E30 Problems - BMW Forum

WarNox · 10-04-2004, 04:53 AM

hey

as i am thinking of getting an e30 325i soon and so far i have only heard things like "dont get one it has lots of problems and u always have to fix stuff" or "it uses a lot of fuel"...are these things true? if so, wht are some of the common problems with e30??

thanks

I_like_bimmers · 10-05-2004, 10:55 PM

Yeah, I also interested in these kind of questions, because I, too, heard a lot of those kind of "replys" from people. I've searched these forums for those kind of questions, but they were "general" stuff, I'd like to know the stuff that you had to fix in the car when you bought it, how long did you have to "wait" utill it would break, what were the expences on fixing it/daily stuff, I see a lot of E30's 325i with 111,000-130,000 for $3500-$4000, 1988-91y. Thankx for your help guys! ;-)

ye12 · 10-06-2004, 12:00 AM

I purchased an 89 325i a few months ago. It had 139,000 KM on it and it was a one owner car. I'm really picky on making sure that everything is done right, so here is a list of things maintenance repairs done since I bought the car:

1. Leaky pan gasket replaced
2. Timing belt replaced
3. All belts replaced
4. Dash circuit board replaced
5. Tuneup

I spent over $1,000 CDN on the above items and had all the work done at a specialty shop that exclusively works on BMW's. Remember that the car is over 15 years old, so whether it is an E30 or something else that old, be prepared to spend maybe twice as much on maintenance as you would on a new car.

So far, the car runs beautifully and I've heard that the engine is good for over 350,000 KM's.

witeshark · 10-06-2004, 10:02 PM

My E30 is very reliable. Replaced all the accessory belts, and soon the timing belt. Runs like a dream!

thesoprano · 10-06-2004, 10:32 PM

Yeah, they're great machines...

I push mine all the time and it happily complies.

Aether · 10-07-2004, 10:05 AM

Spiff's got what you need.

Bimmin'88 · 10-07-2004, 11:05 AM

I purchased mine about 4 months ago for $2000.00.

not a common prob- leaky sending unit seal, someone bottomed out the car dented the tank didnt notice it until I filled the tank.

Tank - $350.00
Rear wheel bering (because of the fuel tank leak) -$180.00
Tie rod end (poss from the impact)- $40.00

Mine seems to need some elecrical help. Check Engine(flashing) Service Lights(sometimes they all illuminate other times only some. I'm not real concerned about it right now.

Upgraded Suspention, springs, shocks, sway bars and camber kit. - $1450.00
Plus paid a buddy of mine for the use of his shop and his help. - $200.00
Ballance & alignment and camber adjustment. - $160.00

Cat Back Stailess exhaust. $450.00

During the course of intalation of the suspention I noticed that I should replace the control arms, the dust seals were torn I think this will be about ($120.00)

But the brakes need to be next. Brake lines were looking pretty bad. I will upgrade to bradded lines, rebuild and upgrade the calipers, new pads and possibly new rotars all round.
Estimating - $300.00

K&N Air filter and custom fabricated intake. - $65.00

Cosmetics:
Waxes, Polishers, Cleaners, Paint etc. -$65.00

Total right now I have about $5000.00 into this, which I feel is not that bad. When I baught it I figured that about 6-7k it would be pretty bad ass ride.

I hear the rear trans seal is common to leak. Was replaced two years ago according to the records provided.

To be honest I only needed to take care of the gas tank and the wheel bering.

My car had 180000 on it when I got it and the owner had good maintence records along with a stack of Jiffy Lube receipts (every 3k) going back to when he purchased it about eight years prior. Their are NO oil leaks anywhere! The car had fresh tire, good paint though it had been re-sprayed. When I looked at it I could tell that it was pretty solid for its age and the mileage. I spent a couple weekends cleaning, polishing and painting (trim and rims) and it looks better than most I see on the streets.
You do have to consider that these are older cars and that you will have to address and fix problems. I have opted upgrade items that need attention which increases the repair costs but I will ultimately end up with an e30 that is better than most. For me this is a hobbie and I like not only driving it but, working on it as well.

BMW Lover · 10-07-2004, 11:34 AM

when i got my bmw (91' 318is) it was in great shape i spent 2450 on it, i replaced the driveshaft flex disk, did a tuneup on it, and i replaced some of the gauge cluster pieces... other than that i havnt done anythig, o wait i also replaced the valvecover gasket, i got an exhaust sys and a short ram intake. but it runs daaaaaaaaaaym strong bmws rule :P

guywithblack88e30 · 10-07-2004, 04:33 PM

these cars simply put have there share of electroic problems not very expensive problems but there little like the tach light on a couple of e30's i know go out but its easy to replace for 30 dollars

WarNox · 10-10-2004, 03:57 AM

cool guys, thnx for your reply's!

how much does it cost to replace acessory belts and the timing belt? and in what dollars are you writing eg. USD! because im in New Zealand!

thnx

Bimmin'88 · 10-10-2004, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WarNox@Oct 10 2004, 01:57 AM
cool guys, thnx for your reply's!

how much does it cost to replace acessory belts and the timing belt? and in what dollars are you writing eg. USD! because im in New Zealand!

thnx

[snapback]208583[/snapback]

USD....I haven't gotten into acces belts or timing belt. But acces belts should be minimal if you install yourself...timing belt...poss $300.00-$500.00 USD to have it done by a qualified mech.

I_like_bimmers · 10-10-2004, 10:50 AM

Thank you very much guys, if you'd recommend the year of the car, what whoult it be? I like the later styles more but, from what I've seen, the only difference is the bumpers and back lights. So, what year would you recommend out of '88-'91? Thank you for your reply's

alanh · 10-10-2004, 06:24 PM

if i got another e30 i would get an 88 coupe

Aether · 10-10-2004, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by I_like_bimmers@Oct 10 2004, 09:50 AM
Thank you very much guys, if you'd recommend the year of the car, what whoult it be? I like the later styles more but, from what I've seen, the only difference is the bumpers and back lights. So, what year would you recommend out of '88-'91? Thank you for your reply's

[snapback]208639[/snapback]

Also, in case you get a 325e/s, the motors got another seven horsepower after 1987. That may not sound like much, but they were really lacking in that area. I'd definitely look for an 89+, because you're guaranteed projector headlights (instead of sealed-beam; you can get H1/4 bulbs), you'll have the smaller, plastic bumpers, and it's statistically likely to be in better shape.

Bmw1990 · 10-10-2004, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Aether Posted Today, 05:35 PM
QUOTE(I_like_bimmers @ Oct 10 2004, 09:50 AM)
Thank you very much guys, if you'd recommend the year of the car, what whoult it be? I like the later styles more but, from what I've seen, the only difference is the bumpers and back lights. So, what year would you recommend out of '88-'91? Thank you for your reply's

Also, in case you get a 325e/s, the motors got another seven horsepower after 1987. That may not sound like much, but they were really lacking in that area. I'd definitely look for an 89+, because you're guaranteed projector headlights (instead of sealed-beam; you can get H1/4 bulbs), you'll have the smaller, plastic bumpers, and it's statistically likely to be in better shape.

I dont believe u are guranteed projector headlights because i have an E30 325i 1990 and i have sealed beams.... I could be wrong but my car has sealed beams.