M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: Gerta318is on October 24, 2010, 01:04:54 PM
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So I know the forum members have their own opinions on buying cars ... what I am looking for is yours on this:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2012546059.html
I'm looking for a cheap car for my wife to commute to her masters program two days a week - 30 miles each way ... we have two cars already, but the SUV eats gas and is a pain for her to park downtown. Her thought was for me to get another BMW to work on and for her to drive this one. Just so we are clear the other car we own is my 318is that I am restoring. That's the background ... now what would other members go in offering? If I could find a decent late model 318i I'd jump on that because the four doors and M42 engine (it would have to be close to Seattle). I have no experience with the M10 engine ... thoughts on what I should look for?
Thanks in advance ... oh and if you are close to Seattle with a late model 318i, Please PM me!
Gerta
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m10 engines are very reliable nothing much different to look for than with any other engine see that it has a no start problem had a similiar issue with my sis car no to long ago pump wouldnt pressurize and injectors werent firing bad relay switchted it out and fired right up just on thing to look for i guess when you look for at but not a bad price for the car
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Thanks! I might take a peek at this in the next day or so.
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Damn it. Sold 15 minutes ago!
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there is a 91 318i in portland has some damage on drivers side fender from the pic for 1495
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I saw that ... it has a decent interior as well. Maybe I'll swing down and take a look at it.
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Those early M10 318's will run a long time but they're no fun at all.
You can have my 325 for $300 - but I'm not sure it'll make it all the way cross-country! Besides, it's a rust bucket.
Check out the Bavaria...nice car he has there. Only BMW ever given a name, AFAIR. I'd strongly consider it for $1500. The M30 is indestructible and a blast to drive. Sounds like it has all the goodies too.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2023328936.html
This old E12 is also a great car. My Dad bought an '81 Polaris Silver five speed brand new. Likely it's still running for someone. Two here, the second is a very motivated seller (I love that green color too). Avoid it if it still has the metric rims, or get a set of a newer 5- or 7-series.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2022075975.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2016659642.html
And the same car under a big six coupe carcass:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2020251071.html
You have all kinds of collectibles there! I found more posted in a single day than an entire month here!
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Dave - I have a line on a stripped 325i good body (roller) just needs the bits put together. Oh and it comes with the bits.... The point is though if I could find a gem in the rough I'd fix 'er up ... I see early model 318i's quite a bit ... I just have to keep looking.
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I regretted my '84 318i every day I owned it. No offense intended, but I'd never buy a BMW with a slushbox...too unreliable. The M10 e30 with a 3-speed? D-O-G.
I recall a great article (http://books.google.com/books?id=xNgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA88&lpg=PA88&dq=Chevy+Citation+X-11+and+an+Audi+4000&source=bl&ots=HrXeXBijxg&sig=GzzzY7cE_F1qsrPREB57hkEs6Ng&hl=en&ei=huzETLSeHoOclgeklqQG&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CCsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false) (can't believe I found that, thanks Google) comparing the very similar 320i with a Chevy Citation X-11 and an Audi 4000CSi. Guess who won? Well, it was a Volvo. Just goes to show...the M10 3-series are bad.
I'm being too mean about it. It was just the wrong car at the wrong time.
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You know she's the one with the lead foot ... 3 speed slush box just might be the "ticket".
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Well, I tried my best to warn you. Can't fault your motivation. Having two of the same car makes spares & troubleshooting much easier.
I'd be all over that Bavaria though. Someone else is selling a much nicer one for $7500 (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2022316382.html). You might make money on resale, save a classic AND have the fun of making it right!
I missed this '02 (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2020618515.html) last time. A solid 2002 for less than $2000?!? Good thing i didn't live out your way, I'd have an entire yard-full of projects.
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Too bad you're on the wrong coast...found one for you in Allentown, PA. $1100 firm, not running, 147k miles. Some rust (wonder where?), interior looks cherry. Not too far from NYC, so flights would be cheap. Bet it only needs a crank sensor.
http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/1997635512.html
I might go take a look at it regardless....brilliant red sedan exactly like mine, looks well kept.
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If only ... That would be perfect for wifey.
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I'll let you know if it's OK. Fly into Pittsburgh & drive it home! It's only a two day trip!
I'm kidding, of course. I wouldn't drive a 20-year-old unknown-to-me buyer-beware CL car for 100 miles, let alone cross country. Actually I did, but I had AAA backing me up.
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I can stick you and the tools in the trunk ... we should be fine. Just hope this car has a ski pass so you can get snacks on the drive.
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I'll let you know if it's OK. Fly into Pittsburgh & drive it home! It's only a two day trip!
I'm kidding, of course. I wouldn't drive a 20-year-old unknown-to-me buyer-beware CL car for 100 miles, let alone cross country. Actually I did, but I had AAA backing me up.
I did just that at the beginning of the month, Blaine WA to Las Vegas NV. There was a red 318i at a dealer in Portland for $1400 or so. Something I'd look into if they still have it. Lots of good cars in the NorthWest, most seem priced accordingly unfortunately.
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I can stick you and the tools in the trunk ... we should be fine. Just hope this car has a ski pass so you can get snacks on the drive.
LOL. Let me get over my little bit of strep & we'll do it. Kids are a blessing. Especially for communicative diseases. I call it my 'tribeca' - mass transit to & from work (in the hospital district), thence home to my two adorable little vectors.
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Dave - don't you know it. I have three of my own and two foster kids ... I take the bus to and from work. I drove today and even with traffic I felt so much better ... Get well soon!
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http://www.voausedcars.com/searchinventory.html
Here's a late model 325i ... they have it listed as a four cyl ... but it is a six. I think I might take a look at this one ... offer them 400 bucks if it runs and drives.
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Well this one is a bit tough IMO.
I of course have a ridiculous and fanatical love for the E30, but I'm not certain it is the best choice for your wife and the purpose of the car.
The M20 is a nuclear bomb proof motor... If you have it sorted and keep an eye on things. For example, that one you are looking at will need a good bit of stuff just to make sure it is safe for your wife:
- T belt, tensioner, water pump
- T stat housing
- I'd guess brakes
- fan clutch
- I'd bet the suspension is bordering dangerously worn out (lack of control)
- I'd also bet the rack is leaking and/or wasted
That's just off the top of my head and- admittedly due to my psychosis- I could find another grand of stuff to do in about a 30 second look at the car.
I hate to be a traitor, but you might be better served to find a Corolla or the like as a commuter. That is unless you truly want another project to work on. My only real fear is that you'd spend more time fixing one like this, than allowing her to drive it thus negating the purpose of the purchase.
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http://www.voausedcars.com/searchinventory.html
Here's a late model 325i ... they have it listed as a four cyl ... but it is a six. I think I might take a look at this one ... offer them 400 bucks if it runs and drives.
The comment on the car was "Mechanics special doesn't run" that said it looks like its in good condition cosmetically, no ugly diving boards. Nothing says commuter car like Bronzit.
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Kyle - Oh I get the allure of a corolla, etc ... Nothing says I couldn't find a way to make that work for cheap. Honestly if it doesnt run I could offer them a couple of hundred bucks, drop 1500 into it and it would be a safe car she could drive. Honestly if it were to crap out we still have two other vehicles and since she's driving it down town I dont have to make it the best looking car on the road either.
I think that it would probably fit the bill ... I just need to take a look at it. The way I look at it is if it needs an engine swap, I get to buy more tools too ... I mean how can I go wrong!
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Kyle - Oh I get the allure of a corolla, etc ... Nothing says I couldn't find a way to make that work for cheap. Honestly if it doesnt run I could offer them a couple of hundred bucks, drop 1500 into it and it would be a safe car she could drive. Honestly if it were to crap out we still have two other vehicles and since she's driving it down town I dont have to make it the best looking car on the road either.
I think that it would probably fit the bill ... I just need to take a look at it. The way I look at it is if it needs an engine swap, I get to buy more tools too ... I mean how can I go wrong!
I say go for it. It's not like this is going to be your only car and it needs to be 100% from day 1. I'd rather have a non running E30 for $400-500 than a corolla of any kind. For the price, if it turns out to be more than you want to deal with you can part it and cover your investment no problem.
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Yeah, I also am fully interested in that Persian rug with the BMW logo on it for my garage. It really seals the deal.
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Yeah, I also am fully interested in that Persian rug with the BMW logo on it for my garage. It really seals the deal.
LOL, I thought that was one hell of a floor mat.
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And a way to cover up the rust hole in the floor...