1989 325i convertible - United Bimmer Community

**B3M2W5i** · 10-18-2007, 10:57 PM

So my cousin ran out and bought a $600 e30 today

The car is ok for $600. It has 140k and runs strong. There also seems to be a leak coming from the rack and pinion and the rims don't all match up. I think the car is a steal if they are willing to put some time and money into it but I could be wrong.

The main problem other than that^ is during freeway speeds the passenger rear seems to drag the car to the right. We think it may either just need an alignment or maybe a messed up shock. What do you guys think might be going on?

denyo77 · 10-19-2007, 08:23 AM

alignment
also check the steering, the control arms might be damaged

**B3M2W5i** · 10-19-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denyo77

alignment
also check the steering, the control arms might be damaged

How can I check the steering?

**elsabor67** · 10-19-2007, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B3M2W5i

The main problem other than that^ is during freeway speeds the passenger rear seems to drag the car to the right. We think it may either just need an alignment or maybe a messed up shock. What do you guys think might be going on?

E30's don't get aligned in the rear. Only the front gets aligned. Check your shocks and also check yoru bushings (all of them) to include the subframe ones. In fact get it on a lift and do a full undercarraige inspection because you might have something bent in the back.

**celsdogg** · 10-19-2007, 08:47 AM

steal of a deal. perhaps some pics when you get a chance?

it seems to me that E30 steering racks are always leaking or something. my first E30 has a refurbed steering rack put in it by the previous owners, and it only had 50k miles on it.

**B3M2W5i** · 10-19-2007, 04:41 PM

Would you still consider it a steal if I told you the title is salvaged due to vandalism? Oh well, I'll snap a few pics with my phone and post them up later. The interior is messed up so I won't even bother posting pics of that later. I really think it just needs an alignment but we'll see tomorrow after we jack it up.

**B3M2W5i** · 10-19-2007, 04:57 PM

OK, I just realized I spelled convertible wrong any mods care to help me out?

witeshark · 10-19-2007, 05:06 PM

Done

**B3M2W5i** · 10-19-2007, 11:59 PM

Thanks! Sorry I forgot to take pics today but I will tomorrow while its jacked up.

**B3M2W5i** · 10-20-2007, 02:57 PM

Just a couple of pics... now they are unsure if they want to keep it.. mainly because the top of the passenger rear wheel is angled inwards..

nick_318is · 10-21-2007, 09:08 AM

Looks like a decent car for $600.

**B3M2W5i** · 10-21-2007, 02:35 PM

Well from what we see it needs a rack and pinion, tie rod ends, new shocks, wheels and tires (none really match), door locks, and a valve cover gasket. I am gonna have to look into prices for the parts if you guys could help out I would appreciate it. Also from what it looks like, it has most likely been in an accident. I see cheap over spray everywhere...

**elsabor67** · 10-21-2007, 02:53 PM

Realoem.com will give you the original parts prices with part numbers. All you need is the last 7 digits of the VIN.

**B3M2W5i** · 10-21-2007, 03:01 PM

Well heres a rough estimate of what we would spend

BavAuto
Steering rack and pinion $600
Complete tire rod assembly $90
Valve cover gasket $15
Shocks (4 corners with install kit roughly $500

AutohausAZ
Steering rack and pinion $360
Complete tire rod assembly $80
Valve cover gasket $10
Shocks (4 corners with install kit) roughly $500

And we still need matching wheels and tires!

i think this thing is going to be back on the market soon or sold to a junkyard. It's salvaged title and my cousin doesn't want to put in more than they spent.

nick_318is · 10-21-2007, 07:23 PM

^Alright adding all of that up with the price of the car assuming you buy wheels for around $750-800 (could probably pick up a set of used basket weaves for about $200) your at about $2300-2400 (not to mention paint or anything else), if you can get most of the $600 back he might be better off looking for a better condition car for about that price, might save some hassles and hopefully be a better example.