Geoff's Quest for a 325is - BMW Forum

uber e36 · 05-07-2004, 05:28 PM

I'm Geoff and live in Toronto.

So I own a Mk3 Golf CL (my first car ever). This car worked out well for me last year as a student, reliable, efficient, blah blah blah... Now I got a job at BMW and get to drive all the nice cars and realize the pitfalls of my car. Plus it has no a/c which is gonna kill me this summer in a suit. I've had an offer made on my car which is quite reasonable so I am selling it. I've got a '94 Taurus wagon to pass the time until I find my e36.

I've decided to go with the 325is... I want more power than the 318 and can't afford a 328. Good comprimise I figure!

I've found a 95 325is for sale in aurora with 260kms (i feel a little uneasy about the kms but people at work asure me that as long as the body's in good shape, the motor will last forever). He's asking $9,800 with a sport package.

I was all hyped, planning to get the car for the $8,500 ballpark. Then I realized that he said arctic silver in his ad, but i checked the vin and it's arctic grey!

ghead I'm not sure if I'm going to like this, but the pic makes it look really light like a silver.

Anyways, I wanted to start documenting my search.... I will update after the test drive tomorrow. I really look forward to owning an e36 and when I get it, I'd love to come out to any gtgs that may be happening around toronto!

-Geoff

tico481 · 05-07-2004, 08:55 PM

Hey, i have that same exact type and everything that you might be getting and trust me, you won't be disappointed. Oh yeah, the arctic grey color looks really good on that car. Im on my 3rd bimmer now. my first was a 79' 530i, then an 89' 325i, and now a 95' 325is.... needless to say I won't settle for anything but a bimmer to drive. They really are the ultimate driving machines

Laxiepoo · 05-08-2004, 02:11 AM

Good luck with the search - I know I speak for us all when I say we can't wait to see pics of your new ride =)

uber e36 · 05-09-2004, 11:29 AM

Well I drove it yesterday. It seemed in really good shape. I brought a friend who owns a 318is and also works with me to check it out. I am only concerned with one small bubble in the paint (starting of a rust) that's maybe the size of a dime on the drivers side skirt just above where BMW sprayed that chip protection stuff. I am having a local BMW Retailer do an inspection on Tuesday.

In the meantime I've given the guy a $500 refundable deposit with the balance of $8,400CDN due upon my satisfaction of that inspection. I'm pretty happy with it!

Here's a pic from the for sale ad:

The tires shown are the winter rims, the summer wheels are the sport package upgrade ones.

I'll let you all know how the inspection goes, and hopefully I'll see some of you Toronto e36ers as soon as it stops hailing!?

skawful · 05-09-2004, 11:52 AM

nice colour

007ben · 05-09-2004, 02:23 PM

I too dig the color

dutchbmw · 05-09-2004, 02:33 PM

Grey colour, like mine

007ben · 05-09-2004, 02:56 PM

his looks more silver. but i like the gray too..

a graphite gray would kick a fair amout of ass too.

BlantonG13 · 05-09-2004, 03:32 PM

impressive little ride...Beemers are the best. Can't wait til I get outta college to upgrade from a 318i to an M3...I have the silver and its just about the best color a beemer can have in my opinion. Haven't seen any that look bad in any color to be honest with you...goodluck with the purchase (also sounds to me like you have the dream job!)

uber e36 · 05-09-2004, 05:40 PM

I thought it was silver too... he listed it as "arctic silver"

But in reality it's "arctic grey", that pic just makes it look really silver...

Here's another car, but this is the same colour....

I was hoping for silver... but this grey is really growing on me!

camnipotent · 05-09-2004, 09:55 PM

Yeah. That grey is nice. I'll think you'll like it more and more.

uber e36 · 05-11-2004, 09:47 PM

Well I sold my Mk3 Golf today for cash, so there's no turning back!

The 325is also got an hour inspection by a local BMW Retailer but I was unable to call them for results before 5pm. So I guess I find out what shape it's in tomorrow...

If all is well I should get it from the guy on Thursday after work!

Wish me luck...

Kevin325i · 05-11-2004, 10:36 PM

Good luck B)

Kevin

skawful · 05-11-2004, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlantonG13@May 9 2004, 04:12 PM
impressive little ride...Beemers are the best. Can't wait til I get outta college to upgrade from a 318i to an M3...I have the silver and its just about the best color a beemer can have in my opinion. Haven't seen any that look bad in any color to be honest with you...goodluck with the purchase (also sounds to me like you have the dream job!)

its BIMMER college boy

uber e36 · 05-12-2004, 11:59 AM

So it got checked out today.

Results:

1. Needs Front Pads and Rotors

While replacing them, can I upgrade to bigger rotors and better pads OEM? If so, will I need to change the calipers?

2. Control Arms and Bushings

I was going to upgrade to M3 bushings anyways. I'll get the guy to lower price a bit accordingly.

3. Drive Belts Worn

Not that expensive, so it's not a concern.

4. Needs tires soon

I was going to upgrade to 17s anyways but I'll get the guy to reduce price accordingly.

Can anyone answer my questions regarding the brakes?