Buying Tips? Anyone have a list of questions?

[puma1824]

OK has anyone created a list of typical questions I should be asking as I continue my search for a e30 M3? Any problem areas the "should" be addressed? Common problems? etc.

I'm guessing the first response will be SEARCH. I have and information is all over the place but nothing is consolidated.

Thanks in advance,
Puma

[Bruce]

I have a checklist in HTML form and a Word document. I found them on the net. It says it was from unofficialbmw.com but doesn't list an author. Email me for the files (don't PM as I can send you the attachments.

[Reelizmpro]

Okay, here are a few I would ask or look for:

Mileage?
Title?
Accidents? check the panels for rust, particularly around the windshield area (may be underneath seal) and alignment, check the front strut towers and the areas behind them and under the fusebox for cracking or buckling.

Has the car been tracked? if so, how often?
Maintenance records? if so, who serviced the car?

Repaint or color change?
Does it have an aftermarket oil pan baffle?
Check for worn control arms and bushings, driveshaft and center support bearing, engine and tranny mounts, rear shock mounts, subframe cracks and rear subframe bushings.

Check for oil leakage from the pan gaskets, rear seal and switches, etc.

Of course some of these questions will be too involved for the "average" owner so you may have to draw your own conclusions based on their maintenance records and the owners character. Is the owner informed about the car or does he just like the way it looks....etc. etc.

BTW: there are a few E30 M3 buyers guy published in magazines. Recently, I think it was "MPH?" magazine ...i forget. Just check out your local Barnes and Nobles for more general info.

[AlpineRunner]

Well first of all, it mainly depends on what you want to spend on the car and how much you are buying it for...for less money more problems are acceptable.

The 15k rule is close. Personally I don't mind maintainance issues because I plan on keeping my car forever and spending lots of money to keep it in tip top shape...so some of the chronic problems like worn alternator bushings, buzzy shifter, rear interior panels coming off, airbox mount coming off, leaking intake manifold gaskets, intermittant instrument cluster gauges, etc...would not deter me from a purchase.

I would stay away from cars that have more serious problems like rust, whether it be on the metal below the windshield, below the rear window, by the license plate lights, on the firewall. I would also stay away from any car that has or may have frame damage (or maybe any body work).

It really depends on what you want to put into it though....with the M3 I don't mind putting money into it so more things are acceptable...maybe even a blown motor because I wouldn't mind rebuilding it to a 2.5. However if you are looking for a pristine weekend car and low-maintainance DD, you want to spend more money and be more careful. for instance I just bought a 95 525 and a DD and I don't want to put money in it so I bought a nice 1 owner low-mileage one that I won't have to do the timing chain or clutch on or anything else for a while.
Hope that helps.

[L James]

Originally posted by puma1824
OK has anyone created a list of typical questions I should be asking as I continue my search for a e30 M3? Any problem areas the "should" be addressed? Common problems? etc.

I'm guessing the first response will be SEARCH. I have and information is all over the place but nothing is consolidated.

Thanks in advance,
Puma

Someone has created this list...

E30 M3 Questions - click FAQ

[///Mflossin]

obviously you haven't SEARCHED hard enough then.

[puma1824]

Originally posted by ///Mflossin
obviously you haven't SEARCHED hard enough then.

Sorry :(

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally posted by ///Mflossin
obviously you haven't SEARCHED hard enough then.

Whatever!

[puma1824]

Originally posted by L James
Someone has created this list...

E30 M3 Questions - click FAQ

AWESOME!

Thanks,
Puma