What to look for in a donor car?

[Patrick]

Hello my first post here :)

I am seriously thinking about building a sportster - with my brother helping as well.

I have started looking around for E30 320 or 325's donor cars. Most models seem to be just under £1000 with 100k on them.

Are there any tips for things look out for?

[MartinClan]

In a word (or actually three words...) Ful Service History. The E30 goes on forever if it is well looked after - if it is not it can get expensive. I paid £400 for my donor - a one owner LHD 325 with FSH . Even with 170000 on the clock it went like a train - having taken it to bits most of the mechanical bits were in remarkably good condition.

TTFN

Robin

[Patrick]

Thanks :)

I am thinking about maybe going with a donor pack instead. I am having some trouble tracking down a cheap E30 so the pack its not much more - plus I wouldn't have the hassle of disassembly or getting the left over stuff taken away.

[AndyDane]

I bought a donor pack from FAB (www.fabdirect.co.uk) and they're very good - I didn't have the space to dismantle the donor but I do still have a bundle of spare parts in the back garden.

You do lose out though cos you get the mechanicals but have nothing like seats, steering wheel, instruments....

Andy
www.marlinsportster.co.uk

[Patrick]

I have purchased a 325i Touring its got 111k on the clock.

Here's a few pictures:

http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/TN_DSCN8525.JPG (http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/DSCN8525.JPG)

http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/TN_DSCN8529.JPG (http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/DSCN8529.JPG)

http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/TN_DSCN8531.JPG (http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/DSCN8531.JPG)

http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/TN_DSCN8532.JPG (http://bmw.patrickshort.co.uk/post/DSCN8532.JPG)

I've done the basic stuff including oil change, spark plug change and general checking of fluids. It was rough when I first got it, but now its really starting to run smoothly.

:)