NPC - To buy a Bimmer or not?, I know very little about them... Options

[mike_the_man]

Hi all,

I know there are a few BMW guys here, and I need a little help.

I'm looking at a 1988 BMW 325. It looks to be in very good shape. It has 174,000kms, a 4 door, dark grey. I talked to the owner last night, and he said that it was imported from Germany around 10 years ago, so it's an actual euro-spec car. It has some sort of Sport Suspension package, and it's a lot lower than stock. It sounds like the suspension is stock, but I'm not too sure. The owner also tells me that he had the car dyno'd and it came in at 195hp, I'm assuming at the rear wheels.

There's been quite a bit of work done to it. New rad, all engine seals replaced, timing belt and water pump done, all new bushings in the front, new exhaust, and some other stuff that I forget right now.

It has no power options, I'm not sure if it has A/C or cruise.

He's asking $7000CAN for it. Would that be a reasonable price? Would it being a euro model make it more or less desirable, and would parts be tougher to get? Are there any trouble spots with these cars?

I plan to take it for a drive next week. I'll try and post some pics as well.

All thoughts appreciated.

[cha914]

I have a 90 325is, has the sport suspension and LSD rear diff, and it is not that low. I bought mine for $4300 two years ago with 119K on the clock and all the records. I also had a very similar car bought out from under me for $4400 while I was looking, so that seems to be the magic price point, and this was for the IS which is the car everyone wants. I have been seeing regular 325i's go in the 2-3K range.

I would be cautious with all those upgrades and the big power claim unless you know who did the work.

Outside of that, these are great cars, are known to go well over 200K if maintained, they handle good and make decent power, and you can do most the maintaince yourself.

Good luck,

Tony