WTB: An interesting car - FOUND IT!!

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 12, 2007 11:29 PM

Guys:

I got an unexpected and unsolicited offer to buy my 1999 M3 today - and wound up selling it.

As you can tell, I'm a little conflicted - it was a great car in terrific, virtually perfect, shape. But with e36 M3 prices going south, I thought this might be an opportune time to let it go.

Thus, I am now on an unanticipated car hunt. I am looking for something interesting to buy. Potential prospects are:

e30 M3
e46 M3
2002 (got to be really nice - not a project)
Porsche 911 ('87-'89, coupes only), 968 (no cabs) or 928
Alpina (big wish - are there even any left for sale?)
Something with euro bumpers

Also, if somebody's got a PERFECT, low mileage M5, I might consider a swap with $ for my very nice M5. It would have to be the right car to get me out of mine, though.

Any help, suggestions or referrals would be much appreciated.

Post by **tsmall07** » Dec 13, 2007 12:10 AM

uhh I've got a 1980 f150 that I just cut the rear axle out of with an acetelyne torch, it doesn't have an engine, and the frame is broken...I'd say it could classify as interesting...

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Dec 13, 2007 12:44 AM

http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?t=29105

or this one http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?t=21971, but there seems to be some drama around it...

Ben

B_Newman · Post by **B_Newman** » Dec 13, 2007 1:16 AM

Have you ever considered a 2000-2002 M coupe or roadster? They're interesting cars for sure.

There's always that m535i in Georgetown that needs a little TLC...

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Dec 13, 2007 3:14 AM

I would say E30 M3 - may as well have the first of everything!

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 13, 2007 9:08 AM

Guys:

Thanks for the responses so far. I think I'll pass on Tyler's F150 -- that's just a little TOO interesting

I would seriously consider a nice e30 M3. I had one several years ago that was a blast to drive. But it had spent some time up north, had a hard to trace water leak somewhere in the cowl area and I wound up selling it to a guy in Ohio for a track car.

The two M3s in the links Ben provided look "interesting" but I am really more interested in a stock, or close to it, car.

Brett, I have considered a M roadster, and drove one several years ago, but I'm just not sure I want a ragtop.

Any other suggestions? As always, thanks!!

Tammer in Philly · Post by **Tammer in Philly** » Dec 13, 2007 9:24 AM

gray635 wrote:Guys:

Thanks for the responses so far. I think I'll pass on Tyler's F150 -- that's just a little TOO interesting :laugh: :laugh:

I would seriously consider a nice e30 M3. I had one several years ago that was a blast to drive. But it had spent some time up north, had a hard to trace water leak somewhere in the cowl area and I wound up selling it to a guy in Ohio for a track car.

The two M3s in the links Ben provided look "interesting" but I am really more interested in a stock, or close to it, car.

Brett, I have considered a M roadster, and drove one several years ago, but I'm just not sure I want a ragtop.

Any other suggestions? As always, thanks!!

If you want interesting, stock, fun, not a ragtop but would consider the MZ3 roadster--how 'bout tracking down a good MZ3 coupe? Available with the S54 in the later years, fast with either motor, and resale values are generally down on them. You can get a very, very nice car for well under $25k.

-tammer

Adam W in MN · Post by **Adam W in MN** » Dec 13, 2007 10:35 AM

If you want something very entertaining, thoroughly modern feeling and looking (considering its real age), and very practical, look for a nice E34 M5. Don't be shy about a car over 100K miles if it's been maintained by an enthusiast (similar to what we know about E28 M5's).

Still has the handbuilt M-car feel and character but feels like 80-90% of an E39 in terms of modern car amenities.

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 13, 2007 11:15 AM

Adam:

Thanks for the reminder about the E34 M5s. I have considered these cars in the past and they should be added to my prospects list. I have seen what appear to be some quality E34s for sale before. Should still be some around, for a lot less $ than the E39s.

rlomba8204 · Post by **rlomba8204** » Dec 13, 2007 11:44 AM

There have been a number of good recommendations, but the only thing I would ask you is if this car is going to be a car that you need to be somewhat practical as a daily driver? If it is, I would shy away from the MZ3, although I really love it too as a track rat, and the e30 M3, as too "buzzy" for daily use. In that regard, if you had an e36 M3, I think you might tire of the e30 M3 as a daily driver. I love the e30 M3, but to me that is the kind of car you keep in the garage and you take it out for a drive when you've had a shitty, stressful day and want to have a little safe and legal fun and put a big smile on your face. But driving one everyday would get tiresome.

The e34 M5 is a great idea, and I would also check out the e34 540 with the M package and 6 speed, as well as a standard 540 6 speed. Heck, e39s are now starting to get old enough that they are dropping significantly in price, but you lose a bit of the visceral feel of the e34.

BMW Performance · Post by **BMW Performance** » Dec 13, 2007 11:45 AM

Adam W in MN wrote:If you want something very entertaining, thoroughly modern feeling and looking (considering its real age), and very practical, look for a nice E34 M5. Don't be shy about a car over 100K miles if it's been maintained by an enthusiast (similar to what we know about E28 M5's).

Still has the handbuilt M-car feel and character but feels like 80-90% of an E39 in terms of modern car amenities.

Like Adam said an E34 M5 would be good. I just so happen to have a black on black with 86,000 miles for sale.

Engine has maybe 100 miles on it. We also took the Self Leveling System out and replaced it with a self leveling elimination kit. The tape deck and been changed to an Alpine CD player. The dash is prefect along with the seats. It has M-Parallel wheels and the pictures are below. I am wanting $15,000 and the car is currently north of Fort Lauderdale.

pldlnr · Post by **pldlnr** » Dec 13, 2007 12:29 PM

Check out this guys website here in Seattle. I know you're in Georgia, but he has some pretty cool stuff including an e34 M5, two e24 M6's, and a couple E30 M3's. Good luck with your search.

http://www.m-carsseattle.com/

RonP · Post by **RonP** » Dec 13, 2007 12:44 PM

Mike,

PM sent.

genefor · Post by **genefor** » Dec 13, 2007 6:05 PM

There you have it, the e34 M5 from performance guy - another black beauty to complement your black e28M and black e24M. You get an e34M and you have the trifecta. I vote Mike "CAR MAN" of the year.

Gene

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 13, 2007 6:22 PM

Hey Gene!

I'm certainly NOT the "car man of the year"

There are lots of folks on this board that have cars that far exceed my modest little "collection". If my wife ever yanks the chain on me, I'll be driving some sort of used Honda

When are you ever going to get off the snide and get another e28?

BTW, I have received a lot of great leads and contacts, both on this thread and via PM. Some nice prospects out there! A BIG THANKS to all who have shown interest so far in my little car search. Further leads, etc. greatly appreciated. Check out the Seattle M-cars site - if it was not completely across the country, their Alpine white/black e30 M3 would be very tempting!!

Regards to all.

JayM · Post by **JayM** » Dec 13, 2007 8:09 PM

Mike,

If an E34 M5 is interesting, see if you can find an E34 M5 Touring. THAT is interesting. They were all Euro with the S38B38 and were all pretty well optioned. The only dodgy bit is the double sunroof which crapped out often, and is a stone bitch to fix.

There are a few in the US, though it might be hard to find one for sale.

Tucker · Post by **Tucker** » Dec 13, 2007 8:52 PM

How about an '83 Audi Quattro? I never drive mine, it's a low mileage original car and I've been thinking of selling recently...

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 13, 2007 11:09 PM

Jay: I just can't get too charged up about a "station wagon" - even if it is a BMW and they call it a Touring (no offense intended to those of you who have one!!). I have heard the same horror stories about the double-pane sunroof.

Tucker: The Audi Quattro Coupe does qualify in the "interesting car" category. Had an A4 for a while - nice car. But not sure I want to get back in the Audi business. Thanks, though.

Any other suggestions or leads out there?

JayM · Post by **JayM** » Dec 13, 2007 11:16 PM

Mike,

To each his own, but the idea of having a station wagon with M5 performance is just, well, cool I guess. I've always liked the early ///M philosophy of understated perfromance, and a Touring takes understatement to another level.

That said, if a Touring doesn't blow your hair back, I'd recommend an E30 M3 based on what you've said so far.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Dec 13, 2007 11:19 PM

JayM wrote: That said, if a Touring doesn't blow your hair back, I'd recommend an E30 M3 based on what you've said so far.

How about an E30 M3 Evo? There's an interesting car.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Dec 14, 2007 12:14 AM

US-legal Skyline GT-R on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-Nis ... dZViewItem

190e 2.5-16 evoII (if you can find one)

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 14, 2007 12:16 AM

Chris is absolutely right about the M3 EVO.

I wish I could find a good one somewhere east of Texas to take a look at. Most of the good ones for sale now seem to be on the west coast.

BTW, the e30 M3 I had several years ago was pretty much my daily driver. I solved the "buzzy shifter problem" and enjoyed driving it almost every day very much. And this was with stiffer springs, Bilstein sports, 17" BBS RKs and a TMS front brace. The car handled like it was on rails These really are not just track day cars but Granny would not enjoy the back seat.

Raj: The Skyline and the Benz are just TOO interesting for me!! Must be getting too old.......

GregB · Post by **GregB** » Dec 14, 2007 1:14 AM

Hey Mike,
Hope all is well down your way. Heading down to Fort Valley next week for a meeting at Blue Bird

Since you've already got a great stable of front engined cars, think I would probably opt for an engine behind me like this;
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/car ... 67318.html
Not many Minerva Blue 911s around these days. Always an interesting car.

kway · Post by **kway** » Dec 14, 2007 2:35 PM

I'm liking the 911 idea. You definitely have the year range right, 3.2 Motronic with the G50 transmission is the way to go. I've been saying for a while now that that's going to be my next car, even though my wife wants me to buy brand new next time.
Best part about it is you could buy one and enjoy it for a while; if you get sick of it in a few years and want to sell it for something else, you'll have lost very little in the way of depreciation.

JayM · Post by **JayM** » Dec 14, 2007 7:40 PM

wkohler wrote:
JayM wrote: That said, if a Touring doesn't blow your hair back, I'd recommend an E30 M3 based on what you've said so far.
How about an E30 M3 Evo? There's an interesting car.

+1 on the Evo.

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 15, 2007 10:50 AM

Guys:

For you Roundel readers, there is a E9 advertised there that is owned by a guy in Hartwell, GA - about 3 hours or so from me. I talked to him yesterday about the car and it sounds pretty interesting:

Green/tan interior; bare metal rotisserie restoration by the seller about 15 years ago that he said took him about 2 years to complete; 533 driveline transplant, with 5 sp. Blanton tranny rebuild, Schrick hot cam, other motor goodies; Dinan susp, LSD, etc. He is asking $25K (

) OBO. He says the only current rust on the car is on the front leading bottom edge of the driver's door, which he plans to get repaired right after the first of the year.

He has had several inquiries from coupe guys who dissed the car because of the driveline transplant - they were looking for an original car. Frankly, the driveline transplant strikes me as an upgrade and should make the car more driveable and easier to service. However, I do imagine it reduces its value in the market considerably.

I have always loved the look of these classic e9s. Seller is getting ready to retire and is "downsizing". Any thoughts on this car as a possibility? Any thoughts on the value of this car in the current market? I may drive over tomorrow and check it out. Thanks!!

skip535i · Post by **skip535i** » Dec 15, 2007 11:02 AM

That may be a cool upgrade as far as collection goes...but it's a HUGE aesthetic DOWNGRADE IMO.

JoshInAtlanta · Post by **JoshInAtlanta** » Dec 15, 2007 11:10 AM

skip535i wrote:but it's a HUGE aesthetic DOWNGRADE IMO.

An e9?

DUDEEEEEEEEEE...

Mike... I don't know why I didn't mention it yesterday, but I have a little experience with some rather desirable coupes....

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 15, 2007 11:16 AM

Josh: See PM

Skip: I agree with you entirely on the effect the transplant has on FMV. This car will only sell to somebody who wants to drive it, not show it. A pretty limited market, it seems to me. I bet he would take $15K or so cash money. I suspect he has a bundle tied up in this car. Any thoughts on REAL value of this car?

gray635 · Post by **gray635** » Dec 16, 2007 10:22 PM

Car search update:

I drove up to Canton this afternoon to see Josh. I was interested in his e12 since I am considering a pristine example as a prospect and had never driven an e12. Josh is absolutely the King of the Great Deals. He paid about $2,500 for his car and it is the best sub$3K car I have ever seen!!

Thanks Josh - great fun.

I then hustled over on I-85 to Hartwell, GA, which is almost in SC, to look at the e9 I discussed above. This is a fine car. The massaged 533 motor (Shrick cam, hi comp pistons, etc.) and the Blanton-rebuilt euro dogleg 5 sp. tranny are absolute gems. Runs really strong and the drivetrain has about 25K on it. Paint work and chrome are excellent.

The owner is asking $25K OBO and probably has x2 invested in the car. However, even with all this work, it still feels like an "old car" - lots of wind noise, rubber seals that need replacing, a small crack in the instrument pod, rust spot mentioned above, etc. At this point, I'm just not sure I really want a car built before the1980s - I guess that I'm just getting old and soft

Anyway, put about 500 miles on the M6 today between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm. She ran like a champ, even with the crappy TRXs. Soon to be replaced with 17" covered lug Alpinas and some 050A Bridgestone Pole Positions

Two of the wheels are here - the other 2 are MIA somewhere between Perry, GA and Germany

So, it looks like I am still looking for the right car. Any more leads, thoughts or suggestions would, as always, be much appreciated.

Thanks, and regards to all.

Mike Gray

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

WTB: An interesting car - FOUND IT!!

WTB: An interesting car - FOUND IT!!

How "interesting" do you want it to be?