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E30 showing age

MY SON is thinking of buying a 1986 BMW 318i as a first car to travel to uni next year, they are asking $1500 for it. What should I ask my mechanic to look for before buying it.

THE E30 was a great little car, but it is getting a little long in the tooth and you could expect a few problems. The first couple of owners might have respected it enough to have it serviced properly, but subsequent owners are likely to have neglected it. Regular servicing is the key to a long life. Check the suspension bushes for wear, the engine for sludge and oil leaks, the cooling system for leaks, the clutch for wear and the gearbox for noises that might suggest bearings or gear wear.

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