I am looking to buy an E30 and i need help - United Bimmer Community

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-25-2008, 04:50 PM

I am seriously considering buying an E30, i am interested in the 1989-1991 model years (for the better looking bumpers).

First of all: i read the thread about buying an E30, and it is very helpful, but i have some specific questions about a specific car i am looking at:

1. How cheap/easy is it to buy used leather seats to replace the cloth ones?
2. does the iS front lip fit on the 325i?
3. what are the main differences between a 325iS and the 2-door 325i?
4. I hear alot about the timing belt. should i replace this as soon as i get the car, and how much will it cost?

finally, a link to the car. tell me what you think:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=1505

whoa. big link.

thanks, dudes!

witeshark · 02-25-2008, 05:04 PM

The timing belt is supposed to be replaced about every 65,000 miles. The front 325is lip AFAIK should fit on the air dam of a 325i. The main differences (i vs is): Better drivers seat adjustments. Upgraded stereo with upper door tweeters. Power sunroof. Rear deck spoiler is standard and body color.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-25-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

The timing belt is supposed to be replaced about every 65,000 miles. The front 325is lip AFAIK should fit on the air dam of a 325i. The main differences (i vs is): Better drivers seat adjustments. Upgraded stereo with upper door tweeters. Power sunroof. Rear deck spoiler is standard and body color.

Thank you!! does the 325i not have a sunroof?

**Exilion** · 02-25-2008, 05:13 PM

Well it sucks to find a good e30 style leather seat on ebay... Car doesn't look to bad, is this a dealer near you? I'd check it out in person and all that.Timing belt will be pretty cheap, just look on pelican or another online vendor http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/cata..._pg1.htm#item0

EDIT: I could've sworn that was the right page... just do a search and it'll come up.

**Exilion** · 02-25-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamcreepingdeath

Thank you!! does the 325i not have a sunroof?

My 325i has a sunroof... The handle fell off on a really really hot day awhile ago though....

EDIT: I think you meant does it have an power sunroof... No it doesn't.

**peterkdenny** · 02-25-2008, 05:16 PM

dude the car is in colorado...

**Exilion** · 02-25-2008, 05:18 PM

I don't know where he lives

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-25-2008, 05:19 PM

ok so the 325i has a manual sunroof... cool.

the dealer is not near me, (approx 1,600 mi away) but it is very close to where my in-laws live, and they are going to look at it/test drive it/take pictures, and i trust them, my dad-in-law drives an '06 Z4.

it is the best deal i have seen yet, so i am willing to fly there (have a vacation) and drive it home.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-25-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterkdenny

dude the car is in colorado...

um, yeah dude, the car IS in Colorado. i'm gonna fly there and drive it home. Colorado is the S--- dude!

**Exilion** · 02-25-2008, 05:21 PM

Coolness

**peterkdenny** · 02-25-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exilion

I don't know where he lives

i guess i just happened to post that right after you...

nick_318is · 02-25-2008, 05:40 PM

I thought the 325is has a slightly (10mm lower) suspension, because the S would represent a sport package. To answer your questions:

1. Not sure on price of finding a replacement seat but you can look for some in good condition, try e30tech.com. All of the seats should be very easy to replace.

2. The iS lip should just snap right on, you might need some new clips though as older ones might have been broken.

3. My above about a sport package should allude to that.

4. If you don't have documentation on when the timing belt was last changed I would suggest you do it right away for extra piece of mind. Not sure on cost as the m42 has a timing chain so I don't have to worry about timing belts.

The car you posted doesn't look half bad and for that price it is probably a good deal. Looks like a tear in the drivers seat, a club of a shifter, and like the muffler is hanging a little low, but probably something a fresh hanger or two can fix. Good luck and I would offer 1600 in hopes of getting it a little cheaper (just means more money for mods/maintenance).

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-25-2008, 05:42 PM

thanks, dudes!!

**Exilion** · 02-25-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterkdenny

i guess i just happened to post that right after you...

Ah... odd coincidence. I was thinking that was an extremely fast post...

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-25-2008, 07:13 PM

another question: kind of a wierd question, how heavy are the stock wheels on the E30? i am looking at choices of aftermarket wheels, and i am trying to get something lightweight for improved gas mileage and acceleration.

**Exilion** · 02-25-2008, 07:20 PM

The aluminum ones shouldnt be that bad... I don't know exactly what they weigh though...

For extreme weight loss check this out http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/e30-3-...oss-guide.html

nick_318is · 02-25-2008, 09:33 PM

The wheels on the one you are looking at do not look stock to me, unless i'm missing something I would expect to see basket-weaves or bottlecaps unless someone bought a wheel package. I'm not sure of either of those wheels stock wieght but I do know you can probably find some decent lightweight wheels.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-25-2008, 09:53 PM

i was thinking about 16" TSW's

**elsabor67** · 02-26-2008, 12:44 AM

Nice catch man. Looks like a great base to start from.