Bring a Trailer Auctions, E30 edition

[2mAn]

Why not determine why the clutch stopped working?... and then let him take the car

[rjmcdermott81]

Why not determine why the clutch stopped working?... and then let him take the car

Ya, maybe it's as simple as needing more fluid or a bleed.


I have really mixed feelings with BAT. I'm curious if any of the people screaming for a jack test actually bid. I'm planning to sell my 996 on there in the next few months and I'm doing the IMS bearing just because I know the auction will get absolutely sidetracked if it's not done.

[Poorhouse]

The point is to have many sets of eyes helping vette the cars. People who know what the problem areas on any given model are. In this case the jack test was warranted and should have been done before the auction.

When BAT goes wrong people spout off about things that are incorrect or irrelevant.

BAT wouldn't work without the comments.

[djjerme]

I have really mixed feelings with BAT. I'm curious if any of the people screaming for a jack test actually bid.

It doesn't matter - everyone's a possible customer.

When you break it down, you have a product you are trying to sell to a customer. And so you want to make them feel like they absolutely can not live with out your product. So even the most outlandish request, making a visible effort to appease that person reflects well on the pool of potential buyers.

BAT gets paid regardless. They are in too deep to go back to just being a simple blog of cool finds. It's a brand. And carries weight in the market now, good bad, or other.

..but on the flip side, it's still the internet. And because they don't vet commentators, or bidders, you still run the risk of some one being flaky or a troll. I think many sellers and people new to BAT forget this and trying to act or expect the same cordial environment that you get at a RW auction. So they get truly pissed when someone has a dissenting voice or doesn't buy in to some over hyped persona (Delia..)

[Chroma Aberration]

Ya, maybe it's as simple as needing more fluid or a bleed.

This would be a lot simpler if I was there with the car, instead it's on the other side of the country in a small town with no mechanics familiar with E30s, much less AWD ones...

[flyboyx]

..but on the flip side, it's still the internet. And because they don't vet commentators, or bidders, you still run the risk of some one being flaky or a troll. I think many sellers and people new to BAT forget this and trying to act or expect the same cordial environment that you get at a RW auction. So they get truly pissed when someone has a dissenting voice or doesn't buy in to some over hyped persona (Delia..)

they really do actually vet the comments. most dissidents are removed. often for the worse.

the idea of being able to add comments is a good thing in theory. too bad its all gone off the rails. a total shit show in my opinion. its about how you would imagine a porno staring Andre the Giant in a three way with Rosanne Barr and that fat chick that stared in the movie "Precious".

I love going there now and again to check out the cars. so far, I have never been temped to buy anything and hopefully, I never will.

buyers really NEED to be vetted. in order to bid, there should be a 15-20% deposit due immediately at auction end. the problem is that those assholes don't give a shit. all they care about is the commission for each "sale".

[Nader393]

As a frequent commenter on BaT, I disagree. I didn't even know what a jack test was until now. Comments have taught me lot, and I try to return the favor by commenting helpfully on the Alfas, Porsches, Ferraris, FJ40s, and e30 that I know. Yeah, there's still a lot of nonsense, but I feel like the commenters are good at self-policing. A lot of snark has shifted to the non-BaT offerings (eBAy, craigslist, etc.). And there's a lot of entertainment in the comments, too.

Now, as for this car: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-bmw-325is-40/

I think this was a steal at $4600 (plus fees). Seems like most of the heavy lifting for this project was already done. A really cheap way to get into an e30 with 200 or more HP.

[djjerme]

It was a really good deal at that price.

I wish I could have gone for it, but too many projects right now.

and honestly, I was interested in the iX as well.

I've bid seriously on a few auctions (a couple touring's and a few racecars) but I try to not get caught in the auction hype, and once I hit my limit - I'm out. In the back of my head, I still keep in mind the transportation costs, and because I am not there in person, the unseen issues.

My current X3, I ended up getting via eBay, which is still similar - minus the comments section. The transaction went fine, and I am happy with the car.

[varg]

Now, as for this car: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-bmw-325is-40/

I think this was a steal at $4600 (plus fees). Seems like most of the heavy lifting for this project was already done. A really cheap way to get into an e30 with 200 or more HP.

Yeah that seems like a pretty good price at first, but look closer. It is an unfinished track car project with some sketchy wiring going on, and that kills the value. AC removed, Fixed back seats with harnesses and stripped rear interior but no roll bar, big brake kit and battery disconnect but no upgraded oil cooler, turbo kit but no standalone EMS, it needs quite a bit of work before it's ready for a track day.

[JimmyP]

Agreed. That was more like a collection of parts and a rolling shell,,,, that happened to be screwed together instead of in boxes. I'd start that by taking it all apart and starting over,,, and a solid what the f*ck to the gauges over in the passenger seat.
That car is a prime example for someone spending money on "mods" before making the actual car, chassis, body, shell, wiring, brakes, etc sound.

[2mAn]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-bmw-325e-15/

Serious question... what are the chances this has the higher compression eta pistons?

[e30austin]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-bmw-325e-15/

Serious question... what are the chances this has the higher compression eta pistons?

Slim to none. Only the early cars (pre 1985) got the 11:1 pistons.

[bradnic]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-bmw-325-15/

written about previously..

https://bringatrailer.com/2016/05/12/14k-mile-5-speed-1992-bmw-325i-cabrio/

I actually wish it had more miles.

[Poorhouse]

That car is a stunner.

[cory58]

Man that car is mint. Has anyone seen the records proving the mileage?