Deal or No Deal

[bagels00]

Hello, so I am a noob to BMWs. I posted the other day about an '89 325i up the street for $3700. It has 120,000 miles, new paint, tires, shocks/struts. Rust free! The body is perfect, but the owner is a redneck muscle car guy who knows nothing about it and basically just picked the car up thinking it was a good seller.

Anyways, I brought the car to the local BMW dealership so I could get a picture of what I would be getting myself into if I bought the car. They only looked at it for about ten minutes and they told me....
- it needs the timing belt/waterpump and what not done.
-And also the control arms have play
-ABS light is on.
-breaks are about half way
-oil leak in front and back of engine.
-A/C busted
-sunroof is out of alignment
-oilcooler is painted shut
-few lights are out and yada yada
-and also the clutch grabs late
Now this is only with a ten minute quick look over. He said to make him an offer. What should I offer for the car? He said something like $2500. Is this car going to end up being a moneypit? And finally about how much do you think I will have to dump into it if I buy it? Thanks and sorry for all the questions.

[naplesE30]

Sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen, poor maint cost mucho $$ down the line. I would offer $2000 with a list of all thats wrong with it and go up to $2500 tops.

If you can fix and do timming belt etc... yourself it sounds like $1500 could get in good running order, another $1500 for wheels tires, shocks and springs if you want to go that route. If you are paying for labor just run my friend, run fast and hard.

Also keep in mind you will have future cost of maint, wheel bearings, gubio, battery, nickel and dime stuff.

I would check all body panels for dot r tags and pull the carpet to make sure there is no rust under it. Seems a little shady to me, they sprayed over the oil cooler, body is perfect but mechanicals were neglected, doesnt add up.

[bagels00]

thanks for your reply. I am thinking the same thing. It is kind of shady. I just am not too familiar with these cars and wanted another opinion. Thanks for your help.

[e30trooper]

2000 is to much for the car. Talk him down to 1000, because you will spend mor emoney just to get it running good. BTW if you DIY all the work will only cost a 200-300 bux

[jefffribourg]

i waited about a month and found a eta on here that was in excelent condition that was well maintained for 3000. id say just wait

[e34john]

I wouldn't pay 1000 dollars for that.

[Kershaw]

r3v is so cheap. all used (old) cars are going to require at least $500 of maintenance immediately.

[e30trooper]

i waited about a month and found a eta on here that was in excelent condition that was well maintained for 3000. id say just wait

wow a ETA for 3000 wtf??