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.

[IanStott]

Hey Mike, If the owner brought it over from Germany it had to meet Canadian specs, many of us military guys did just that and tried to ship engine components etc. separately to then try to duplicate European perf. If this is really imported from Germany there will be paperwork, customs stuff, etc. As far as BMW's are concerned I have one, 528 e, great car, daily driver, 300 k plus, trouble free, just normal maintenance. The price is a bit high but remember our friends south of the border think in US dollars, do a conversion, then ask the ques. again. Rust free is a biggy and you being in Sask. it should be real good. Check if the rubber bushings are getting dried out, replacing them really brings the ride back to how it should be. Call me if you want.

Ian Stott
Moncton