Faults:

Needed full engine seal kit immediately

Had to replace exhaust (It is 18 years old!)

Replace speed sensor in rear diff

Not much else... read below.

General Comments:

I found this car rotting away with flat tires in some guys driveway and bought it for a whopping $350. It hadnt run in over 3 years he said, but I put air in the tires, jumped it and drove it over an hour home! I intended to just beat the crap out of it til it died and then scrap it (I own 3 other cars). WELL, it didn't die even after 3 sets of rear tires (gotta love that limited slip!) So, here I am about a year later and the car is fresh out of restoration and looks incredible. Everything but the motor/trans/diff has been replaced with actual hi-performance stuff and its downright gorgeous and gets stares everywhere I go (much more than my 04 330ci does). Now that I have the paint & bodywork right as well as the suspension and brakes I started doing some research to turbo it...Well, that's just to plain for me, so its getting a Chevy LS-2 motor w/6 speed trans (its been done, look it up) in a few months. I can't wait to see how that works out! And I'm gonna keep the wheelcovers on it for the ultimate sleeper.

Faults:

Transmission, drive shaft, alternator, starter, timing chain tensioner, struts, cooling fan clutch, idle control valve, pads/rotors, gasoline tank leak; all in under a year!

General Comments:

I thought I bought my dream car! Unfortunately, the hard thing in attaining your dream is maintaining it.

I love the way this car drives and the classic (e30) BMW look is incredible. I don't use the car so much for racing as for "BMW experience" in everyday driving.

Unfortunately, this low end sports car is extremely demanding in maintenance. I have put nearly $5000 into a car worth maybe half that. Goes to show you should look long and hard at a BMW before you shake on the deal.

I don't think I could afford another bimmer. I'm hoping this one will last at least two more.

Faults:

I just bought the car a few days ago, but so far so good. Some of the warning lights are, but I was told that they stay on. I'm thinking I should get it checked anyway. Nothing else.

General Comments:

I love the styling of the car. The E30 is one of the most timeless cars BMW ever made.

The handling is great, but I definitely can see room for improvment. I have been thinking of Bilstiens, is this a good choice? Or what would you recomend.

The engine and transmission are completely solid I can tell they will become reliable friends. It doesn't have the greatest "low-end power", but once it is going this car is a monster. The transmission is incredibly smooth.

I applaud the Germans for their incredible engineering and I definitely prefer this over my old Saab 900.

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 52,000 miles, was out of warranty, but dealer covered 50% of the repair cost after much complaint.

Extensive electrical problems while under warranty. BMW dealer has to bring in an expert from headquarters finally as I threatened to sue under PA Lemon Law, after bringing the car in so many times for correction.

Dash board cracked in seven places.

Door drip trim fell off and other minor body parts failed.

General Comments:

After 15 years with this car I have become attached to it. It drives and handles well after 118,000 miles. The last 60,000 miles have been problem free and the gas mileage is close to 30mpg. I can afford a newer fancier car, but when I compare them to what I have with my 318i and the cost differential I stick with this one.

The body is beginning to look classic and often draws more attention than newer BMW's.

I would recommend the 1991 model over earlier e30 body styles, as engine is better and it has a driver's side airbag.