Re: E30 M3 (for Kosta Tobras)

[George Nikas <g.nikas@xxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 19:42:12 -0400 (EDT)
>From: Kosta Tombras <ctombras@domain.elided>
>Subject: E30 M3

>I am going to be looking at a couple of 1988 M3s that are for sale in the
>area.  Not being very familiar with E30 M3s, I would like to know of any
>problem areas that I should look out for.  

Plenty! Check for:

(1) Engine, differential and gearbox oil leaks (not a problem with these -
only if the car was not in good hands).

(2) Gear rattling and unusual noise. The gearbox has a weak point - a
bearing located on the shell. It tends to fail sooner (< 80,000 miles) or
later (>120,000 miles). Expensive to fix (might need gearbox replacement in
the worst case).

(3) Water pump leaks. The water pump needs replacement every 50,000 miles
or so.

(4) Timing chain. Needs replacement before 100,000 miles, otherwise you
blow your engine. Very expensive to replace (the chain).

(5) Coolant hoses. Need replacement every four years or so, otherwise there
comes a day like every other and you see the coolant fumes fill the air
(calm down, it's not fire!). Replacement is based on time passed, not miles
covered.

(6) Stock shock absorbers (Boge Gas - is that what you have in the USA
version?) need replacement every 70,000 miles or sooner. If you don't have
Boge Gas, they need replacement sooner.

(7) Catalytic converter. Expensive to replace.

(8) Exhaust. Very durable and free flowing (don't even think about puting
an aftermarket item).

(9) Tires. Rear ones (especially) won't last more than 20,000 - 30,000
miles at the most (depends on the way you drive of course).

(10) Check for cracks in the passenger side subframe. Common problem.


>I did some web searches for E30
>M3 web sites, but found nothing with any substantive information (other
>than cool pictures).  Any pointers?  


Try http://www.artglenn.com/bmwm3/. The best site for now.


>Finally, how do engine and/or
>suspension modifications figure into the price.  Blue book for an '88 with
>80-90,000 miles is $12,100.  But if the owner has invested $5-10K in mods
>over the years, they shouldn't expect to recoup it all, should they?
>Based on asking prices in the Roundel, that's what it looks like.


Modifications in rare cars usually count negativelly. It depends on the
quality of the modifications, and especially the reputation of the tuner
(Alpina, Hartge and Schnitzer are excluded). Alloy wheels count differently
than an engine chip. Anyway, be very careful. Extensive modifications might
point to an owner who pusses the car to its limits. Check the car's HISTORY
and all the receipts. If it doesn't have one -> STAY AWAY!!!


Regards
George Nikas
London, England
E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evo 3) with a "hot" attitude.

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