Faults:

There was stuff to be done when I purchased it:

- Timing belt change.

- Some rust on the bottom part of the vehicle was fixed.

- Both front axle arms (including rubber bushing).

- Headlights had to be set. One of them is still a bit "foggy".

- The hood needed to be repaired on some spots.

Recently I experienced a small glitch with the brake light check light on the on-board computer check screen. The light goes on after some 5 - 10 minutes of driving. I checked the standard stuff, but do not know the reason.

Also, the front sport bucket seats are comfortable, however getting in and out of them is rather tricky. The thing I most hate about it is the accidental release of the height adjustment lever - then the seats hit the lowest position. If somebody sits in the back seat, their feet are seriously endangered.

General Comments:

Overall, the car is very reliable and cheap to maintain. A spare main headlight bulb (H1) is some $2 a pop, so it is not bad at all (even though I had to change them twice already).

Also, a self-made oil / filter change is rather very easy and straightforward.

The driving experience is fantastic - it is one of those basic driving, well handling cars. Even after some 23 years of existence (and not always 100% care) on this planet, there is no rattling noise or other disturbing stuff.

I am actually considering a purchase of another e30 - this time a sedan (4-door or maybe even 2-door).

Faults:

Central locking has stopped working.

Disc rotors showing wear.

Small transmission oil leak.

General Comments:

I love these cars. This is my 3rd E30 BMW, and I plan to keep it for as long as I can.

This one was assembled in South Africa, and comes with nice leather sport seats, trip computer, Mtech steering wheel, basket weave wheels, cruise control, sump guard, and a long range fuel tank.

While I have only owned this car for a few months, it's already a lot more reliable than the E39 528i I just sold, and gets much better fuel economy.

It can still keep up with much newer cars on the open road and around town, without any real effort. Would be nice if it had a cup holder, but this wasn't common on cars back in 1989.

In the near future I plan to convert it to manual, so that it's more like my last E30.

Faults:

Odometer was broken at 269875 when I bought it.

Driver's side CV boots needed replacement.

Vacuum hose was coming off and needed to be re-affixed.

Spark plug harness needed replacement.

Needed new tires as soon as I bought it.

General Comments:

I've owned 3 E30's now, and this one is by far the most fun. The AWD system is spectacular. It absolutely does not give with the 215/65 R14 tires I have equipped on it. It turns like it's on rails. I can't comment on the stock performance figures of the car, as I've never driven a stock iX, but this car is just fantastic. It was turbocharged by the previous owner, and is putting down about 240HP. It's by far the fastest car I've owned.