Re: Recommendations on a $3500-$4500 BMW

[Mpotheau@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 12/26/01 7:53:41 AM Eastern Standard Time, Henri writes:

<< If it's important for the car to be 95-100% correct, then a 3500-4500 
dollar E30 with 100k will likely be a black hole for money. >>

I agree on the 95% correct, not just for an E30 but any BMW. I cannot 
disagree enough with the latter part of the statement. I own two E30's, one 
is a 1988 325 with no suffixes. It has 160,000 plus on it. 

To date (2+ years and nearly 60,000 miles) it has only needed the following:
Oil changes
Front brake pads
Muffler
Tires
Electric window switches
 (were a problem when I bought the car).
Fuses box cover
Washer fluid
Wiper refills
A/C converted
Gas
Tail lense (hit & run)
Tail lense (second hit & run, same side)
This is hardly what I would categorize as a black hole or money pit. Yes, I'm 
a lifelong wrench turner but am happy to report that has not been needed on 
this wonderful car. Gas mileage has dropped to below 30 this week, probably 
needs spark plugs. Similar vintage E30 or E28 528e are one of the best 
bargains out there.

Remember the old adage, a bad good car will always be a good car. A good bad 
car will always be a bad car. Figure out where BMW falls.

FWIW, my e30 M3 has needed far less work than the 325 but also has a fraction 
of the mileage.
Michel Potheau

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