Author Topic: Questions regarding my 1991 BMW 318IS (Read 6466 times)

abhishekk89 · « **on:** April 09, 2012, 01:26:37 PM »

Hi all,
First of all let me tell you that this is a great forum. Lots and lots of information available to old, new and wanna-be buyers.

I'm planning to buy a 1991 BMW 318IS. The present owner says he got the motor redone 5 years ago. Also the clutch is brand new. He confirms that the car runs great and he uses on a daily basis. The only issues he mentioned is a missing muffler and a couple of rust spots. I've asked him to shed more details regarding the state of Transmission and Suspension.

He is quoting a price of $2000.

I wanted your valuable opinion and comments on this. How does the car seem ? Is it worth the buy ? Should I get more information about anything in particular ? Any information is highly appreciated

P.S. : This is an online transaction and hence I can not get to drive the car to report as to how it feels.

Wrench · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2012, 08:09:43 PM »

Sight unseen buys are always tough, and there's that element of the unknown. If it runs like he says, and needs a muffler, I'd offer $1800.

Marauder42 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2012, 10:32:14 AM »

A daily driver that is missing a muffler? Sounds kinda suspect if you ask me. If this is your first E30, I would highly recommend buying something you can at least test drive or have a mechanic check out for you.

abhishekk89 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2012, 01:44:06 PM »

Thanks for the replies guys. Highly appreciated. I let the offer pass. Since this is my first E30 I decided to buy something that I can test drive and judge.

keflaman · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2012, 02:12:50 PM »

Whew! That's good to hear. With what the seller told you, I agree with Marauder42 and would have passed as well. Be patient and the right one will come up eventually.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2012, 05:08:55 PM »

Mine has a hole in the muffler too...and I made an offer on it sight-unseen.

Despite that working out for me, I'm going with the majority opinion here...best to wait for a good one...a lemon you love is difficult, expensive and painful.