices (I assume it is a Sedan):

1990 BMW 3-Series 2 Dr 325i Sedan

Trade-In: $4,711
Private Party: $5,367
Dealer Retail: $6,460

I think you're getting a great deal!

[bmwworld]

Here are some common problems with the E30:

On the M20 and M40 engines, insure timing belts are changed every 60,000 miles. Change the water pump at the same time. Adjust valves with every tuneup.

Head bolts should never be reused if the head is removed. Six cylinder oil filter housings can leak, but it's not that common. Always use BMW spec oil filters. Watch for rust just behind the front shock towers, it's easily fixable if caught early and often minor. Rust can form around the rear number plate lights. Water can seep into trunk. Overheating in traffic may be a sign of a broken cooling fan clutch. Rattles from the rear may be worn rear shock absorber mounts. A wobbly front or vibration when braking end could well be worn control arm bushings. Reversing light switch mechanism can fail. Lack of power on Motronic cars is often due to a worn rotor arm. Fuel tank eventually rusts where the flexible filler pipe joins it.

Tips from John G. Burns
http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/e30.html
and BMW World

[N321Q]

A '90 with 129,0000 miles for $3000?! Dude, you gotta snag it before he changes his mind. However, there are things to look for. For the most part these cars are super reliable and fun to drive, but a '90 with almost 130,000 will have some minor problems, and they will cost you.

What Mr. Burns just covered in his reply are right on the nose for a 325is. Other things you want to look out for: Make sure a BMW mechanic gives the suspension a complete check-up. This car's susp is tuned by Bilstein, and is absolutely near-perfect...except when parts wear out. Also pay attention to the rack and pinion steering. The best way to check this is to run your hand through the joints of the rack (under the brake master cylinder under the hood) and see if you end up with excessive grease. If you do, the rack is shot. Another important step to take, and this might cost you about $40.00, but it's worth it. Run a compression test on the engine. All six cylinders should render somewhere between 9.1 to 9.3. If one or two is lower, your car will not run right, and this symptom is usually caused by abusive driving style.

Good luck getting that car. if the car check out okay, you'll have fun with it.

[jag]

I've got an 87 325is with 212k on it and it still runs like a champ. You can't go wrong payin that kinda money. The trick is like someone stated earlier is that with a car with that many miles you will have some minor problems. Find someone in ur area who specializes in BMW repair and get parts from them. (i.e. scrap, junkers) Never go with the dealers. ACK!!!!!!:smoker2:

[Skeet Baldwin]

BEWARE!!!!!!!!!I have replaced the following on my 1990 325i 2 door (118,000 miles) after purchasing($3,000) same on 3-2004.

Left control arm, left and right sway bar links, reservoir to steering pump hose, right and left outer tie rod arms, front and rear rotors, front and rear brake pad sets, fuel filter, o2 sensor, new catalytic converter, new muffler w/cat back exhaust pipes. Another $1800 worth of parts that were worn-out.

Suggest you thoroughly check suspension, steering, exhaust and hydraulic brake system B-4 you buy!

My car was in excellent cosmetic shape. But I failed to crawl under and inspect the mechanicals.

[ironman502]

ESPECIALLY check the exhaust. A muffler mount rusted out on my car and I got a quote of about $350 for a new muffler, not including labor. Fortunately, I was able to fix it with $2.99 muffler putty, but I may not be so lucky next time.