Well, several weeks ago my buddy Abheek told me about a buddy of his who was thinking of selling his e30 M3. It was a 1988 (12/87) M3 to be exact. He said that the vehicle was mechanically sound, but wasn't the prettiest. That didn't really discourage me since I figured cosmetic flaws were not nearly as important as a strong engine.
Anyways, I got the owner's number from Abheek and gave the guy a call one night. We spoke for about a hour a half over the car and other things BMW related. I found out I had actually parked next to the owner at Bimmerfest East last year. Small world huh?
After a few weeks I was coming up through Maryland where the car lived. I told the owner I wanted to test drive and so we setup a time and place to meet. Test drove it and it was similar to my e30. However, somethings were different. Quicker steering and better brakes were the first. The buzz of that S14 revving quickly to 7,000 rpm. Once you hit 4,000 it just zoomed to redline. It is an amazing engine. The biggest thing I noticed was the suspension wasn't as tight as my e30 which has a relatively new Bilstein Sport/H&R Race combination. As well, there was a rear end clunk of one or both half shafts biting the dust. No worries though since I had just recently done the same work on my own e30.
We got back and settled after some more conversation over BMWs.
Here is the picture I had to take after we shook hands. We decided that I would try and get the car on June 3rd when I was coming back through with my cousin, her husband, and their kid.
Here is breakdown of what is good and bad on the car
Good
- Original registration date 1988.02.17
- Zinnoberrot exterior, Natur leather interior
- ~135,000 original miles (odometer still works)
- 1,200 mile service inspection record at 1,362
- There is documentation from 51,637 in 1995 all the way to 100,631 in 2000.
- All electronics work
- AC was converted to R134a from R12
- Original radio with code
- Original OEM wheels included
- Extra OEM spoiler
- OEM Style 4s, I didn't like them original, but they've grown on me. New tires on them as well.
- Clutch feels good, a lot better than the e30 clutch pedal feel.
- Aftermarket cup holder that sits below the radio. Really handy for long trips
- Primarily Pennsylvania owned (I don't hate PA, but there is this thing called rust that sucks).
- No documentation between 1,362 and 51,637 miles
- No documentation between 100,631 and 117,xxx miles. During which there were Pennsylvania inspection stickers on the vehicle
- Rust behind passenger wheel arch. It looks superficial and not structure related
- Busted exhaust hanger(s)
- Needs a suspension refresh
- Rust by driver's side front window (common)
- Surface rust on corners of doors, etc. nothing major
- One or both half shafts are toast. Luckily I have at least one good one laying around.
- Repainted on one side, not by the Previous Owner, but perhaps the one before him?
- Rear spoiler is ugly, but there is a backup
- Interior needs a cleanup along with new floor mats that don't slide
- General cosmetic issues (needs new roundels, etc.)
- Needs to be buffed.
- 126,121 miles
- Valve adjustment, I'm not sure why only 6 are listed for both intake and exhaust unless 4 valves weren't checked or were inspect?
- Intake: .023 .024 .023 .022 .023 .024
- Exhaust: .031 .031 .030 .031 .030 .031
- Rear passenger half shaft (CV joint) replaced
- 126,211 miles
- Front and rear brake pads and rotors
- Oil change
- Last recording oil change according to the sticker was at 134,120 miles
Initial plans I'll cover in the next post.
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