BMW Fans, help me out

[whateverjames]

my dad is thinking about buy this 89 325i, automatic, leather, for $2500 for my sister when she goes to college. i know jack about them and i know there are at least a few of you who do, and at least hopefully one who knows the general value of this one. i know it's nothing 'great' but for an 18 year old college student (or for my dad to drive to work to keep the miles off is new truck) what do you think? and are they reliable, and are parts anymore expensive?

[PSI240SX]

My father in law had a 88 325is and it was great until the timing belt/ chain broke and lots of engine damamge occured, but I think that was a fluke, he has had several Bimmer's since then and he always says he liked the 88 the best. $2500 is dirt cheap I would say, especially if it is in good condition. All Bimmer parts are expensive when they break, thats just the nature of expensive cars, they are expensive for a reason.

[onebadm5]

the e30 was one of the last BMW's u could actually fix yourself.

i dont know what condition that car is in, and whether its 2 or 4 door, but a good condtion 325i goes for twice that in southern california. just be sure to have the trans checked out, if it is equipped with the ZF 4HP with ATP, make sure all the transmission modes work (sport, economy).

there's only one thing in the suspension to check/replace, thats the control arm bushings. they are about 40-60 bucks a piece, and shouldnt take more than an hour to put in.

make sure all the bells and whistles work, the OBC, stereo, seats.

also, if u buy it, pick up a reset tool for the inspection I II/Service lights.

i think thats it...

[Tuck&Poke]

my aunt has one and she hasnt complained about anythiing.  its a 91 325i fourdoor auto.  its nice.  the steering is nice and heavy. a little slow if you ask me but not bad for a 11yr old car with like over 100,000 miles on it.  only thing bad is that the god #### german air conditioner sux (at least back then)  it takes like 5 min for that sucker to get cold.  i find myself just rollin down the windows when i ride in it.  kinda expensive to fix as youve been told already but not bad on reliability.