Author Topic: 318is how much is too much? (Read 7080 times)

speedf50 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 27, 2006, 06:24:07 PM »

Yeah, sorry still no pics. I will try to get some this weekend when I go to look at it. And thanks for all of the help. Oh and the car is not unmodified, it has new shocks+springs (a little lower), front strut bar, sway bar, dinan chip (I asked if it was the real deal or an e-bay and he said it was "factory installed" but even then if it is an e-bay then they still work) along with a new momo steering wheel and a short shifter in the trunk (said something about not liking it but I could have it anyways). There were probably other modifications on the car seeing as I only looked at it briefly. And once again thanks for all of the help. I think I will offer 4 seeing as he is asking 5 and only go to a max of 4,5. Any other comments about buying the car would still be greatly appreciated because as I said I don't have that much experience in car buying. Thanks.

rfritz · « **Reply #16 on:** September 27, 2006, 07:21:22 PM »

How does the engine sound? Any ticks or crazy noises? Go for a long test drive with some 60-70mph maintained speeds for awhile and see how it sounds after that. Shut it off and see if it starts easily again. Take it to a mechanic that works on BMW's and have them "shake it down" to see what issues it has. The local BMW shop here does it for $100. When I first bought mine 7 years ago, they came back with a laundry list of things, from tiny light bulbs burnt out, to a leak in the steering rack. Some problems that seem small can make your $5,000 iS a $7,500 iS in no time flat, so beware...

speedf50 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 27, 2006, 07:26:49 PM »

Thanks for the advice, I was planning on bringing my friend who is a designer at BMW, but after what you said, I think it may be a good idea to get a mechanic from the dealership to have a look. Ill look in to local pricing.
And he only started it up because I was kinda rushed, but at idol and a little higher it sounded good. I haven't gotten to drive it yet, but hopefully this sunday. And thanks for the help again, and keep it coming:)

rfritz · « **Reply #18 on:** September 27, 2006, 07:28:43 PM »

Tell Chris Bangle hello.

speedf50 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 27, 2006, 11:10:31 PM »

lol, i'll go and do that.

Tonyb · « **Reply #20 on:** September 28, 2006, 12:41:09 AM »

I paid $6.700 for mine six years ago, With 56k on it! Keep shopping!!!

speedf50 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 28, 2006, 06:57:22 PM »

Well if it seems to be ok, and my friend says it is mechanically good, then does offering 3.5 and not going higher than 4.3 sound good? And thanks for all of the help. Any more suggestions/tips will still be greatly appreciated.

m42 fan · « **Reply #22 on:** September 28, 2006, 07:14:42 PM »

Sounds like you've got yourself a plan. Also, I just noticed that you're out there in Cali, so the car should be worth a little more, just based on location. Let us know if you pick it up!!

Brian

shutter · « **Reply #23 on:** September 28, 2006, 07:40:04 PM »

It has a lot of miles on it, and yeah it sounds like a bait and switch. I'd stay lower than your min from what I've seen out there during my search. You'll know when it feels right, don't be afraid to be patient. I looked obsessively for months for mine, and I'm very happy.

zerofreez · « **Reply #24 on:** October 01, 2006, 10:23:09 AM »

Im planning on spending 5k on a 318is ive been keeping track of for the past year. 95k and flawless.

I guess its just worth it to me to have an exceptionally clean body on a car with good paint and under 100k for a 15 yr old car is awesome.