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FAQ / REFERENCE => M42 Buyer's Guide => Topic started by: iroll253 on October 08, 2013, 06:44:03 AM

Title: Looking at a 318is. Would really appreciate opinions!
Post by: iroll253 on October 08, 2013, 06:44:03 AM

I have been strict on $6,500 which after two weeks I believe he may take it. Any opinions if this is worth that or what i should look for thats not listed? Of course I already have experience with e30's but more minds than one will produce a better result and i've only owned a s52 and m20.


http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4105752253.html

Title: Re: Looking at a 318is. Would really appreciate opinions!
Post by: DesktopDave on October 08, 2013, 05:53:35 PM

That's got an awful lot of upgrades and options.  A car with a comprehensive history is a great thing.  IIRC that's a lot of car, but 7 large is a lot of money...I'd pass unless you've seen similar cars sell for comparative amounts.

Title: Re: Looking at a 318is. Would really appreciate opinions!
Post by: iroll253 on October 09, 2013, 01:00:32 AM

I've been pondering the same thing. He agreed to $6,750 today. Im going to look at it thursday. 7k is only 2k short of s52 swap territory although the interior is in great condition. Can you think of anything id need to ask about that hasn't been listed? I don't want to regret dropping $6750 before tax..

Title: Re: Looking at a 318is. Would really appreciate opinions!
Post by: 318lotis on October 09, 2013, 08:18:50 PM

my brother just paid 25,000.00 for a used 535ix with 68,000 miles. its pretty car,  but garantee it aint near as fun to drive as the the 318is your looking at.

Title: Re: Looking at a 318is. Would really appreciate opinions!
Post by: keflaman on October 10, 2013, 08:47:21 AM

Quote from: iroll253 on October 09, 2013, 01:00:32 AM

Can you think of anything id need to ask about that hasn't been listed? I don't want to regret dropping $6750 before tax..

I always check for crank walk by trying to push the harmonic balancer in and out of the block. Any discernible play indicates wear to the #4 crank bearing. IIRC specs are 0.003-0.006".

My original engine had about 0.090" and ran fine, but I pulled it to refresh and install a good, used crank. I came upon another used engine with about 0.060" play and have been running it for over a year.  I had pictures in my profile thread, but they aren't there now. PM me if you'd like more info.

I bring this to your attention to use as a possible bargaining chip with the seller. The engine isn't going to explode and I suspect a great number of M42s with high, city-driven miles are like that.