Author Topic: Opinions wanted: What would you offer for this? (Read 6874 times)

Gerta318is · « **on:** October 24, 2010, 01:04:54 PM »

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

bmwm42 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2010, 02:28:08 PM »

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

Gerta318is · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2010, 02:53:32 PM »

Thanks! I might take a peek at this in the next day or so.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2010, 02:54:47 PM »

Damn it. Sold 15 minutes ago!

bmwm42 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2010, 04:36:29 PM »

there is a 91 318i in portland has some damage on drivers side fender from the pic for 1495

Gerta318is · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2010, 07:16:04 PM »

I saw that ... it has a decent interior as well. Maybe I'll swing down and take a look at it.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2010, 09:23:58 PM »

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!

Gerta318is · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2010, 09:33:12 PM »

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.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2010, 09:50:23 PM »

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 (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.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #9 on:** October 24, 2010, 10:17:11 PM »

You know she's the one with the lead foot ... 3 speed slush box just might be the "ticket".

DesktopDave · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2010, 08:02:54 AM »

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. You might make money on resale, save a classic AND have the fun of making it right!

I missed this '02 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.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #11 on:** October 25, 2010, 11:34:59 AM »

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.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #12 on:** October 25, 2010, 01:23:27 PM »

If only ... That would be perfect for wifey.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #13 on:** October 25, 2010, 01:41:35 PM »

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.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2010, 02:27:01 PM »

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.