Need some advice: Repair costs. - United Bimmer Community

**turbolesstom** · 02-25-2008, 05:34 PM

Hey all, I've found another possible E30 to buy. I went and looked and it today. Drove it around as well. Here is a link to the ad: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/car/582394606.html

So the engine rebuild is credible (saw paperwork) and there is alot of documented fixes throughout the years. The car does idle/run rough, seems like its going to need a distributor cap and plugs. The steering was very notchy and jerky, Im guessing either bad suspension pieces or possible steering rack? The shifter was tight, and the clutch felt good. Interior is not bad, drivers seat has some tears but overall i would say 7/10. The body however, needs alot of work. Both fenders are shot, and there is alot of surface rust and dents. the glass trim needs replacing. Tires are almost bald. The IS lip was pretty much done for.. chunks missing and whatnot. So, with that being said, what I am looking to spend on repairs?
2 Fenders
distributor/plugs
possible steering rack/tie rods etc
IS front lip

Honestly, I dont think I would pay more than $900 for it, just because the body is in such bad shape.. What are your thoughts?

Thanks much.

EDIT: If you cant see the link:
87 325IS.
240K on the body,
45K on engine rebuild.
upgraded ecu (524) and 19lb injectors

witeshark · 02-25-2008, 05:49 PM

Link won't load

**turbolesstom** · 02-25-2008, 05:55 PM

edited main post with car's vital info for those that cant view the link.

**Dr1ve4fun** · 02-25-2008, 06:09 PM

That car looks like it needs quite a bit of work. If you want a project it would probably be great, but I would still try and find something that has a better body and interior. Living in AZ I have never seen a car that has so much rust. IMO it's not even close to worth $1350 and I don't think I would even pay $900 for it. I don't know how much the parts would cost, but more then likely it is cheaper to get an E30 that is in better shape.

**Dr1ve4fun** · 02-25-2008, 06:13 PM

Here are the pictures that the guy posted of the car. What does everyone else think?

nick_318is · 02-25-2008, 08:40 PM

Not worth the $1350 hes asking, with all that rust, I bet the gas pedal never gets stuck from that matt either... If you can get it cheap it might be worth it, that said the cost of the repairs and not really having a good idea on what it might need might not make it a good idea. What is your budget between repairs and buying the car, you might be better off trying to locate a car that is in better shape and save yourself some money in repair work.

**celsdogg** · 02-25-2008, 11:49 PM

id pass on it too. maybe if you can get it for around $600, but i personally wouldn't want to take on a daily driver that is also a rebuilding project.

**elsabor67** · 02-26-2008, 03:30 AM

I wouldn't do it either. I can tell you that the rough idle is becuase they probably didn't ease the injectors so the ECU would compensate for the added fuel going in and also didn't add the more airflow coming in to better the performance of the bigger injectors. I just went thru this last week when I added bigger injectors, but I also added a bigger AFM and intake. I would definetly pass on it. There are far better cars that I've seen on other forums that are worth a little more but are very well kept and for a pretty good price.

Unless you want to be busting your butt on this one

denyo77 · 02-26-2008, 09:03 AM

**turbolesstom** · 02-26-2008, 07:34 PM

I offered $650. Pretty low-ball for what he's asking but we'll see what he says..

**iamcreepingdeath** · 02-26-2008, 08:21 PM

it's worth it for around $700, if the engine really is good. I am worried about the rough running. It could be a small fix or a seriously bad problrm that would take insane amounts of work to get to.

be careful about stuff like that