# BMW 325i (E30) convertible search

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325i-e30-convertible-search/85626>\
**Category:** General Discussion\
**Created:** [June 25, 2014, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325i-e30-convertible-search/85626 "2014-06-25T00:18:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Vasa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Vasa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Vasa)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325i-e30-convertible-search/85626/1 "2014-06-25T00:18:10Z")

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I’m interested in buying a 1987-1989 BMW 325i (E30) convertible as a weekend car. I don’t know a lot about them but I have always loved the styling. Does anyone have any have any thoughts, suggestions, or advise for me? Any problems or weaknesses I should be aware of? Anything in particular I should lookout for and/or avoid? I don’t know a lot about cars and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

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**Author:** ![wolyrobb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wolyrobb/32/45497_2.png) [@wolyrobb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wolyrobb)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325i-e30-convertible-search/85626/2 "2014-06-25T00:50:35Z")

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The BMW Specific forums are your best bet on these cars, they’re great as long as you can find one that has been well looked after. A BMW specialist would be able to examine any prospect more closely. Will make a great weekend driver as long as you shop carefully.  
[http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?826530-E30-buyers-guide](http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?826530-E30-buyers-guide)  
[http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3636](http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3636)

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**Author:** ![Mechaniker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@Mechaniker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mechaniker)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 1:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325i-e30-convertible-search/85626/3 "2014-06-25T01:05:42Z")

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BMW engines are known for weak cooling systems. It’s not uncommon to have a water pump fail or a thermostat get stuck, which can result in engine overheating. The car typically runs fine for a few hundred miles after overheating, but it eventually begins to leak coolant and ultimately requires a complex head gasket replacement.

If your community has a local chapter of BMW Car Clubs of America (google BMWCCA), I’d advise going to a monthly meeting and asking around.

I have a 1991 E30 coupe with the M42 engine. It had gasket problems. It has nice classic car looks, but it’s no M3.

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**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [June 26, 2014, 10:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325i-e30-convertible-search/85626/4 "2014-06-26T10:00:51Z")

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German cars in general are known for their handling, not for their reliability or affordability. I hope you realize this is likely to be a very expensive weekend hobby. My son has owned two BMWs, and he compares it to the cost of supporting a child.

And I agree with visiting BMW forums. You’ll get far more information about these cars on BMW forums than you will here.