Light Blue 325iX?

[sungminemery]

Was light blue ever a factory paint color on an '89 325iX? I was under the impression there was just red, white, and the two shades of gray.

Thanks for any insight.

[downforce22]

89 iX were only available in white, black and red. Maybe silver too. They also came 5 speed, ski pass, sunroof, and a few other things standard that year. After that the later models came with other options like the 4 door, automatic, and paint colors. I have never seen a light blue iX from the factory but there were several color options available.

[audiquattrot]

There was one on eBay not too long ago....looked stock

[sungminemery]

light blue 325ix

Yea, Actually I think that is the same one I am referring to. I am planning to go check this car out tomorrow morning, but realized that it had been listed before. Here is what I dug up:

http://www.justacargeek.com/2011/12/1989-bmw-325ix-all-seasons-e30.html

That was in Dec. 2011.


And now here it is listed on Craigslist:

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/3092390097.html

I spoke with the seller and we confirmed a time for tomorrow, but I have yet to receive the VIN. I'm not quite sure what to make ...?

[downforce22]

Looks like a decent deal from the ad, hopefully it works out for you!

[sungminemery]

Thanks ^

I'm not even sure if it runs ...

[sungminemery]

5 speed swap?

Hey guys, Just wondering if I could just get a little more advice:

I'm thinking about buying this 325iX posted above, however I am seeing some discrepancies that make me a little worried.

I did some VIN research and discovered that this car has been modified a lot --
different color paint (original was 207), was originally AUTO and now is 5 speed, and also has leather seats now where originally it had silver cloth. Here is the info:

http://bmwvin.com/?vin=8135048

The auto check came out to a score of 14 (11-29 average). Plus sides are it has low miles which appear to be original (111,500) but 6 owners.

What do you guys make of this? Should I be wary about the transmission swap considering there seems to be some running issues? Is this potentially a huge lemon, or most likely a good deal at $3500?

Thanks for any advice.

[downforce22]

A couple things you pointed out are not necessarily alarming to me, but tell me a few things.

Paint, obviously a car that is 25 years old will have had some chips, scratches, dents etc. To go through the paint can be a very expensive job. I would not expect somebody with a piece of junk to go to all of the trouble to paint the car and then try to sell it.

Transmission, the iX has auto and manual specific transfer cases. Since the car was originally an auto and had since been converted to a 5 speed a lot of money had/ time had to be spent searching for the swap parts. A manual transfercase had to be installed along with the transmission, and other necessary parts. Somebody was serious to go to these lengths for parts, buying them, and paying for them to be installed for the manual transmission. With that said the manual transmission is bulletproof and the rest of the iX driveline is too as long as it is not abused and serviced regularly. The driveline tends to fail when it runs out of fluids.

I would question why the transmission was swapped for a 5 speed at such low milage, but would reckon it was by a driver who realized the rarity of the iX and wanted a 5 speed. Are there any records of the swap/ invoices for the work done?

Two major problems on the cars are the AWD system not working (blown viscous coupling in the transfer case), and rust. If you are concerned about the AWD and bills that may come with it, try the jack test (on youtube) before you buy to make sure it is in working order. The rest of the car is basically a 325i besides the front suspension and a couple other things so it has great reliability. (but don't forget that timing belt!):hitler:

iX's are common in colorado but not so common out east due to rust. Double check there is no rust on the valence, under the windshield seals, on the shock towers, spare tire well, and frame.

The car seems to be in nice shape, and you may be very happy with it if you do buy it, but double check that maintenance has been done. It is obvious some money has been put into the car which is a good thing.

here are a few local iXs for sale in my area that you can compare to. Lots of them are automatics and I would put that as less desirable

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3034553797.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/3091996698.html <-- notice it is a dealer, listed as a 4 cylinder and as 7500!!!

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3082174713.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3095913376.html

[nando]

it's been repainted, according to the vin it was lachsilber originally, now it's glacier blue.

or, the vin # is wrong. it looks pretty bone stock, it seems wierd that it was painted a totally different factory color, had stock leather non-sport seats swapped in, 5 speed swap, etc. But otherwise is bone stock? it makes zero sense. I'd double check that you have the correct vin #.

there were 31 2-door manuals produced in 9/88, serial #s 8137172 to 8137142

there were 6,346 ix's produced for the US, not < 3000. :)

[sungminemery]

Hey guys,

thanks a lot for all the comments, really insightful. I'm thinking that the VIN might have been given to me wrong, I agree with that point. It seems a little too good to be true. And now its on sale for $1,000 less:

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/3092390097.html

I was told last week the car wasn't running and could not be sold.