Most recurring problem is that it stalls out randomly, without apparent cause. My mechanic says it's the idle control, maybe, but he can't be sure until he replaces it. Chilton's lists about 12 possible causes, but I don't have the time or money to test them all.
Transmission needed a major fix this year (300 dollars), muffler needed to be replaced last year (350 dollars), tires and alignment this year (350 dollars), window switches needed to be replaced, emergency flasher has an intermittent defect where it STOPS working.
Besides that, the car is beautiful: classic lines, and styling way ahead of its model introduction year (1984). This 1987 model runs fast in the higher RPMs, but is limited by a 4500 red line, which is frustrating. It corners well, and is a blast to drive on windy roads. Fun 900 mile trip when I feel like driving to Seattle once in a while, with no problems.
If you have the $ to repair it when needed, this car, and all other e30 varieties, is a great investment, and chicks dig it!
Definitely drives like it's on rails. Great ergonomics in the seats, though a little cramped.
Love the on board computer (way ahead of its time, again).
Gauge cluster is simple: everything you need, nothing you don't.
I had a 2.5i, great car, also with a computer - they make the car look so expensive!
It a cool car, but maintaining it costs a whole lot of money. But overall, it will last almost forever, cause mine has over 200,000 miles.
I've been offered a 1988 325i Coupe off a family friend - for £0! I'm almost certainly gonna take up the offer, although as a recently graduated student I'm a bit concerned about the running costs on this car. It has 196,000miles!!!
I have recently acquired a 1989 325es and was very apprehensive of my decision over the first couple of days as to whether I had made the right decision, but that was just baby blues, I now love it, the sound of the straight six to the snaking back end when launching the car up to excessive speeds. if you get the chance to own one take it otherwise you'll regret it for ever! I am still trying to figure out how I will afford it?!? but I don't care as long as it is running.
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