About Josh Fields Expertise I can answer questions relating to the BMW E30 3-series cars built from 1984-1991 (1992 for convertible) in the US. I know of the problematic areas in these cars and how to fix them. I know most parts of the car including: Electrical, Engine, Transmission, Differential, Suspension, etc...
Experience I have owned 6 different E30's over the last 10+ years, and know almost every nut and bold on the cars.
1987 BMW 325i Convertible - Black/black...Needs some TLC... Needs only a new timing belt...Engine rebuilt 10,000 miles ago...145,000 miles on the odometer...5 speed transmission is silky smooth...Everything else works great... Paid $4000 a year ago but will sell for $995/or best offer...Right now we don't have the time, money, or knowhow to fix it so it can be a really good thing for someone who knows how to fix it... It will need to be towed as it is not running now.
When going into look at this car what should i look for, also what is your estimation on the timing belt issue? Also i was wondering about the reliability of a car of this caliber, and what issues i would need to deal with in the future.
Answer Yatin,
I would steer clear of this car UNLESS you are a good mechanic. It makes no sense how the person could "rebuild" an engine and put on an old timing belt. My guess is that the rebuild wasn't very good. If you have alot of money and time to pour into this car then it might be ok, but otherwise I would not mess with this car. I speak from experience.
I purchased an '87 325i convertible as well. Mine had a blown engine and I had to rebuild it myself. Even after all of that work, I found my self replacing parts left and rigth (it had 135,000 miles). Converitble tops need replacement every 5-8 years unless they are garage kept and never sit in the sun.
