Talk me into or out of buying this super eta

[Vivek]

No, it isn't. It was a listing that basically just said "call for details." He didn't have it on hand when I spoke to him either.



I understand that the back panel would have been replaced, but I don't follow on why the quarter panels would have had to be cut? I am definitely be getting more details on how it was repaired and who did the repair work, and see if I can see anything by pulling out the trunk lining.

Edit: Oh, because you think it has early wheel arches?

The tail light design on the quarter panels is different. The back end of the quarter panel on late model cars has a larger opening for the larger tail lights. This is regardless of whether or not I think it has early arches. Check inside and see what you can find. Like nando said, it's most likely an 87...and if it's not it's one fucked up 88.

[frankie591]

definitely early arches. this is an 87. Not worth the money regardless of year.

/thread

[ohthejosh]

Seems like you sir are in denial of what may be an obvious lack of knowledge from the owner and/or scam. Just grab the VIN run the check and get it over with. I am with the other members on saying this is an 87 being passed off as an 88.

[e30jake]

I will admit, I am in denial to some extent. I'm looking to upgrade to a cleaner car and since this one at least looks the part I probably got a little overexcited. I already worked out a time to go see it today, so I'll at least check it go check it out. I already told him I wouldn't be buying it today anyway

Sent from my ADR6325 using Tapatalk 2

[bastianshaw]

I think we would all be shocked if it turned out to be an 88 I agree w what nando said its not worth that much regardless, get VIN, verify, lowball.

[Bimmerguy91]

VIN will tell you for sure. Regardless this car is definitely overpriced

[e30jake]

So I went earlier today to look at the car, it is in fact an 88. The coolant reservoir is on the driver side, the head has the 2.5/2.7 marking on it, and the VIN check on realoem gave it a January 1988 production date. The repair work looks good. If I hadn't known anything was done to it I wouldn't have noticed anything. Everything lines up, and I didn't see any sign of the repair other than what has been discussed on here. I didn't find a single spot of rust on it either. The car has been maintained religiously by the owner, a 71 year old man who bought it new, with almost all the receipts from maintenance or repairs. Has zero knowledge of the mechanical aspect of the car, just took it to the dealer for services and replaced anything a mechanic said he should. Aside from the front seats having covers over them, the interior is in pretty much mint condition. Everything works as it should. Drove the car and it pulls hard all the way to redline. Everything else about it just felt tight as well, steering, shifter, etc. The overall condition is better than I expected. Some of you guys might say the accident is a red flag and move on from there. I worked in a shop that did some pretty serious body work, including welding new panels on and frame straightening. I've seen that it can be done well, so I'm not as worried about that as some of you might be. It is a little more than I would like to pay, but I don't think its THAT overpriced for what it is. You're free to disagree, but after driving it, I'm thinking that I won't be able to keep myself from buying it.

[TimKninja]

maybe it was a very ear;y production 88? it seems to be some kind of error on BMWs part with this car.

most 88s have late tails/rear valence. this car doesnt have those.

Doesnt mean its a bad car, if you like it why not buy it...

[nando]

maybe it was a very ear;y production 88? it seems to be some kind of error on BMWs part with this car.

most 88s have late tails/rear valence. this car doesnt have those.

Doesnt mean its a bad car, if you like it why not buy it...

no, there are no '88s with early arches/tails and 88+ front ends, no such car was ever produced.

[Vivek]

Did you pull out the trunk lining and check out the repair? Something really doesn't add up. The best case scenario is that it is an 88, was hit super hard in the rear, and was fixed with the incorrect parts. That doesn't sound too good, does it?

[CrusherCurtis]

That's a pretty big red flag.

this

[Stanley Rockafella]

at least a euro bumper swap will be easy

[Bimmerguy91]

This is too weird. I mean I guess if the car is nice then whatever but if you ever decide to resell youre probably gonna have issues because things just dont add up.

[Rsully70sev]

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck...

It seems like you're really trying to defend/rationalize this purchase. Personally, I think something fishy is up with it and I'd hold out for another e30. But go ahead Romeo, do your thangg.

[dougie30]

i dont understand why everyone is saying its a huge red flang and dont buy it or whatever, he likes it, he said it has the 2.5/2.7 mark on the head!, it is in minty condition, and he is talking about a 71 year old dude who prob doesnt even know what a bmw is, let alone try to scam someone into buying it lol.

i say if you like it and think its a good deal go for it man

BTW early models FTW!