Author Topic: Project Ebay beater (Read 3236 times)

dichiee · « **on:** April 20, 2006, 05:46:34 PM »

What do you guys think about this?

I'm thinking of rebuilding my E30 with ebay stuffs like lights, seats, etc, etc

Is that a good idea? I'm short on budget but of course I won't get ugly stuff hehe just cheap stuff (not necessarily oem kind because they still are expensive)

List ebay stuff that are worth getting. It doesn't have to be top nouch I just need to make the car decent enough

Febi Guibo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2006, 06:42:16 PM »

Hey, first off, welcome!!!

I am, like many folks, somewhat addicted to ebay... it's okay for some stuff, particularly hard to find european parts that we never got in N. America in quantity.

But, there is also no getting around the fact that ebay has its share of junk, whether used parts, non OEM stuff passed off as OEM, or aftermarket stuff that will ultimately produce less than satisfying results.

Also, ebay isn't necessarily cheaper than aftermarket dealers, or even BMW dealers... calling places like BMA, the euro depot, and even bavarian autosport (among many others) will often surprise you.

None of us are building like, matched-numbers concourse cars... but I would recommend the following:

- think about your goals for your car and try to clearly define your taste and direction
- look around at what other folks are doing --this is a start, not a finish; simply that we all have very similar cars and are trying to work out many of the same issues
- try to figure out what your car wants (sounds weird, but after a while, you'll start to see it)
- remember that nothing beats quality design, build and fit... on average, you get what you pay for.

When I got my car, it was hard to resist the urge to do the easy stuff... but the more I started focusing on learning more about the car, and doing real maintenance and real upgrades, ultimately, the more satisfying it became.

but hey man, it's your car, rock it your way... there isn't a single person who could/would stop you.

At the same time, the only person who can lower your standards is you... so try to come up with a 'vision' of what you want, check out all your available options, be patient, and do it!!

bottom line: learn as much as you can about the car, and do maintenance, or maintenance related upgrades before ebay mods!

M42boy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2006, 09:08:05 PM »

Quote from: dichiee

What do you guys think about this?

I'm thinking of rebuilding my E30 with ebay stuffs like lights, seats, etc, etc

Is that a good idea? I'm short on budget but of course I won't get ugly stuff hehe just cheap stuff (not necessarily oem kind because they still are expensive)

List ebay stuff that are worth getting. It doesn't have to be top nouch I just need to make the car decent enough

First off, for used parts, people tend to get top dollar on ebay and then you have to pay (sometimes absurd) shipping prices. The local yard sells a lot of stuff on ebay and get big money for a lot of thier junk. I show up and they start asking ebay prices. I remind them that I am there now and waving cash in front of them. They are usually negotiable. Find a good U-pull it yard with european cars.

As for new parts, there are many vendors selling good OEM quality used parts. I've bought a few things off ebay myself. But, on whole, you can get better pricing by just going straight to BavAutosport or talking to Patrick at BMA.

Just my $0.02...

GrippyDrifty · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2006, 09:11:07 PM »

I have to agree with m42 boy. The occasional eBay part won't hurt, but eBay tends to be way overpriced. Wrecking yards and craigslist are you friend:)

m42 fan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2006, 10:10:42 PM »

If you want to know how this will turn out in advance, just check out the "Project Budget Beater" thread over on R3v. If this is what you want to do, go for it, but just don't have unrealistic expectations.

Brian

asubimmer · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2006, 08:31:43 AM »

PLEASE whatever you do, DON'T get the headlights off Ebay. At least the ones made by depo that look like smileys. They are really crappy all around. But ebay can be good to get some real smileys, etc. Make sure they are either Bosch or Hella.

Gunni · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2006, 09:11:14 AM »

I vote U-pull yards,
It seems they are the ideal place for parts over there,
along with the fact that you may know whats rare and not the pullit gyus,
so often you can get a steal on parts.