Starting a project car... thoughts?

[Sammo 2544]

@Ghost Chip you still looking?

tat black one has had a price drop, and this is on Marketplace:

[Ghost Chip 188]

@Sammo

I actually had a look at that one yesterday and test drove it before he relisted it (he took down his original post because the diff was out). There were a few things with the car that didn’t feel right. Exterior looked pretty decent though with just the normal wear and tear (body panels a bit loose, some rust under the wheel arches, but body was straight). Engine bay had a tubing that was either cut or not attached? It looked like it was connecting to the radiator (My car knowledge is very little so not entirely sure what it was). Interior was a bit more interesting, driver’s window not working, driver’s door card pretty much came off when the door was shut close, AC didn’t work so the windshield was fogged up while driving 😂. My mate told me that shifting felt weird, was pretty stiff and gears were quite close to each other, not sure if it’s him not being used to an e36 but another mate who’ve test driven for me before didn’t have any problems with another e36 (I’m still learning how to drive stick so getting mates to test drive for me 😆). Apart from the fact that the seller didn’t even know how to pop the hood open, I have a strong feeling that the motor hasn’t been well looked after as well. Based on what you guys have been saying and other condition of cars that I’ve seen, feels like it should be closer to a 3-5k car so I passed since the lowest he wanted to go was 7.6k.

The black one I’ve already seen, I’m waiting on until he lowers down to 10ish.

Thoughts? Am I being too picky?

[Sammo 2544]

Damn, sounds rough - problem with E36 and it’s drift image I think, definitely hold out for the right one if the budget is there man 👍

[Ghost Chip 188]

Budget is there and will only rise as I keep trying to find one. Agree with the drift image. Although, cars are meant to be enjoyed by many and that’s one of the ways people enjoy it, so it’s a great thing. I just feel like you can still take better care of it while doing donuts.

[Sammo 2544]

22 minutes ago, Ghost Chip said:

Budget is there and will only rise as I keep trying to find one. Agree with the drift image. Although, cars are meant to be enjoyed by many and that’s one of the ways people enjoy it, so it’s a great thing. I just feel like you can still take better care of it while doing donuts.

Lil Car porn for you from the Brit and Euro show in Pakuranga today:

[Ghost Chip 188]

Maaate, I wanted to go since the weather cleared up but was catching up with a mate and didn’t finish until 3:30, was so gutted!

[Sammo 2544]

Some extremely impressive cars for sure!

[Ghost Chip 188]

Will have to look out for the next one!

[duluth 41]

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/3047130520?bof=ALHZAihy

Seen this one in person , it's very nice.

[Ghost Chip 188]

@duluth Yeah, have already contacted the seller to view/test drive. Price is high for the car though so we’ll see. Apparently they needed to top up oil about 200mL/month which I find interesting since he said no leaks or smoke.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Ghost Chip
Tagged

[wrs 120]

200ml isn't much but it is some and it depends on how many km's done between...

My old engine was replaced at 324km's and it still wasn't using any oil between changes at about 10,000km between. Any oil usage could be a sign of trouble. At nearly 250km you'd be looking at a rebuild within 50km anyway. My 325i @324km was way down on power compared to when I first got it at 97km... Seems pricey for the km.

Edited April 12, 2021 by wrs

[Ghost Chip 188]

2 hours ago, wrs said:

200ml isn't much but it is some and it depends on how many km's done between...

My old engine was replaced at 324km's and it still wasn't using any oil between changes at about 10,000km between. Any oil usage could be a sign of trouble. At nearly 250km you'd be looking at a rebuild within 50km anyway. My 325i @324km was way down on power compared to when I first got it at 97km... Seems pricey for the km.

Seller said it’s been their daily car.

Any idea on how much the rebuild could cost? Will probably not DIY it as would probably be biting off more than I can chew. And yes, will definitely try haggle the price down.

[Ghost Chip 188]

Saw this one just today, minor imperfections like badges, some sagging in the pillars, and bubbling of rust by the driver’s door. So tempted to get it and manual swap it. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-3050398733.htm

 

With regards to this e36 (https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/3047130520?bof=ALHZAihy) in good condition but can hear the engine starting to make some noise that I can’t quite tell. Managed to lower the price down a little bit but I wonder if it’s worth doing an inspection by a mechanic before buying? Otherwise, the typical issues like headliner sagging, door card peeling off, clear coat peeling, but no rust which is great.

[duluth 41]

30 minutes ago, Ghost Chip said:

Saw this one just today, minor imperfections like badges, some sagging in the pillars, and bubbling of rust by the driver’s door. So tempted to get it and manual swap it. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-3050398733.htm

 

With regards to this e36 (https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/3047130520?bof=ALHZAihy) in good condition but can hear the engine starting to make some noise that I can’t quite tell. Managed to lower the price down a little bit but I wonder if it’s worth doing an inspection by a mechanic before buying? Otherwise, the typical issues like headliner sagging, door card peeling off, clear coat peeling, but no rust which is great.

Definitely get a pre purchase inspection. Can help you find some things that you can use as leverage to get a better price as well as identifying any major issues that would be deal breakers.

[Sammo 2544]

56 minutes ago, Ghost Chip said:

Saw this one just today, minor imperfections like badges, some sagging in the pillars, and bubbling of rust by the driver’s door. So tempted to get it and manual swap it. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-3050398733.htm

 

With regards to this e36 (https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/3047130520?bof=ALHZAihy) in good condition but can hear the engine starting to make some noise that I can’t quite tell. Managed to lower the price down a little bit but I wonder if it’s worth doing an inspection by a mechanic before buying? Otherwise, the typical issues like headliner sagging, door card peeling off, clear coat peeling, but no rust which is great.

$12k for an E36 328i... I would want it to be mint and mechanically fully sorted - he didn't seem to even know if the cooling system had been sorted - not the best indication from a M52 / M54 owner.

 

[M3AN 4016]

54 minutes ago, duluth said:

Definitely get a pre purchase inspection. Can help you find some things that you can use as leverage to get a better price as well as identifying any major issues that would be deal breakers.

I don't think this is bad advice, especially if you're not a home mechanic, but the value is pretty low. These are very mechanical cars, checking suspension, bushes, rust and leaks is all that's needed other than a quick fault code scan to look into the electronics.

I can scan an e36 for an interested buyer for free if you're in Auckland and can work in with my schedule.  

[Ghost Chip 188]

45 minutes ago, Sammo said:

$12k for an E36 328i... I would want it to be mint and mechanically fully sorted - he didn't seem to even know if the cooling system had been sorted - not the best indication from a M52 / M54 owner.

 

Yeah, I don’t think it has been at all which is not great. I did offer a lower price around the 10k mark if he agrees with an inspection and it turns up with no issues. Now that I think about it, really should’ve aimed for 8-9 instead. He was comparing his price to the other e36 that went for 11.8k but that car was more sorted than this one and engine sounded better.

14 minutes ago, M3AN said:

I don't think this is bad advice, especially if you're not a home mechanic, but the value is pretty low. These are very mechanical cars, checking suspension, bushes, rust and leaks is all that's needed other than a quick fault code scan to look into the electronics.

I can scan an e36 for an interested buyer for free if you're in Auckland and can work in with my schedule.  

What do you mean by the value is pretty low?

I was more hoping they could test the engine and the likes (compression test, oil leak down, etc.). Thanks for the offer and definitely would be keen for that as well and yeah I am based in Auckland. I really should just borrow all your brains and experience when I come to view/test drive haha. Reading up on stuff can only do so much.

[M3AN 4016]

36 minutes ago, Ghost Chip said:

What do you mean by the value is pretty low?

I was more hoping they could test the engine and the likes (compression test, oil leak down, etc.). Thanks for the offer and definitely would be keen for that as well and yeah I am based in Auckland. I really should just borrow all your brains and experience when I come to view/test drive haha. Reading up on stuff can only do so much.

In my experience PPI's are expensive and tell me little more than I could assess myself. I admit that the value goes up the less you can check yourself but you always have a CGA backstop, as inconvenient that might be. Even as little as asking the seller to get a new WoF at the local VTNZ is probably enough assurance for most.

Happy to schedule a plug in and opinion if you hope you've found the right car.

[Eagle 1662]

High likely you are going to have to throw at least a couple of grand at anything you buy if you want to have it mechanically close to new. Only real enthusiasts with money to burn that tend to do this, while typically holding onto them for a long period.

[Ghost Chip 188]

4 minutes ago, M3AN said:

In my experience PPI's are expensive and tell me little more than I could assess myself. I admit that the value goes up the less you can check yourself but you always have a CGA backstop, as inconvenient that might be. Even as little as asking the seller to get a new WoF at the local VTNZ is probably enough assurance for most.

Happy to schedule a plug in and opinion if you hope you've found the right car.

Fair, I might give Bavarian Motors a call for a quote. I feel like it’s more just having the confidence that someone who knows what they’re doing checked it. As I’m new to all this, I don’t have much confidence with what I can see, especially with regards to where to look for leaks. What do you mean by the CGA backstop? That’s true, seller mentioned he’s happy to get it a new wof so I’ll just ask to get it from vtnz. I’ll PM you with regards to the scan. Thanks again.

9 minutes ago, Eagle said:

High likely you are going to have to throw at least a couple of grand at anything you buy if you want to have it mechanically close to new. Only real enthusiasts with money to burn that tend to do this, while typically holding onto them for a long period.

What even is a real enthusiast? I guess my take on it is maintain/improve/repair it so that I can continue to enjoy it. Doesn’t have to be collectible level of perfection but I guess the next level down from that, whatever you call that 😂.

[Eagle 1662]

Usually the ones with a massive list of whats been replaced and\or refreshed. Obviously it varies in degree of scale but i think most project cars threads on here are a good representation of what im referring to.

Most aren't aiming for concours level but something that looks, drives and is more reliable than the average example.

[Ghost Chip 188]

3 hours ago, Eagle said:

Usually the ones with a massive list of whats been replaced and\or refreshed. Obviously it varies in degree of scale but i think most project cars threads on here are a good representation of what im referring to.

Most aren't aiming for concours level but something that looks, drives and is more reliable than the average example.

Ahhh, I get you now. I completely misunderstood what you said previously.

I think that because of the age of the cars I’m going for, it seems a lot riskier to buy ones that haven’t had any preventative maintenance done. And yeah that’s what I’m aiming for as well.

[Ghost Chip 188]

Anyone based in Nelson and can test drive/view a car for me? Box of beers for the trouble 😁

[HalfJobHarry 106]

On 4/16/2021 at 10:37 PM, Ghost Chip said:

Ahhh, I get you now. I completely misunderstood what you said previously.

I think that because of the age of the cars I’m going for, it seems a lot riskier to buy ones that haven’t had any preventative maintenance done. And yeah that’s what I’m aiming for as well.

It's not risky as long as it's reflected in the price.....I find in NZ ..for BMWs...the lack of preventative maintenance is NOT reflected in the price.  Many vehicles without good preventative maintenance are guaranteed to need a few grand putting into them to get medium term reliability. E3x and E4x? Had the expansion tank, water pump etc replaced (ever?)...gotta be done....bushings rear and front done? no...gotta be done. M54 engine? Vanos seals changed ever? No...gotta be done.... it goes like that with a massive list of things on the cars. 

Foolishly before moving to NZ and I knew how overpriced BMWs are here I sold my E46 330i that had hundreds of hours and thousands and thousands of preventative work done for a paltry $1500.... which was good for a 15 year old 3.0L BMW in the UK....they simply don't hold their value. Had I know I'd have imported it

[Ghost Chip 188]

@HalfJobHarry it’s because people just buy them anyway so it becomes the norm