Anyone know about these cars? I am looking at a 1990 convertible specifically. It runs and drives and is road worthy and im thinknig about picking it up as a summer/project car. It is a blue 1990 325 convertible with an automatic transmission and 200k miles, but he is asking 1500 for it. It needs new rear brakes and eventually new tires, but i can get those both fixed for about 200 bucks. Any specific things i should look for? I will be looking at the bmw forums soon, but i feel like this is a car that many people know about.

 

Funny you should ask, because I used to own a 1990 convertible, had a color called calypso red, and ended up owning it for 6 years and when I sold it, it was still almost like the day it was new, but needed the money for grad school and was going to a place I did not need a car.

I have a good friend of mine who ones a BMW shop nearby and he refers to this list, http://e30world.com/Maintenance/BMW-E30-common-problems though the most common thing he sees is electrical issues, cracking plastic and squeaky steering wheels.

 

Hmm electrical issues worry me. It is a blue on blue 1990 convertible with 208k miles that is inspected and road worthy and he was willing to let it go for 900 since it needs new rear brakes, tires, possibly a timing belt, and there is a dent in the hood. The timing belt and brakes i can get changed for 200 bucks not including parts and for tires, since they are 14's ill probably just get used ones as this is my own little project/summer car.

 

Electrical issues refers mostly to sensors and poor connectors. BMW is notorious for various sensors having limited life or having such tight tolerances to throw codes as they age. A good BMW mechanic with the proper diagnostic tool can reprogram the ECU to account for the tolerance changes, but most will replace the sensor instead. Poor connectors, is really for all cars that age, regardless of brand.

 

Ya i got a guy who is a complete e30 freak who is helping me out. I think i will be able to get the car for 900 because of the brakes/ tires/ and there a dent in the hood along with the possibility of having to change the timing belt. Here is a picture of the car in question. I am trying to look at it either today or tomorrow. I have been planning to flip a car for a while, but if this checks out i might just keep it.

 

I had an E34 not too long ago (a few yrs back in undergrad) and it was superb. The car had so much character, I absolutely loved driving it. If the E30 is anything like it (which is sure seems like it), you will definitely love driving it. I ran into a fuse issue with mine (the window rubbed against it and broke it I guess) and the car refused to start, so be prepared for a few minor headaches like that. Overall, the E34 was pretty solid and problem free. I picked it up with 118k mi and it still felt great to drive. My biggest concern was when my throttle wouldn't respond occasionally during startup (got rid of the car before I could solve the problem). Overall, the E34 was one of my favorite cars I've ever owned. It had a few quirks, but that gave it more character IMO. The E30 I imagine should be similar and a great car to own/drive.

 

I mean its an old car, im expecting a few issues here and there, as long as it runs, drives, and is a road worthy car ill be pretty happy