advise for newbie looking at 325ix today?

[bigblue]

Later today I am going to look at a 1988 325ix 5spd coupe with about 175k miles on it. Owner is asking $1800 but said he would take $1300. Without looking at it yet, he has told me the front fenders have a little rust, it has a bad front strut (which I guess means it would need a new set), and a faulty power window. AC works. That's all I know for now but if I like it I will have to make a decision quickly because there is another interested buyer.

I'd like an enthusiast's opinion on this car and I just wanted to get some quick advise of what to look for (mainly the rust concerns me- where to determine how rusty this thing really is) and common things to check for from you guys with E30 experience.

I haven't ever owned a BMW but I'm an engineer who's not afraid to get my hands dirty and have a lot of experience with saabs, japanese and american cars.

Thanks

[spiff325is]

Read the Consiering buying and E30 thread pinned at the top. just check all the fenders and such, look for VIN#'s, cuz if you cant see any, it means that it was repainted which mostly means that it was in an accident.

[witeshark]

Yeah an original BMW has VIN stickers on the fenders doors hood and trunk B)