Opinions on new buy? - '90 325i

[danielmp]

I just agreed to buy this '90 325i for $3800. I'm worried about this rust but otherwise the car was in very good condition. It drives amazing, suspension is very tight, engine pulls very strong all the way through the redline, transmission shifts very smoothly. Probably the best driving e30 I've been in and I've been in more than a few.

PICS:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103973997265384001052/90BMW325i

DESCRIPTION from seller:
"Performance upgrades include:

• Bilstein Sport strut inserts and rear shocks
• H&R Sport springs
• K-Mac adjustable camber plates
• BMP adjustable rear bushings
• Korman offset lower control arm bushings
• Bavarian Autosport drilled and slotted front rotors
• Supersprint SS cat back exhaust
• Korman engine mounts
• Ireland Engineering urethane transmission mounts
• UUC Street EVO height adjustable short shifter with delrin bushings and cartridge bearing upgrade
• BMP aluminum stress bar
• dash top pod with Oil Pressure, Oil Temp and Voltmeter Gauges
• Bimmerworld studs.
• Four 15x7 TSW Hockenheim R wheels with Kumho Ecsta MX 205/50-15 tires.

Other work:
• fuel injectors were serviced
• sub frame bushings
• timing belt
• water pump
• distributor cap
• ignition rotor
• spark plug wires
• fuel filter
• all hoses and belts
• flex disc (guibo)
• output shaft seal and shift seal and oxygen sensor were all replaced
• Power steering hoses and heater valve were replaced.
• Alternator and ignition switch were replaced.
• The rear shock mounts were replaced.

Current mileage is 174,900.

All recent oil changes with only synthetic oil, mostly Red Line 10W-40. Transmission filled with Red Line MTL and differential with Red Line 70W-90. Brake fluid has always been ATE Purple or Gold. Front brake pads are Pagid Sports and the rear pads are Axxis Metal Masters.

Prefer to sell to BMW enthusiast familiar with these cars. Serious inquiries only. No lowball offers, though price may be negotiable especially if going to a "good home" that will care for this classic. "

ISSUES: I discovered:
RUST :( - as you can see in the last pic. I was able to poke my finger through the battery tray just behind the passenger rear wheel. This pic is taken from underneath the middle of the car from the rear, almost as if looking over from the muffler. I look pretty thoroughly under the rest of the car and couldn't find anymore significant rust, I'm hoping I will not be surprised when I get it on a lift.
Passenger window stuck, sounds like power getting to the motor guessing motor is seized
Driver's seat doesn't recline - ok cause they are comfort seats and I have some good sports seats to swap in
Interior lights not working - didn't investigate this, probably the door jam switch

What do you guys think? Am I making a mistake? Other than the pictured rust it's pretty damn clean with lots of upgrades already done. Plan will be for this to replace my eta as my daily driver for the next 3-5 years.

[my1stE30]

.. from all of that information it sounds like this is being sold by someone who knows and cared for the E30.
.. sounds like rust might be your biggest risk .. you need to get under it and do a good inspection of shock and strut supports, rockers, jack supports, etc ...

.. the link does not access any pics for me..

[danielmp]

Link should be fixed...Thanks.

[straitsixe30]

that battery box and licence plate rust are very common, look for chassis rust that will be a much bigger deal. other than that it looks really good 3800 is fair id probably offer 3200

[my1stE30]

.. oK .. I see the pics now ... three bimmers in a row parked on the street ... cool!!

from the pics I can't tell how bad the rust is overall, but that last pic of the decayed corner of the wheel well makes me want to go out and wash all the snow/ice and salt off my car RIGHT NOW!

as for price... any price is fair as long as 6 months down the road you still feel that you did not get screwed ... I don't like to comment on actual Price$$$ because they vary so widely between different locations around the continent ...

I like the wheels .. when my 14" all seasons wear out and need replacement, I think I'll be looking for a set of 15" wheels similar to those ... but the tires I have will still be good for 2012 .. got the winter tires on now!! (on their own set of bottlecaps)

[bwmguy]

Definitely need to inspect the rest of the car. I personally wouldnt buy a car with that much rust for $3800. Dont get my wrong, it looks pretty fresh but you gotta think about the repairs in the near future. Also, if those are the spots of rust that you can spot right off the bat im almost positive there will be rush were you cant see.

[danielmp]

Talked to the seller about the rust. I trust him and he says he is pretty sure that there is not anymore significant rust under the car other than the battery tray. He is willing to put it up on jack stands, take a look under it, and snap some pictures for me. What areas should I ask for pictures of. I'm thinking rocker panels and strut supports. Are there other specific areas I should ask for pictures of? Thanks for the help, the rust issue is new to me but I really like this car.

[K20RI211]

Price seems a bit high. As mentioned above, battery tray, trunk floor, rear license plate lights.

[fronton]

How is the price high? With those mods and maintenance items performed, even with the rust shown, that's a good deal.

[bwmguy]

its not a horrible price. but id rather buy a car with a bad motor than a bunch of rust. motors can be replaced. rust can also be repaired but in some cases may be a pain and cost a lot.