1991 325iX Pricing

[dowst]

What is the average selling price for a good condition 91 e30 325iX? I'm checking one out that is supposedly in great condition inside and out, but needs new alternator belts and a new transfer case. The parts are included in the deal. Probably around 5 hours of work, but I'm assuming that with the alternator belts installed it will be in running condition.

Seller wants $1900. What do you guys think?

[ZM Blue Devil]

auto or manual? transfer case are almost as much as he is asking. If body clean may not be a bad deal.

[Ryan239]

I saw that car on craigslist, I think it might be a little pricey. He said the belt snapped but I would be concerned it might have overheated if he was running and didn't realize it for a a bit. I'd think if you bought it and it wasn't that great you could probably break even pretty easily parting it out, though.

[nando]

miles? auto/manual?

if it's an auto with a dead Tcase, I think $1k. I could see $1500 for a manual with a dead trasnfercase if it was lower miles and everything worked/was clean, but you're looking at $1500-$1800 for a new one from the dealer or $500 for a used one (that's probably burned out as well).

Don't buy a dead ix unless you're really into them. Just get a nice one.. it would be worth paying $3500-$5500 for a clean one with working transfer case rather than one that was abused and needed a lot of work just to get it functioning.

[dowst]

The iX is an auto with a slipping Tcase, he says the exterior and interior are perfect. 150,000 miles on the engine (what does that really mean?), he was driving home and the alternator belt broke, and its sat in his drive since then. I talked to the seller the other day and it seems as though he's somewhat of an enthusiast, said that he's sold about 40 BMW's over the years. That makes me wonder why he wouldn't just replace the alternator belt himself, put the Tcase in himself and then sell it for another $1000 or so?

Anyways, the car is a little over a 100 miles away. I'm capable of installing the new Tcase (He's including a refurbished case he bought from Euro Depot with the sale) and alternator belt, but I just want you guys' opinion if something seems amiss.

From the pictures and his description of the car it seems great, almost . What do you guys recommend that I check out in particular with the car that would be tell tale signs of abuse? I'm not going to buy it until I can see it running, so I'm going to try to install the alternator belt when I get down there. Is that a feasible operation without a lift or garage?

Excuse my ignorance of these cars, never had one before. Always wanted one.

Thanks again.

[supernaughtIX]

Alt belt you can do easily in the driveway under the hood, it will get you started, but why he hasnt done it already is a question. if he had no fingers i'd say 'sure no problem, i understand'. but with years of exp you think he'd get that small step out of the way so it would be driveable. Are you sure it hasn't overheated(alt belt = fan belt = water pump not pumping)?
How long has it been sitting?

How can he guarantee the refurb(?) TC is good?
I think you need to see it running and take it for a hard drive after its warmed up properly. While its warming up, use that time to look for leaks and listen for idle changes.
If the TC he can supply is good and everything else is as he says, 1500 would not be too bad. If it was installed it would be worth much more as you know, but again, its still an auto.

[dowst]

Alt belt you can do easily in the driveway under the hood, it will get you started, but why he hasnt done it already is a question. if he had no fingers i'd say 'sure no problem, i understand'. but with years of exp you think he'd get that small step out of the way so it would be driveable. Are you sure it hasn't overheated(alt belt = fan belt = water pump not pumping)?
How long has it been sitting?

How can he guarantee the refurb(?) TC is good?
I think you need to see it running and take it for a hard drive after its warmed up properly. While its warming up, use that time to look for leaks and listen for idle changes.
If the TC he can supply is good and everything else is as he says, 1500 would not be too bad. If it was installed it would be worth much more as you know, but again, its still an auto.

Thanks, I was wondering why he didn't replace it himself also. He says he has all three "v belts" it needs, so it shouldn't be an issue. Obviously he's not going to tell me if it overheated, so how would one know, and what potential problems could I see in the future related to that?

Not sure he can guarantee the refurb, but he bought it at Euro Depot, so I'm assuming it's good.

He said the reason he's selling is because he's got a three year old that takes up all his time and needs to pay for his other kid's tuition. I googled his phone number to find out how far away he was from me and some of his other craigslist ads showed up, one he stated he lost his job, so maybe that's why he's selling also.

[supernaughtIX]

If its overheated, you might find that the block or head is cracked, warped, leaking headgasket. If it was a cold day and he didnt have far to get home and babied it, it might be fine.
If he has 3 belts he might have just planned on doing all 3 one day(still not a big job) and was just too lazy/busy. I've been too lazy to put the plug wires on my IX thats for sale - but at least it runs already.

[dowst]

He said it happened after Christmas, so it was likely pretty cold out.

Going down this weekend to check it out. I'll post some pictures if it works out.

Thanks