Looking to get my first BMW (Advice Please)

[hello9821]

Hello, I am currently trying to buy a e30 3-series, and I thought I would come here for some knowledgeable advice. I have it down to two local vehicles, and both are the same price.

One is a 1988 325 that is available from a towing yard, and is in running condition with unknown miles. This one could use some paint, and I am unsure of the interior condition.

The second one is about 70 miles away from me, and needs some work. This one is a 1990 325i, and the owner says the interior is in about 80% overall condition. The only downside to this one is that it overheats. The owner tried bypassing the thermostat, but the car still overheated. I was told by the seller that this will only need a head gasket repair, but I am somewhat skeptical, and I wanted to see what a knowledgeable BMW enthusiast would do, in the same situation.

Thanks,

Matt

[witeshark]

I bet the second car needs a new clutch fan as well.

[darkhorse737]

after bypassing t-stat, and still overheats. It could be as witeshark suggests; a fan clutch; or a clogged radiator.

Overheating is a sign of head gasket damage-that is true. but unless the car:
1)idles/runs rough;
2)has oil in the radiator, water in the oil;
3) or, you have steam or water coming out of the tailpipe;

then it's possibly just some prob with the cooling system.

*then, a lot of owner's just do not know that BMW cooling systems require that the cooling system be bled and purged of air-thus, the car overheats.

[hello9821]

I am not sure if this is signifigant to head damage, but the owner said that the radiator bubbles up when it overheats.

[darkhorse737]

...every radiator "bubbles up" on overheat...

the better way to guage is open up the bleeder screw when the engine is running and actually see if there is flow.

then, after 15mins of operation, the heat in upper and lower hoses + heater hoses should have the same temp. If u note a diff in temp... then i'm sure u can figure out where the prob is > :-)

re: a fan clutch... if it was defective. you can test it by letting the blades brush lightly on ur fingers while it is turning(BE CAREFUL! it takes finesse to do this)... if the fan offers little or no resistance... it's time to change it ;-)

[pinnaclebass]

ya listen to that bleeding of air in the cooling system. this took me two hours once!! on my 1990 525i. had to replace hose and thermostat and tried car, kept overheating. so i knew air was in the system. it is a hassle, but it works!!