Buying a 318iS.... HELP

[SilverSS]

Ok guys I am looking into buying a 1991 318iS, I assume this is the E30. It has 130,000Km or 70,000Miles. He put a sweet sound system and 235's. What does you guys say about this car? he wants 5,000Canadian or like 3000US. Also after I get it I will put a Chip AND air Filter.

Thanks

*please help*

[Canatro]

the price sounds pretty good. check to see if he has maintenance records. make sure the timing belt was changed or you will DEFINITLY have to do that as soon as you get the car. check also for rust and leaks. if you see leaks you might have a major prob on your hands.

[SilverSS]

Ok, and how much am I looking at for a new Timing Belt? And I will get the car inspected by a BMW Mechanic before I buy it.

Thx

*keep giving advice :12: *

[Canatro]

check these websites to get an idea of how much things will cost.

http://alloembmwparts.com/
http://www.bavarianautosport.com/
http://www.bimmerssouth.com/
http://www.bmpd.com./
http://bimmerparts.com/
http://www.vinesauto.com/Home.htm
www.zionsvilleautosport.com/

[Bry]

Check to make sure the: Timing belt, AND the profile gasket was changed. The timing belt should be changed every 60k miles, so it should be pretty new.

The profile gasket is an item that was prone to failure, and should have been replaced.

That car sounds good, check to make sure that there has been routine maintence done, and the car is taken care of. Look for rust, and listen for odd sounds. Drive the car around a lot.

[SilverSS]

Ok thx alot, I'll keep that all in mind when I go to see that car.

Thx

[Bry]

If you want some more advice, look in our old threads (look at posts from the beginning or so) and search for car buying tips, there is a lot of good stuff in there.

[SilverSS]

Aight thx alot, I hope I can join the BMW family soon!!

laaate

[addbhp]

I have a 91 318is, and you'll love the light weight and tossability of the car. I've now got 265,000 kms on mine and the things I've replaced on the engine are Profile gasket, Head gasket, and water pump. Not sure why everyone is talking about timing belt, when it's a chain. I've heard people replacing the chain tensioner, but other than that, the chain only needs inspection. Price sounds good though...good luck.
Mark

[318daily]

Yes, that car does have a timing chain and from what i understand, the timing chain will outlive the life of the engine. It's just the chain tensioner that may need replacing. Other than that, the most common problem is the profile gasket, however most of these should have been replaced around 30,000 miles.

Ask for service records, and if he doesn't have any then ask where he got most of the maintenance done and call them up to see if they remember the car. Also it would be worth it get it checked out by a mechanic.

good luck! I picked up an E30 318is about a month ago and i can't tell you how much fun it is to drive. A performance chip later and it's even more fun to drive. Not to mention descent gas mileage since it's the inline 4 (M42 motor).

Good luck !

[SilverSS]

Aight amazing, I am glad to see people are saying this is a good buy. I will go to a BMW,Mercedes,Audi Garage by my house and have the car inspected. Everyone is telling me its not fast, but its quick and very fun to drive, just as I hoped. I will make sure to keep all you guys informed on what happens. Thx again for all the help!

[SilverSS]

Oh and if anyone wants to post and leave me their AIM or MSN, that would be coo so I can ask u more about the car. My AIM is SkylineGTR2195

[Bry]

I was thinking of the older 318i's. The 318iS was only sold in 1991, and it had the newer chain driven motor.

The car doesn't have much torque or hp, but it is very lightweight, and is very tossable. It is a very fun car to drive in auto-x's and DE's.

[SilverSS]

Thats all I want, something good on Gas, and fun to drive, I will do Mods soon, than i'll have some real fun!