Alright forum.... need some advice...

[wood_e]

What would YOU do...?

Situation:
My friend has a 325es. It has 177k on it and its in nice shape. He said I could buy it for $900... he jsut needs it gone since he got a Saab.

Problem(s):
I have about $2800 for college but my rent is paid for. I can't insure it really so I would have to have it sit in my garage in Ames or at my moms palce in Minneapolis. I am trying so hard to convince myself not to do it but I consider myself an able mechanic and I probably could fix the few minor flaws with this car and sell it for a profit or drive it for fun. I DO however own a car that runs tip top, and it pretty good in snow. My dad would be against it but it is much easier to ask for forgiveness than permission

Thoughts?

 

[Big Daddy]

What year is it?

 

[wood_e]

What year is it?

86 I believe

 

[epj3]

Go for it. You won't sell it!!

 

[aNoodle]

Unless you have a garage and a fair amount of money to put into it, I would shy away from doing it. Who knows. Just seems on an '86 there are going to be a number of things wrong that you didn't anticipate. Hard to say. I'd love to fix one up. But I'd probably consider holding off on this project until you're out of school?

 

[Big Daddy]

I agree with aNoodle, besides $900 for an 86 is not a steal.

 

[jszar]

i am sure by the time you got under the hood, you'd find more wrong than you realized...thats how it always works.

eric, how much did you end up having to fix on yours?

 

[dzervit]

As an '86 w/ 177k in average condition $900 is average private party sale. I really doubt you'll be able to fix 'er up and sell for a profit. I'd pass and get something newer after your done with school. Take that $900 and set it aside and start saving for a down payment!

 

[Tom]

I agree with most others advising to stay away from this one. It's just too old and at $900 it's not worth it.

 

[epj3]

i am sure by the time you got under the hood, you'd find more wrong than you realized...thats how it always works.

eric, how much did you end up having to fix on yours?

I've replaced a few non-crucial/imminent things:

-Bilstein HD shocks all around
-Few interior things (like shift boot/ebrake boot)
-Control arm and tie rod (I damaged the ball joints when doing the suspension... Ooops!!!)

Things I've replaced becuase I had to:
-Brake line for front passenger brake
-Center support bearing
-Guibo (Flex disc between output shaft and drive shaft)
-Most fluids
-Air filter
-A few oil changes w/filters
-Plug wires
-Steering rack (got a STEAL on one)

I am going to replace next week:
-Distributor Cap & Rotor
-Vbelts
-All fluids


Not too bad, since it drives and runs near-perfect... idles kind of rough but that is becuase the idle control unit needs to be replaced eventually. It passed both PA emissions and inspection just last month. I redline it EVERY DAY and it has such a solid sound at all RPM's.

How many miles? I believe I'm at 176,100 right now.

Plus the body is great
http://epjfsa.net:8080/bmw/804/000_0044.jpg

 

[MrElussive]

I say hold onto the $900. You never know when you might need that money during the college year and as the others said, the price isn't really something for you to jump on. If the car is just gonna be sitting in the garage during the year anyways, why don't you do this:
Complete the college year and if you have that extra $900 lying around, just purchase a similar model off of eBay and work on it during the summer. No reason to spend that important "college spending money" on the car if the timing isn't right.

 

[wood_e]

Hah, good call guys. I think I'll pass on it.

 

[Ghost]

I agree most of the others.

If you’re not going to drive the car and it’s just going to sit there, you’re better of leaving the money in an interest bearing account.

 

[wood_e]

Alright, I looked at my buddy's 1986 325es today. I can haggle him down to about $825...

Things I noted...

Good:
No drivetrain noise
Smooth shifts
Seemingly good clutch
Body is in pretty fair shape
Engine seemed strong
Some recent service records
Good stock sound system
All gauges except the fuel gauge worked
Tires (although shitty) have good tread
Windows work
Interior is in fair shape

Bad:
There was a bra on the front of the hood... the paint needs attention
No record of timing belt service
The rear felt as if it were floating (worn bushings/shocks)
Cracks in the dash
No fuel gauge
Crappy stock like fabbed exhaust missing a clamp (held on by cord)
Missing the 3 and the 2 in the back nameplate
Brakes might need some attention (rotors look worn)
2 small rust spots on the trunk lid (pea size)
Rear spoiler needs to be repainted


That's about it... I feel that it's a pretty solid car that could just use a little lovin in the right areas to be a great car. Should I go for it?

 

[HornyHornet]

Pass on it. Save up for school or down payment on your future BMW.