What to do with my 320i?

["Gary Dietz" <DietzGW@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've got a bit of a dilema that some of you may have been through and
may be able to help me sort it out.  I've got a 1980 320i that I have
owned since new.  It has over 250,000 miles and has never had the head
or pan off.  Runs fine except for some oil smoke at startup from worn
valve guides, but doesn't smoke after the initial startup.  The car has
always been garaged.  The paint and interior are nearly perfect.  It has
been a great car!  But - even though it is running ok I fear to get too
far from home with it.  Anytime you put that many miles on a little
4-banger (even a BMW 4-banger) you have to expect that someday it will
give up on you.  But what to do with it?  It's far too good to toss
away, but probably has very little resale value.  I could have the
engine rebuilt, but I'd probably be into it $3k to $4k (after rebuilding
the engine, replacing injectors, starter, clutch assembly, and all the
other things you might as well do while the engine is out).  The only
way I could ever hope to recoup that investment would be to drive it for
another 250,000 miles since, even in excellent shape and with a rebuilt
motor I probably couldn't sell it for that much.

- - Do I rebuild the motor and then try to sell it?  Or keep driving it?

- - Do I try to sell it for whatever I can get out of it, without putting
any $$$ into it?

- - What about engine transplants?  Can a guy pick up a used 6-banger out
of a wrecked 325 and stick it in the 320 cheaper than rebuilding the
stock 4-banger?  If I'm going to keep it I'd like to make it a little
more interesting to drive and this would help!

I'm torn between the sentimentality of keeping my "baby", and the
practicality of just cutting it lose and moving on with life.  Note that
this is my daily driver, but is not my sole vehicle, so I don't really
have to depend upon it for long trips or anything.  I'd be interested in
hearing what direction any of you who have gone through a similar dilema
have gone.

Gary Dietz
dietzgw@domain.elided 

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