Looking at a 325i need some informed opinions.

[billhard]

Hello, I am new here but have been active on the Mercedes side of these forums (peach parts) for a long while. As the title says I am looking at an E30 and was hoping to get some educated opinions about the car. So here is what I know, thanks in advance for any help I might receive.

• 1989 325i four door
• White ext. tan int. – both look very clean
• Almost 1 owner, in the hands of a flipper now.
• 139K miles
• Auto trans (I know but it’s for my daughter who refuses to learn)
• Seller claims no leaks or known issues with the car.

Records from an indy come with car showing the following:

118K – water pump, timing belt, oil change, front engine cover gasket, crank shaft oil seal, camshaft seal O-ring, timing belt tensioner, breather hose, valve cover gasket, rocker plug
121K - Oil change
123K - coolant level sensor, left and right control arms and bushings, front struts, bump stops, protection boots, oil change and alignment
127K – reseal throttle heater flange, vacuum hose.
129K – oil change
130K – front brake pads, brake lining sensor, front rotors
131K – air filter, fuel filter, valve cover gasket, oil change, fuel injection service, tune up, differential oil changed
134K – oil change
135K – brake master cylinder, brake fluid flush, rear rotors, rear pads and brake lining sensor
138K – oil change
139K – passenger side front and rear power window motors

Flipper claims all work prior to 118K was at dealer but says records were lost when that dealership changed hands.

Bottom line he’s asking $5500. Considering the up keep seems in the ballpark to me even with slush box. What do you all think?

[Gene Wilkes]

nadaguides.com

Original MSRP $25,450

Low $3,575

Retail Average $4,900

Retail High $6,800

If you can get it for $5500 or less I'd grab it. Be sure to check for rust!

[billhard]

Originally Posted by Gene Wilkes

nadaguides.com

Original MSRP $25,450

Low $3,575

Retail Average $4,900

Retail High $6,800

If you can get it for $5500 or less I'd grab it. Be sure to check for rust!

While I appreciate the reply I worry that NADAGUIDES aren't always accurate. For example I have a 1975 Mercedes 240D, perfect in every way, nada says low $2975, average $5050 and high of $6950. I know these cars well and no way I am going to get anything over $4500 for it. Conversely I also have an '85 RX7 in pristine shape, nada says low $2550, average$3700 and high $5925. I bought it at auction for $6900 and just barley got it for that.

I think Nada is an excellent guideline tool but I was hoping to here what you think of the cost based on your experience. Please do not take this the wrong way I do appreciate your help just looking for more of a gut feeling response.

[Gene Wilkes]

Based on your first post, I think you've already made a decision! ;-)

[Manolito]

As for the value - 139k with no wrecks or rust - yes.

Those were really nice cars. If it were a manual, I would be asking where it is.

Will daughter always stay close where you can maintain this car? A 24 year old German car is going to require constant attention. I am quite worried that my daughter's '97 328 is moving across the country where I won't be able to keep an eye on it. I have a lot of preventative maintenance to do before I let it go. If it gets wrecked or stolen right away, I will be really disappointed.

[Yurick]

I don't know where these numbers are coming from, as they seem awfully high. If I could get anything above $4000 for my 1990 325i convertible with 126k miles on the clock and in good dependable condition, I would gladly part with it.

[bostogrun]

That's way way too much $$$$, Those NADA guides are mostly used to by insurance adjusters to settle claims. My father alway's told me "Whatever ya got is only worth somebody will pay for it"

Only someone interested in a BMW would consider this car. An ordinary car buyer looking for a cheap ride wouldnt think of a twenty plus year old import. Accordingly, the seller is hoping that someone is going to make an irrational decesion and pay too much!! Also consider it's a four door auto not an M Car, a convertible, a coupe or an X drive. Pretty Plain Jane. A BMW enthuisiast is NOT going to interested in an ordinary car. Snap out of it and make a realistic offer like $2500 max and see how it goes!!