Rear axle differential

[TheFutt]

Looking into buying a 93 325is, but there are a few catches. First off, the car has quite a few miles (182k) has a little bit of exterior damage (wear and tear, a few very small rust spots, the seal around the moonroof needs replaced, yadda yadda yadda...) but the biggest problem seems to be a leaky rear axle differential.

I'm wondering if I purchase this car, that it would be worth my money to fix the seal, or just fill it up whenever it needs it.

Also after doing some price researching, it seems that this guy is asking way too much. He wants $5300, but obviously the car isn't worth that much. Any suggestions for a base price to start negotiating from?

Thanks in advance.

[ganjacyde]

i would start negotiating around 4k, $5300 is way too expensive for that.

[nycbmw325is]

I would stay away from this car altogether. 182K is big miles for ANY car, regardless of make. Since there are rust spots you are not talking about a well maintained car. Sooo.. you are looking at sinking a bunch of money into this puppy (BMW parts are kinda pricey) The rear differential may not be a big deal, if the gasket is leaking from the side cover. if it is leaking from the input shaft, a little more work but not horrendous. If however it is leaking from the output shafts, the seals require considerasble tear down and may be indicitive of bearing wear, which would require a ring and pinion replacment and new bearings (not generally for the do it yourselfer unless you are comfy with using marking dye and know what gear patterns are supposed to look like and can use precision measuring tools. Simply put the guy is asking way too much for what is likely to be a high milage money pit.. just my opinion.

[Dinan 95]

I personally would avoid the car like the plague
Obviously by the condition he/she gave up caring about the car a while ago
I would not vernture into that.....sounds like a money pit
Just my thoughts though

[Kevin325i]

Try and get it for 2500-3000. If the guy doesn't bite, walk away. If you end up buying it part it out, or try and restore it.