Re: e30 1989 325i Please Help (archive)

I didn't use the word by or buy anywhere in my response to Jason, so you got me confused. And Jason is the one buying the car and not me. I have too many cars already.

As to where I live, I live in Hawaii Kai. Where do you live James?

Jason,

I would offer to help but I'm in Hawaii. The best thing to do is get a reputable mechanic to check out the car. Hopefully the owner has records on his car and has done the timing belt change religiously. Other things to look for are a leaking steering rack, bad shocks, tranny servicing, valve adjustments and muffler condition.

i need someone who knows more about BMW's than me , which is probably anyone reading this, to help me check out and possibly by this 1989 325i. I live close to FT.LAUDERDALE. If anyone who knows a bunch could help me, I would appreciate it. I don't want to get stuck buying some turd. Thanks alot.

Jason

hey where you at, I'm in Hawaii too, on Oahu
And by the way, Brian, the word is buy, not by. Ha , ha, ha . Brian, if the owner is private, demand service records. listen to everything (engine, brakes, suspension, trans etc.) While getrag trans, like the one in my car, tend to make some noise, your engine should have a pleasant humm to it, depending on how much mileage the car has on it. Check for smoking. Black means too rich, gray usually means oil (seals, valve guides, or possibly rings) a light blue smoke means the rings are definitely gone. Check for brake pulls, tracking ( how the car handles without your hands on the wheel), squeaking, clicking or clunking maybe associated with worn or damaged suspension or driveline parts. If it is all too much for you, hey take the car to a reputable shop, not the one where the car has been regularly serviced as you may end up being hoodwinked, and have them check the whole car out. Request a compression test and have them inspect the timing belt and the seals on the car, as well as all the electricals. This usually runs between $80 and $200, but it is well worth the money. Good luck. Nothing can beat a good running BMW, but when it breaks down, you will want to beat the hell out of it.

James
89 325i

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