Need help - bought 1986 325e 900 miles away in MA

[ekhtr]

Hey guys

A few weeks ago, I was playing around on eBay and won a 1986 325e - here's info

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4589359881&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

It's located in Westboro, MA. That's a little more than 900 miles from here. Automatic transmission.

I am trying to get it looked at and maybe a few things done to it, and then see if I can get it home (via fly up there and drive it back). Shipping would cost twice what I paid for it, so I'd rather not do that - in the end, I might just sell it unseen or work something out with the dealer. I really don't want to do that right now, but reality is closing in.

The dealer has been really nice so far, but I can't expect to keep it on his lot much longer.

So, I need some help.

Based on info from some other folks, I'm thinking the "cam noise" is simple valve stuff, but not sure how serious it is. It probably needs a timing belt before it gets driven too much more.

Can anyone take a look at it and listen to the engine?

Even longer shot - does anyone have the time and energy to get the car and do timing belt stuff? NOT a freebie, of course!

my cell: 865-335-6031

Sorry if this is the not the right forum. It's kind of a WT something.
Thanks

-Brad

[Julien]

i'd say forget about it if i were you:

you have purchased a somewhat less desirable e30, with unknown history, unknown mileage and possible engine troubles far away from you for a fair price. Honestly try to pull out of the deal, perhaps sell the car back to the dealer and cut your losses... You resemble me when i was 15.. i feel ya ;-)


Good Luck,
Julien

[SchnellerVert]

Contact Scott aka bimmerfanatic

[Bimmerfanatik]

Contact Scott aka bimmerfanatic

Haha, thanks man - we've been in contact about this. I was hoping to be able to help him, but I've just got too much on my plate right now. Getting ready for winter, trying to box and ship parts that were bought weeks (months - Devon!) ago, and cleaning up the pit of a garage I have are keeping me busy. I just don't have the time to help Brad out.

He's a really nice guy and just needs help getting this situated. I wish I had more time, but I just don't.

Hopefully someone can help you Brad...

[crazy]

Brad,
I'm on the south shore in MA and could try to look at it for you.
Time is tight b/c I just got into a minor accident so I'm trying to repair my dd.

PM me and we'll go from there.
later
Blair

[MitchFong]

My first car was an 87 325.
RUN AWAY, RUN FAR FAR AWAY..

just me $0.02

[p nut]

Sounds like your effort:worth ratio is not too good. You should just have one of these guys sell it for you and give them a commission. Just my opinion.

[318i sTiLL FLy]

Fuel filter/check Fluids/check Mounts/Air filter/new Rotar button/new plug's/new belt's/seamfoam.

seafoam u gotta take hose off the fuel pressure regulator and let it suck up in the intake manifold. Valves are easy.

[parkerbink]

I bet the cam noise is regular M20 noise. People unfamiliar think there is a problem. Hell for 400 bucks you can't go wrong.

[Dave]

I for one think its kinda crappy that you bid on this having no real idea how you would go get it and if you were comfortable driving it back. If you paid for it, that's not as bad. but still, it sounds like the guy is being decent letting you keep it there.

Give the car to Scotty and he can pay you back your $400 after he makes the first $1000 in parts off of it.

[parkerbink]

I for one think its kinda crappy that you bid on this having no real idea how you would go get it and if you were comfortable driving it back. If you paid for it, that's not as bad. but still, it sounds like the guy is being decent letting you keep it there.

Give the car to Scotty and he can pay you back your $400 after he makes the first $1000 in parts off of it.

HOGANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

[Bimmerfanatik]

Give the car to Scotty and he can pay you back your $400 after he makes the first $1000 in parts off of it.

:) if all else fails.... ;)

[MR 325]

I for one think its kinda crappy that you bid on this having no real idea how you would go get it and if you were comfortable driving it back.

x2

[ekhtr]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. I'm nowhere near 15.

And... I paid for it already - the guy's got the money in the bank. I've even got the title in hand. I contacted the dealer last night to let him know what's going on and he was unbelievably accomodating.

Scott was in fact very enthusiastic, and in reading this board I can tell he knows some stuff about these things.

I'm not giving up on this yet. I've only been to New England once - Piscataway - is that considered part of NE?

Thanks again, everyone

[Digitalwave]

I think that car was a good deal for $400. The paint looks shiny and its an eta so I don't think the mileage matters much. Those door panels are so sweet!