Excited, but how much is it worth

[shambu]

Found a 1990 328is
3 owners, last owned by a mechanic who says:
he put a new engine in it for a customer, the customer didn't pay, he got the car. Problem is the engine has unknown miles! When he bought it from Bevarian they said miles unknown but in great condition. then he put in 15.000 more
Car itself has 180,000

Known problems he says,
1.steering rack is leaking fluid
2.He says the U joints are getting worn (clunking sometimes)
3.AC runs but not super cold, never recharged.
4.some small dents and scratches

He put in H&R cup kit Match shock and Spring
He wants $2200

2 questions for you all
1. What do you all think it's worth
2. How much cash will those take to fix in my garage or in a shop?

Thanks,
Looking forward to finally getting behind a 325

[BimmerE39]

Originally Posted by shambu

Found a 1990 328is
3 owners, last owned by a mechanic who says:
he put a new engine in it for a customer, the customer didn't pay, he got the car. Problem is the engine has unknown miles! When he bought it from Bevarian they said miles unknown but in great condition. then he put in 15.000 more
Car itself has 180,000

Known problems he says,
1.steering rack is leaking fluid
2.He says the U joints are getting worn (clunking sometimes)
3.AC runs but not super cold, never recharged.
4.some small dents and scratches

He put in H&R cup kit Match shock and Spring
He wants $2200

2 questions for you all
1. What do you all think it's worth
2. How much cash will those take to fix in my garage or in a shop?

Thanks,
Looking forward to finally getting behind a 325

I guess the real question is what are you going to use this car as? If you're going to use it as a daily driver it might not be worth it but if you're going to use it as a fun "weekend" car then yo might have found something.

One thing that concerns me is it's called a 1990 328is. As far as I know (and I like to think I know a little bit) there was no such model designated as a 328is in the E30 3-series range. I'm assuming a 2.8 liter M50 engine was swapped in place of the M20. I would check with that first because if the M20 is still in the engine bay I'd call him out on it.

Differences between the motors...

BMW M20


BMW M50


Onto other issues with this car. E30's are very basic cars in comparison to BMW's modern equivalents. Replacing the steering rack shouldn't be too difficult and there are probably plenty of used/good condition steering racks out there as we speak.

I'm assuming that the U-joint on this car is like other BMW's, welded in place on the drive shaft. However, I'm thinking the guibo's and CV joints are likely the problem and not the U-joint.

All in all $2200 is reasonable, but the car obviously needs some work. If you're willing to put some wrench time in then I say go for it and pick it up. I personally would not see this car as a daily driver based on the fact that it needs some work. Just my $.02.

[shambu]

Sorry, typo, it's a 325is same engine.
I don't mind putting in some time on it, and it wouldn't be a daily right away, but want to get it to that, I just don't have the cash for something nicer, should I hold out?

[k.sidlosky]

Act on it while you can, talk him down though. play hard to get. If you havnt already tell him you have like two grand or 1800. Even thats talking it low, just give it a try wait two or three days without talking to the guy and if nothing either someone else bought it or he's not worried about selling it. But yeah sounds like a good deal. Good luck!

[BimmerE39]

Originally Posted by shambu

Sorry, typo, it's a 325is same engine.
I don't mind putting in some time on it, and it wouldn't be a daily right away, but want to get it to that, I just don't have the cash for something nicer, should I hold out?

Well in one way that's disappointing because a M50B28 would be beastly. I think overall the car sounds like a good deal. There's a lot of stuff out there for the E30 and if you're willing to put in a little wrench time these can be really cool.

[silversled]

I would say I wouldn't buy it...too many unkowns....just me though

[silversled]

and yep, your right...there was no 1990 328i....