Help deciding on E30 purchase.

[workman482]

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and hope I am putting this in the right place.

I am contemplating purchasing a 1986 325es from someone in my area, lower AL. One of the main reasons I am looking for a second vehicle is gas mileage. I am currently driving a 90 2500 series suburban and need something that will be easier on the wallet.
I was stationed in Germany and had the privilege to own a 1986 325is and a 1996 316is. So I already know about BMW machines. and I love driving them.
Here is the description of the car:

This BMW is a classic E30. This 325 actually utilizes a 2.7 liter in line 6. It is a manual equipped with a limited slip differential (rare). It runs good, has no leaks, and the seats are in decent shape considering how old they are (they are the sport style seats btw). I have just changed the oil with 10W-30 Mobil 1 fully synthetic and replaced the spark plugs. I took the back seats out because they had a rather large tear in them. Also I put in a new fuel pump so I just left the seats out after doing the repair with plans to get a new back seat put in (I still have it if you want it). Now as far as the work to be done goes: the windows are not currently in operation but I know for a fact it has to do with the wiring behind the climate control. I recently had it fixed but when I replaced the climate control frame I must have unplugged something. She'll need a brake job, as the brakes are a bit squishy but work fine. And lastly it might need a new battery because lately I've been having to jump start it if it sits for too long


I have went and looked at the car and test drove it. It drives fine, a little on the sluggish side, but I think that is due to old gas. I did however find that the speedo/odometer as well as the blinkers don't work in conjunction with the windows being inoperable. Guy said he had taken in to a shop and had the windows fixed but when he installed a new center console cover they stopped working again.

So let me know what you think and please feel free to give any feedback.

BTW, here is a link to a couple of pics:
http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv199/workman4_82/

[dev6315]

I couldn't find any photos of the car. However, I would say the car sounds solid and was taken care of. Any car of this age is going to have its little gremlins, especially electrical. Nice things about E30's, they are usually pretty easy to fix yourself. Parts are readily available considering its age, at great prices.
As long as the engine and drive train is sound and its not covered in rust, i would say then it comes down to how much they are asking. If the price works, and you like it, I say go for it. Those little issues with the car could offer some great negotiating points too. Best of luck with your search. I'm on my 5th E30, they are fun little tanks.