scott, where was that 533??
Getting an E28 tomorrow
turbo329is
#22
Pictures can be better or worse than what they seam. When I went and looked at my first e30 the 87is now turbo329is I was amazed at how great the interior was. What looked like a big crack/tear in photos in the black leather was hardly a wrinkle.
Ranger
#23
On the FL coast E of Orlando. His Craigslist ad is still up in “central fl” and “orlando”. The pic of the driver’s seat is photoshopped to remove 5"hole.
Matt_H
#24
I don’t know anything about this car, but I just saw it on the semi-local CL and thought of you.
Ranger
#25
[quote=“Matt H.” post=63150]I don’t know anything about this car, but I just saw it on the semi-local CL and thought of you.
http://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/2788915459.html[/quote]
Thanks for looking out for me. I talked that guy a couple weeks ago, just before he moved to Huntsville. I think now that I’ve cooled on the idea of an E28 to replace the E36 DD that I’m bored with. My new idea is an E46 330.
If I changed my mind any more on this quest I fear I might turn into a chick.
jlucas
#27
you should have definitely brought over the touring!
<-- really wants a diesel BMW (especially hatch or touring)
turbo329is
#29
Depends how long you want to spend in jail. I would love to replace my tow vehicle with a 3 or 4 liter turbo diesel truck that you could find anywhere else in the world but here.
cheapthrills
#30
[quote=“Ranger” post=63153]I think now that I’ve cooled on the idea of an E28 to replace the E36 DD that I’m bored with. My new idea is an E46 330.
If I changed my mind any more on this quest I fear I might turn into a chick.[/quote]
I just went through the same thing. I was looking at E36 328is/323is, E36 M3, E46 330ci, and E46 M3. I don’t consider anything without the sport package and a manual transmission. ZHPs cost almost as much as M3s (i.e. almost double a non-M). I couldn’t justify that cost to myself. E36 M3 and E46 330ci are around the same price. I find the interior and overall electronics packaging of the E46 to make it a much better DD than the E36.
I wound up buying a somewhat neglected '04 330ci 6 speed with the sport package. I love it, yet I still haven’t gotten it running quite right (so many vacuum leaks!). The modernity of the construction (read: full-blown network of electronics, excessive use of plastics, proprietary radiator hose connections, etc) is leaps and bounds beyond what I’m used to. In general, though, it works very well. My brother has had an '02 325i sport pkg for two years, and he’s still quite smitten as well.
+1 on wishing we had diesels here…they’d be so good for a commuter. Too bad I refuse to own Volkswagen products or drive automatics (so no Mercedes or 335d).
Jones
#31
[quote=“jlucas” post=62939]Picked one up a really clean one last fall, currently stowed away for winter.
1987 535is
Lots of character = fun to drive
Just helped a friend part out an 88 so I picked up few misc bits and some spares. Still need a uncracked driver’s side fog.
edit: One thing I’ve learned over the years from buying lots of cars long distance is that unless you have high res pictures showing 1-2 feet of the car at a time, you can’t understand the true condition from pictures.
<-- very picky used car buyer[/quote]
I’m late to this thread but I know this car. The seller is one of my best friends and one of the founding BeerTech Members. This car is absolutely gorgeous and very well maintained. I wanted to buy it but couldn’t justify it. Hope you are enjoying it!
jlucas
#33
[quote=“Jones” post=63177]Hope you are enjoying it![/quote] I did for a month until I put it away for the winter/salt. Can’t wait to get it back out! Currently also searching for a 944 Turbo.
Ranger
#34
Ok, I’ll get an E46 instead. $6k this morning and it’s now sitting outside on my trailer. The paint has a few flaws and desperately needs a good polish to remove scratches. The seats are awfully dirty, but I’m going to try to replace them with the better “Sport” seats anyhow.
It’s been lowered on some kind of sport springs and a lot of the bushings have been replaced. Drives nice and taut. The tires are in good shape but at 20" they really aren’t “me”. And there’s some godawful chrome bits that need to come off.
$6k for a medium mileage 2001 330i 5spd sedan with upgraded suspension is a fine deal.
Foglght
#36
[quote=“Ranger” post=63239]Ok, I’ll get an E46 instead. $6k this morning and it’s now sitting outside on my trailer. The paint has a few flaws and desperately needs a good polish to remove scratches. The seats are awfully dirty, but I’m going to try to replace them with the better “Sport” seats anyhow.
It’s been lowered on some kind of sport springs and a lot of the bushings have been replaced. Drives nice and taut. The tires are in good shape but at 20" they really aren’t “me”. And there’s some godawful chrome bits that need to come off.
$6k for a medium mileage 2001 330i 5spd sedan with upgraded suspension is a fine deal.
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/2822907919.html[/quote]
Did you check the VIN to make sure it is actually a 330?
King_Tut
#37
You are braver than I. I wouldn’t have touched a car looking like that in an ALL CAPS ad. Probably has a new clutch because the PO didn’t know how to properly drive a manual. Altezza tail lights and the additional BMW lettering are a nice touch. I’m not sure that 330 badging is in the right location either. Might have been damaged in the rear previously or isn’t a 330. I hope you can save that car Ranger.
Ranger
#38
[quote=“Foglght” post=63241]
Did you check the VIN to make sure it is actually a 330?[/quote]
Yes.
“Trust, but verify”.
cheapthrills
#39
Nice score. Good luck with it.
I hope you enjoy rescuing an E46 from the dog pound as much as I have.
Jones
#40
The same guy that sold you this car currently has two 944T’s. One will be for sale pretty soon I think.