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| 1983 - 1991 (E30) (1983 - 1991) Born from the sporty character of the 2002 and the sharp design lines of the E21, the E30 was a blend of the best of BMW's heritage. The second generation 3 Series provided a thrilling driving experience that used the best technology available. |
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#1
08-27-2009, 01:13 AM
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Looking into an e30
Good evening all,
I am in the market for an e30 to replace my beloved e39. I've spotted a few around my area that look to be in decent shape. Before I dive in head first, I would like to get to know the particulars of the vehicle. What are some of the major problems with the vehicle, ie with my e39 it was cooling system valve cover gaskets etc... Anyways What should i be aware of when I walk up to my perspective e30. I've heard these things are near bulletproof, but what becomes a big deal as they get up there mileage wise. Any knowledge would be useful as i have no idea whats going on in the world of e30's. Regards, Paul Let the flames BEGIN!!!! 
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#2
08-27-2009, 01:46 AM
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thats a huge downgrade, you ever driven one?
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#3
08-27-2009, 02:25 AM
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If you're into the bells and whistles kind of thing... then perhaps a downgrade. If you find a solid car, they pretty much are bulletproof. My biggest concern when I picked mine up was oil leaks. I didn't want to deal with any of that. But like any old car, things will need replacing. Definitely try to drive one. They're a blast!
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#4
08-29-2009, 11:50 AM
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Everything that is plastic or rubber inside the engine COMPARTMENT, must be checked out with a hawk-eye i.e LEAKS!
Last edited by Edrick Lamar; 08-29-2009 at 11:51 AM.. Reason: missing words
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#5
08-29-2009, 12:43 PM
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Timing belt. Interference engine means catastrophic failures if it fails, so make sure it's been replaced or replace it immediately if it hasn't or there's doubt. Past that, they pretty much run indefinitely. Definitely more reliable than the e39, at least by reputation.
It's not a downgrade at all if you get a good e30.
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#6
08-29-2009, 03:02 PM
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Not a very logical change. I love the E30, but in comforts in compares nowhere near to an E39. If you are set on a 3er it may be more logical to look at a nice E46. E30s are great. Simple, fairly cheap to maintain and my local junkyards have plenty of them sitting around for more cheap parts. Oh and even my slow as balls eta is still fun to drive.
To answer your question. As mentioned above the timing belt is a 50K or so maintenance item on M20 E30s, don't let that thing snap. Gauge clusters tend go a bit whacky at age but cheap and simple to fix. Except the odometer gears which will ultimately break, those are pretty price at $25 a gear. You may only need 1 or 2 though. lol, $25 is probably pocket change for what a V8 E39 owner is used to.
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Last edited by LJSE34; 08-29-2009 at 03:05 PM..
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