Purchasing a 1997 328i with M Package, have a few questions - BMW Forum

Jessie30 · 03-31-2008, 12:47 PM

Hi there, this is my first post and I am very excited to be purchasing my first BMW. Anyway I've been looking at this 1997 328i convertible but the back window is completely wrecked. It is a plastic one but it is so difficult to see out of it. Is it possible just to replace the plastic glass or does one have to replace the entire convertible roof.

I noticed that when I test drove the car, that the odometer kept flasing on and off. Also the LED readings for the stereo and engine readings below were really faint. I am worried that there might be a signal for a latter serious electrical problem or is this something that can be easily remedied?

The car has 160,000 kms and the guy is selling it for $15,000, is that reasonable for this type of car, remember it has the M Sport package.

dannyb · 03-31-2008, 12:49 PM

im guessing since you said km and that price that you are in Canada... if so where about?

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-31-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessie30

Hi there, this is my first post and I am very excited to be purchasing my first BMW. Anyway I've been looking at this 1997 328i convertible but the back window is completely wrecked. It is a plastic one but it is so difficult to see out of it. Is it possible just to replace the plastic glass or does one have to replace the entire convertible roof.

I noticed that when I test drove the car, that the odometer kept flasing on and off. Also the LED readings for the stereo and engine readings below were really faint. I am worried that there might be a signal for a latter serious electrical problem or is this something that can be easily remedied?

The car has 160,000 kms and the guy is selling it for $15,000, is that reasonable for this type of car, remember it has the M Sport package.

I think you whould have to replace the whole top.... get him down at least what that costs also rust? how much and where?

Jessie30 · 03-31-2008, 01:05 PM

The car is in mint condition, no body rust, just a little bit of wear on the inside leather seats. Yes I am from Canada, Vancouver, BC to be exact and $15,000 is in Canadian dollars.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-31-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessie30

The car is in mint condition, no body rust, just a little bit of wear on the inside leather seats. Yes I am from Canada, Vancouver, BC to be exact and $15,000 is in Canadian dollars.

compareing what danny paid and that it seems like a fair price! just check the undercarrage(bottom of the car and suspention) for rust if there isn't any i' say go for it! i just got ack from canada and rust seems like a HUGE issue... makesure you keep that baby in mint! will maintain its value better!

Jessie30 · 03-31-2008, 01:32 PM

Thanks for that tip. What about the dashboard light issue? blinking odometer reader, fading lights on the stereo and trip readings, engine diagnostic readings, should that be a concern?

dannyb · 03-31-2008, 01:41 PM

Has the car been sitting for a while? If possible ask the seller if he can lift the car so you can check under it. Look for rust, check the bushings and brakes. Ask the owner if he changed the rear shock mounts.

Check the muffler brackets

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-31-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessie30

Thanks for that tip. What about the dashboard light issue? blinking odometer reader, fading lights on the stereo and trip readings, engine diagnostic readings, should that be a concern?

it this with the car Running? could be dieing battery... when was it last replaced

Jessie30 · 03-31-2008, 02:20 PM

Yes it was while the car was running. Maybe I'll take it to a mechanic and get him to do an inspection on it just to make sure what I'm getting into.

Thanks for all the input!!

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-31-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessie30

Yes it was while the car was running. Maybe I'll take it to a mechanic and get him to do an inspection on it just to make sure what I'm getting into.

Thanks for all the input!!

yeah have a test done ever thought about buying a car from the states?

Jessie30 · 03-31-2008, 04:46 PM

Yeah I thought about it, I just wasn't sure how hard it was to bring the car over here and what is required to meet whatever standards Canada has and how much it would cost using a broker etc. Any thoughts on this?

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-31-2008, 05:47 PM

I know it costs quite a bit... but for just under 7k for a mint 328i vert i wonder how much customs and inspection could be? if it is under 8K then us car would be a good deal...