[bernard54321]

i have to be honest i dont, but i like them. and i want a 318i. i found one on cl and it looks very clean, does any one know common problems or concerns with it?

what should i look for?

[MrPig]

My knowledge is limited to the M20s, but for any car that age check for rust (floors, fenders, rockers, rear license plate, A-pillars are common areas), leaks (oil, coolant), uneven tire wear, any funky electronic behaviour. This is probably not the best place to find info on e30s. I suggest you check out r3vlimited.com, there's lots and lots of info there that you can search for.

Also; http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32438

[NormE91]

I had one ages ago. I Remember a common problem with driveline vibration. Had something to do with a part called a guibo...

Great car though, lots of fun!

[07lilredwagon]

check out bimmerfest or another e30 forum as well as here....

Im building a trailer out of an E36....so I know what the floor pans look like from the rear doors back!.......

seriously, I hear about ignition lock cylinders spinning when they get old, key fobs that wear out, vanos issues on the later models, EWS modules, I think they are called (talks to the key fob and lets the car start) issues.....you know same as the modern ones!...

Watch for rust around the rockers, fender wells, and just behind the front lower fender recesses. also, check the truck floor for rear end damage..that bumper hides everything!

Motors are pretty strong in general and you can find parts and parts cars easily!


JP

[NormE91]

Oh and if you're looking for a 318i I'd get a later one. They made them in 84-85 then discontinued until like 90-91. When they brought them back it was a brand new engine. Should be a fun little car.

[jdbunda]

I owned three E30s, two of them M3s, and love them still. The lightness and chassis communication is sublime and hard to experience in the relatively porcine modern BMWs. The 1991 318is is a classic and will probably be valuable someday. The 80s cars have the brushed aluminum bumpers and a little less appealing, but still great fun cars.

The fly in the ointment with the later cars was the engine, google "profile gasket" - was it the M20 engine? - this was a common and expensive failure in the E30 and E36 318i cars.

The guibo isn't so bad, but the front control arm and rear trailing arm bushings can be difficult to DIY. Also watch out for leaky steering racks and cracked (plastic Behr) radiators.


Good luck.

[bernard54321]

okay thank you guys i just checked out the one i found on cl, it had a little rust on the windshield cowl, and the bottom of the kidney girlls,

the hood seemed to sit depressed, but no visable body damage but im gonna trust carfax tomoro

[SharkBait]

I'd suggest you do a compression test before buying. Easy to do and you get to read the plugs at the same time. An even bigger suggestion would be to get an M20 E30. A lot more fun and plenty of potential for upgrades. I am currently building an M20 super eta turbo stroker for a new E28 track car. e30tech and r3vlimited will be your best bets for detailed info.

[abrahambeckers]

I said its for sale but can't get the owners contact details,got some more mods planned for the car and have been real busy with customers cars.basically body parts with logo on them and thats about it.

[Tåst]

Rust is maybe biggest problem. Best and most reliable engines are six cylinder M20 and four cylinder M10, both have timing chain. M40 has timing Belt.

Also M10 Block is one of strongest if even strongest what Bmw ever made.