Should I buy?

[elbrack]

Found another 1991 318is to replace my wrecked one.

Runs strong, sounds good. Looks good too. White. 210k odo still works.

Really minor surface rust is the big cosmetic flaw I see.

Issues that I found, brake sensor not attached(cheap fix)

A/C isn't working....looks like A/C clutch.

SRS light is blinking. (Will remove airbag if I get it and replace with Mtech wheel anyways)

No Power Steering. Shifting is perfect, idle is great. The interior looks excellent for the most part. One concern I have is the ability for it to pass smog in CA. Has aftermarket exhaust and is registered out of state.

There's also a very very small crack in front bumper. I almost missed it.

Other than that it looks like a solid car.

I was thinking of burning my insurance settlement to pick this one up. Has an armrest too :-D and lots of maintenance records.

[mkcman17]

i always assume an e30 will fail smog. looks like a decent deal in the <$3500 range

[elbrack]

i always assume an e30 will fail smog. looks like a decent deal in the <$3500 range

Sigh....he definitely won't take that little for it. Won't go under 4000 for sure. Was asking $5500.

[Dj Buttchug]

yea but the owner wants 5.5. Its probably worth it but it better pass smog for that price. Assuming the guy will take 4 is a not realistic.

He wants 5.5 chances are he will get it.

[mkcman17]

Sigh....he definitely won't take that little for it. Won't go under 4000 for sure. Was asking $5500.

admittedly, late 318s seem to be selling for nuts money these days. it's a good deal under $3500; a fair price at $4-5k

[elbrack]

admittedly, late 318s seem to be selling for nuts money these days. it's a good deal under $3500; a fair price at $4-5k

That makes me feel better. Yea...I agree though. It's hard to find one period that isn't pretty worn out, much less one that has extensive records and is for the most part stock still.

How difficult is it to add back in power steering?

[mkcman17]

depends on why the power steering was cut in the first place...most likely the pump, although if you feel it binding in slight turns the rack may need replacement as well.

[elbrack]

depends on why the power steering was cut in the first place...most likely the pump, although if you feel it binding in slight turns the rack may need replacement as well.

Guy said PO before him changed it out because he didn't like PS. He replaced the rack though.

[mkcman17]

Guy said PO before him changed it out because he didn't like PS. He replaced the rack though.

does that sound believable to you?

when I was actively searching, 318is' this cheap got swooped within a day or two.

since when is $5,500 for a stock car considered cheap? i need to find more buyers like you!

[elbrack]

does that sound believable to you?



since when is $5,500 for a stock car considered cheap? i need to find more buyers like you!

Good point. I personally like power steering... :-(

[Eddie Lives On]

We don't have smog around here so I'm not sure how it works, but if it's like a two-year pass, maybe you could agree to a price with smog and one without and then have him get the certifcation?

Also, 5500$ seems quite steep to me. Again, I'm not in your area. GL.

Edit: If you want power steering, take that into account for the price you want to pay. If he doesn't care about it, that's not YOUR problem. You value his car at that price because you want it to have this, and it costs this much money to get it. You can just tell him, I figure your car is worth 4.3k with PS and smog, so I give you 3.8. Get those things fixed and you'll get 4.3k. Again, good luck!

[mkcman17]

as i see it, if they thought it would pass then they would have smogged it already. from a seller's point it makes sense. assume the car will not pass and approach your offer accordingly. it's really up to the seller to prove otherwise.

looks plausible though...

BMW 3-SERIES 1991 05/04/2011 10:31 a.m. P OC728121C
BMW 3-SERIES 1991 10/03/2008 03:25 p.m. P NE494793C
BMW 3-SERIES 1991 03/12/2007 08:35 a.m. P MQ184023C
BMW 3-SERIES 1991 08/04/2005 02:31 p.m. P FW892943C
BMW 3-SERIES 1991 08/03/2005 09:17 a.m. F
BMW 3-SERIES 1991 05/14/2005 02:36 p.m. F
BMW 3-SERIES 1991 05/14/2005 01:58 p.m. F

[elbrack]

We don't have smog around here so I'm not sure how it works, but if it's like a two-year pass, maybe you could agree to a price with smog and one without and then have him get the certifcation?

Also, 5500$ seems quite steep to me. Again, I'm not in your area. GL.

Edit: If you want power steering, take that into account for the price you want to pay. If he doesn't care about it, that's not YOUR problem. You value his car at that price because you want it to have this, and it costs this much money to get it. You can just tell him, I figure your car is worth 4.3k with PS and smog, so I give you 3.8. Get those things fixed and you'll get 4.3k. Again, good luck!

There's no way in hell I'll pay anything close to that price except for something immaculate.

[Eddie Lives On]

There's no way in hell I'll pay anything close to that price except for something immaculate.

Set your price and stick to it. I just made the numbers up really, I have no clue what either of those issues cost

[mkcman17]

my last post included that car's smog history in case you didn't see what i was getting at.