New Guy

[Bishop]

Just thought I'd pop in and say Hi.
I've been looking around CO area for an e36 M3, but have since decided to look in the direction of e30s.

Test drove one yesterday in Denver, will be setting up a PPI probably tomorrow, then hopefully i can call it my own.

'89 325i alpine white. Current owner says head was rebuilt last summer, and has a fresh set of springs and shocks on it. Its lowered a bit. Pretty nice little car, 208000 on the odo and it was still fun to drive. His asking price, IMO is a tad high, but after the PPI we shall see what happens. Needs a little lovin, but felt solid. All the VIN's matched, and I'm gonna get a carfax run tomorrow as well.

- Ben

[wodcutr]

good luck!

[Bishop]

Thanks I appreciate it. Hopefully everything goes smooth

[87e30]

Now you'll be searching for a totaled e36 m3...

[Bishop]

what do you mean?

[Edev]

what do you mean?

To do an s50/2 swap!

[Bishop]

LOL nah it will keep the m20 for a while

[zenn0ne]

No you won't what I said!!!!!HAHAHA....good luck with the new car

[noE30]

welcome, hopefully you get the e30. I should be getting one soon as well.

[Bishop]

Thanks, i wanna get something soon. The asking price is a little high, but I'm hoping hes willing to work with me a little after the inspection.

As for the motor. I wanna keep the car legal for autox. When the motor goes, then i'll decide on what to do. Hopefully it will last because the new owner claims it was rebuilt.

[Collin]

Hopefully it will last because the new owner claims it was rebuilt.

Welcome, this is the best e30 forum on the net, you're going to enjoy your stay!

I would ask for some documentation on anything he said he's done. If he doesn't have any, you may end up spending more than you paid for the car just fixing it up.

[Bishop]

I'm only going to be willing to spend a little extra on the car if he indeed has all the documentation he claims to have. He is an ex-bmw employee and said all the work was done by techs at the dealership he worked at in Santa Fe.

If the documentation is there, and the PPI comes back positive, i'll feel better about the car (like anyone would).

[Bishop]

Alright. SO. Did not buy the white coupe. The car was good overall, but not perfect. But the owner would not go lower than $5k. With the clear coat peeling on the roof, and the top of the hood being repainted (VIN was not), plus him kind of mounting the rear license plate to hide a big dent, it was a good thing I didn't get the car.

I did however, pick up a 1990 325i sedan with less miles, half the price, about half hour after the inspection of the '89 coupe.

How? While the guy who did the inspection was looking the car over, he said it was good, but the owner was asking too much. I agreed. Shortly after the inspection, and the owner drove off, I noticed a handfull of e30s sitting behind the shop.
The guy pointed me in the direction of a '90 sedan. The paint was better, the miles we lower, the interior was in better shape, the A/C was there, Radio, OBC, everything was there, everything worked, only a handfull of minor issues. The guy told me he bought it about 2 weeks ago to turn into an Autox car for him and his son. Well, the kicker was..... He has done all the service, and has all the records, for something like the past 15 years! :p

So, for the price he was asking, I drove to my bank as quick as i could (the bank, and the shop were closing soon) and got back to the shop to pay cash for the car. He fixed a few more minor things free of charge (sunroof handle, e-brake handle, center caps for all wheels, new gromet around the antenna.... He also replaced the rear shock mounts while i was getting cash, because they needed replacing, he had the parts, and was going to do it anyway.... All this was included.... He also went around the various e30s he had and pieced together a 95% complete tool kit for me! I think im missing one thing, if that. So, I got kinda boned on the coupe, but the day turned out great lol. One owner car, no rust, bought and driven in CO, service records, decent shape.... Was going to be used for autox anyway lol.... Perfect match... Oh, and it has all the owners manuals, warranty, service, etc..... 2 Keys... Im happy :p:p:p

Instead of posting pics here, im going to post the photobucket link so that you guys can check out all 22 pics i snapped when i drove it home.... The car is VERY dirty. I'll be putting new tires on it tomorrow, prolly setting up an appointment for tint, then when i find the time.... Power washing the engine bay, exterior, vaccuuming the interior and steam cleaning it.... Hopefully it should all turn out nice.

Anyway, enjoy! Comments, questions, its all welcome!

- Ben

http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff291/Bishop_STi/1990%20325i/

[Alkasquawlik]

pics nao

kthxbai

[Slangbox]

Question for anyone: what's the deal with the one random shiny spot on the #1 runner of the intake manifold? Mine is exactly the same, but I always figured the PO started to polish it and changed their mind.