Anyone with experience with 84 bodystyle 3 series

kpsquared · 08-31-2011, 12:07 PM

I have an 08 335i that I just dont want to use as my daily driver so I came across an 84 318i with 220k on the OD for $1000. Does anyone know how the maintenance is on those? I heard that they are easy fixes, but before I buy it, I want to make sure I wont be spending another grand in parts. It looks to be in good condition though. Clutch is fine and all.

Any opinions or thoughts?

utfenix335i · 08-31-2011, 12:11 PM

I had the same thought when I wanted to pick up a e30 for a DD. If you want, I can put you in touch with a few people in r3vlimited.com/forum who are knowledgeable about e30s. (most of them own like 2)

kpsquared · 08-31-2011, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utfenix335i

I had the same thought when I wanted to pick up a e30 for a DD. If you want, I can put you in touch with a few people in r3vlimited.com/forum who are knowledgeable about e30s. (most of them own like 2)

that would be great if you could

utfenix335i · 08-31-2011, 01:20 PM

I have a car meet tonight at Hooter's of Rockville (7:30 pm). i'm pretty sure the e30 guys would be coming out.

huyner328 · 08-31-2011, 01:48 PM

I have an 87. 220 is a little on the high side but they're good for 300+, especially on the 4cyl 318s. Mine is a v6 however, still just as reliable.

kpsquared · 08-31-2011, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utfenix335i

I have a car meet tonight at Hooter's of Rockville (7:30 pm). i'm pretty sure the e30 guys would be coming out.

Ok.. Im in the Richmond area of VA and dont get off until 6:30. If you happen to think about it, ask them how they feel about it. Dont wanna throw away a grand! lol

kpsquared · 08-31-2011, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huyner328

I have an 87. 220 is a little on the high side but they're good for 300+, especially on the 4cyl 318s. Mine is a v6 however, still just as reliable.

Ok, I'll keep that in mind. i think he said it needs a windshield. Maybe I can get him down to 700. I would feel better lol

issabmw · 08-31-2011, 02:28 PM

Visit e30tech.com, the information is endless and everyone is friendly.

For the 4 cylinder M10, they are pretty sturdy. At 220k I wouldn't worry too much, assuming the previous owner didn't constantly thrash it.

For a grand, you cant go wrong. Worst case scenario, you put in the next generation 4 cylinder, the M42 from the 318iS, for about 400 bucks and you'll be good for another decade. The body of an e30 is worth a good amount.

I use my e30 as a DD most days btw....

kpsquared · 08-31-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by issabmw

Visit e30tech.com, the information is endless and everyone is friendly.

For the 4 cylinder M10, they are pretty sturdy. At 220k I wouldn't worry too much, assuming the previous owner didn't constantly thrash it.

For a grand, you cant go wrong. Worst case scenario, you put in the next generation 4 cylinder, the M42 from the 318iS, for about 400 bucks and you'll be good for another decade. The body of an e30 is worth a good amount.

I use my e30 as a DD most days btw....

Thats some great info.. if i can get an engine for around 4 (in the event I needed to) thats a great deal..

issabmw · 08-31-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conQuest

Thats some great info.. if i can get an engine for around 4 (in the event I needed to) thats a great deal..

Yes, e30s are pretty cost efficient. Parts are plentiful and installation is quite simple. I just saw a listing on CL for a getrag 240, the transmission used with the M42 engine I was just talking about, for 75 bucks. They're pretty wallet friendly.

utfenix335i · 08-31-2011, 02:52 PM

I'd have one now if it didn't cost me more to park and insure it than to own it.

huyner328 · 08-31-2011, 04:09 PM

The only thing that I've seen is a huge PITA to deal with is the alternator on these E30s. Other than that, everything is straight forward and simple DIY and if not, cheap labor. 1k isn't bad at all, I paid $800 for mine which was a steal. For 1k, I doubt you could find one that isn't running.

Raja Ventureshield · 08-31-2011, 06:23 PM

pick it up. I was at Hugo Boss in Tyson's and spent more than the car.
So for a car you really can't beat that price.

Cptn Mo 703 · 08-31-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by issabmw

Yes, e30s are pretty cost efficient. Parts are plentiful and installation is quite simple. I just saw a listing on CL for a getrag 240, the transmission used with the M42 engine I was just talking about, for 75 bucks. They're pretty wallet friendly.

can i borrow your r34?? lol

pic por favor.

issabmw · 08-31-2011, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cptn Mo 703

can i borrow your r34?? lol

pic por favor.

man you guys are killing me. I'll make a thread soon.

Cptn Mo 703 · 08-31-2011, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by issabmw

man you guys are killing me. I'll make a thread soon.

kpsquared · 09-02-2011, 08:39 PM

I did it.. for $800 too..

utfenix335i · 09-02-2011, 08:48 PM

jealous! Find me another!

kpsquared · 09-02-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utfenix335i

jealous! Find me another!

HAHA! If I find another I'll let you know! Runs great, drove it from Goochland to my house which is about an hour forty drive.. Got a little rust in the trunk from water leaking in, needs fog and signal light bulbs and a bushing for the rear strut. thats about it lol

kpsquared · 09-02-2011, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utfenix335i

jealous! Find me another!

matter of fact, all of the windows are still BMW factory originals which I thought was amazing

08-31-2011, 12:07 PM	#1
kpsquared Cool Guy 5 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 2011 335is, Space Gray Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335is [0.00] 1988 Honda Prelude ... [0.00]	Anyone with experience with 84 bodystyle 3 series I have an 08 335i that I just dont want to use as my daily driver so I came across an 84 318i with 220k on the OD for $1000. Does anyone know how the maintenance is on those? I heard that they are easy fixes, but before I buy it, I want to make sure I wont be spending another grand in parts. It looks to be in good condition though. Clutch is fine and all. Any opinions or thoughts? __________________ 2011 335is DCT, Space Gray, 19" 313's 1988 Honda Prelude Si 4WS - Sold 2008 335i w/ Sport Pack, Black Sapphire Metallic, 19" 269's - Traded 4/14/15 1984 318i - Sold
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08-31-2011, 12:11 PM	#2
utfenix335i Colonel 135 Rep 1,999 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i; 2015 X5 50i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	I had the same thought when I wanted to pick up a e30 for a DD. If you want, I can put you in touch with a few people in r3vlimited.com/forum who are knowledgeable about e30s. (most of them own like 2)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-31-2011, 01:20 PM	#4
utfenix335i Colonel 135 Rep 1,999 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i; 2015 X5 50i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	I have a car meet tonight at Hooter's of Rockville (7:30 pm). i'm pretty sure the e30 guys would be coming out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-31-2011, 01:48 PM	#5
huyner328 Former N54 Fanatic 84 Rep 1,927 Posts Drives: Slow Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NoVA iTrader: (8) Garage List 2014 Range Rover Sp ... [10.00] 2012 Fiat Abarth [10.00]	I have an 87. 220 is a little on the high side but they're good for 300+, especially on the 4cyl 318s. Mine is a v6 however, still just as reliable. __________________ FREE MIXES! https://soundcloud.com/djbradpiff
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08-31-2011, 02:28 PM	#8
issabmw cool beans 63 Rep 1,364 Posts Drives: 325xi Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	Visit e30tech.com, the information is endless and everyone is friendly. For the 4 cylinder M10, they are pretty sturdy. At 220k I wouldn't worry too much, assuming the previous owner didn't constantly thrash it. For a grand, you cant go wrong. Worst case scenario, you put in the next generation 4 cylinder, the M42 from the 318iS, for about 400 bucks and you'll be good for another decade. The body of an e30 is worth a good amount. I use my e30 as a DD most days btw....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-31-2011, 02:52 PM	#11
utfenix335i Colonel 135 Rep 1,999 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i; 2015 X5 50i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	I'd have one now if it didn't cost me more to park and insure it than to own it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-31-2011, 04:09 PM	#12
huyner328 Former N54 Fanatic 84 Rep 1,927 Posts Drives: Slow Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NoVA iTrader: (8) Garage List 2014 Range Rover Sp ... [10.00] 2012 Fiat Abarth [10.00]	The only thing that I've seen is a huge PITA to deal with is the alternator on these E30s. Other than that, everything is straight forward and simple DIY and if not, cheap labor. 1k isn't bad at all, I paid $800 for mine which was a steal. For 1k, I doubt you could find one that isn't running. __________________ FREE MIXES! https://soundcloud.com/djbradpiff
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-31-2011, 06:23 PM	#13
Raja Ventureshield Major General 288 Rep 5,686 Posts Drives: BMW M3 coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (6)	pick it up. I was at Hugo Boss in Tyson's and spent more than the car. So for a car you really can't beat that price.
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09-02-2011, 08:39 PM	#17
kpsquared Cool Guy 5 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 2011 335is, Space Gray Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335is [0.00] 1988 Honda Prelude ... [0.00]	I did it.. for $800 too.. __________________ 2011 335is DCT, Space Gray, 19" 313's 1988 Honda Prelude Si 4WS - Sold 2008 335i w/ Sport Pack, Black Sapphire Metallic, 19" 269's - Traded 4/14/15 1984 318i - Sold
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-02-2011, 08:48 PM	#18
utfenix335i Colonel 135 Rep 1,999 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i; 2015 X5 50i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	jealous! Find me another!
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