[hmi1750]

Hi all,

Would appreciate some info on what to look for when buying a convertible.

A friend of mine wants to get this car

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9837&item=4516247628&rd=1

I think his highest budget is 7k really.

Does this car (in link above) seem too expensive for what it is? and is there a way of going over it to check its all good.

regards,

Inaam

 

[cage]

I seen this car around, the owner lives near me.

To be honest you don't want't a (318i) 1.8 8v engine, unless it was an 318is model which came with the 1.8/1.9(later models) 16 valve engine. Your friend would be better off looking for a six cyclinder engine (which comes on all 2.0 and above engines), especially as the BMW convertibles are heavy cars, due to the reinforced panels.

Judging my the numberplate, I bet the owner has probably been ragging it like an M3 also.

I would advise you mate to view it before bidding, and as the seller is deperate to sell it, maybe able to offer a price on the spot and get for a good cash deal.

PS: Make thing to check on these are the power roof operation, the rear diff seal, rear suspension top mounts and usual accident rear damage.

 

[hmi1750]

thanks for the suggestions cage, i have already adviced my mate to check it over, he wants me to take him to view the car tomrw or tuesday... but i think he might rush into it... I don't think its wise to rush a buy in the evening when you cant see the car.

Also, he doesnt care about the engine size, (he hasnt got a license so this will be for his mum and for him to learn on!) he is 24 and so insurance on aything larger will be expensive.

will hopefully go and check it out, to see if its in good condition or not... though i dont know much about the mechanics of it.

He plans to offer 5k for it. which i think is way too much, so will speak to him tonight.

 

[diablo]

the mirrors are fake the wheels will probably be the same.318 convertibles are generaly good cars nothing majorly common just check that the top end dosent rattle and that it dosent over heat.the head gaskets were know to go and if it runs cold it will be the thermostat.also on bigger wheeled cars bottom ball joints wear at the front but they are cheap to replace a dealer will do them for 25mins a side and ?14 a joint.the rear trailing arm bushes go but you will hear a very load knock over bumps if they are away.the roof some times not working will probably need the rear section of the roof adjusted.you can tell this by opening the roof the rear lid hits the end of the roof.if you look inside the roof storage compartment there is a big bar you cant miss it its on the passenger side adjust it out this helps the roof hit the microswitches.thats about it really any questions pm me.[]

 

[hmi1750]

thanks for the info, will see when my mate wants to go... shall pass all this info on.

 

[bjs144]

Please note that I am experiencing some problems with the electrical roof, BMW has told me that it is not the motors or anything major, as it works sometimes and sometimes it doesn?t, but can be operated manually without any problems

Walk away IMO

 

[hmi1750]

my mate is arranging to meet up and check this car tomrw... I am concerned about its age, also he plans to mod it up!! so i am also concerned he will waste money on it...

His max budget is 8k, (inc mods like satnav, tints, engine mods he might do etc etc) so surely he can get a newer shape 318i conv for that money with the factory satnav etc etc...

please help, i need to convince him to look elsewhere.

 

[hmi1750]

i have been suggested by someone else that my mate should get 318is cab for 5,5-6k? about a 1996 car... but just cant find any...

I have told my friend to walk away from the car in the link above, but he seems keen on it, so i think might end up viewing it atleast...

 

[Vee]

Why is he looking for a 318i ? Insurance ?

If so, has he looked into what a M3 look a like will cost - I would think very close to M3 money.

For ?8k he can get a very good condition 328i Sport Coupe (E36) and will not lose too much on it over the next couple of years.

3 series 'sports' are always sought after.

 

[hmi1750]

yer Vee, i have told him that, to not bother with the whole M3 look, but he wants one with the M kit, I showed him a few 328i models but he says they are too far to get to view, and not enough spec compared to the modded 318 above...

ah well, i think he hasnt been able to arrange a time to view the car anyway.

 

[djhorace]

Why does he not buy a fast non-bmw 318 convertible for the same money and save what he would waste on mods to buy a proper M3 when money allows?

 

[Richard W]

No No No - he's being seduced by shiny things! the extra insurance on a look-a-like would be silly for someone who doesn't have a licence.

I would recommend a std 318i cab if that's what he wants and then mod himself. If not then get a cheaper pose-mobile until he's got some NCB then let him make his own mistakes....

 

[djhorace]

For 8k he could get a 172 Clio and add sat nav, bling bling crap etc and best of all a 172 badge which is not out of place!

 

[hmi1750]

i told him to get the clio too...

but he wants a 318i cab with the m3 kit! the car is actually better looking than in the pics, and i have told him to walk away... he says its all he ever wanted, etc etc... but the insurance will be almost 50% the value of the car!! its just mad!! i said if you want to buy a car to mod up then go for the older 325i for ?1,500... but alas, not much i can do...

we saw it in the end, in the dark (so didnt really get to look round) its not MOT although seller said he would do that, and also the key was with the guys brother! so no test drive or even engine start...

the paintwork was good and clean (well in the dark at least) and only 1 minor dent, and the 114k miles meant corroded wheels, though not kerbed, and cream leather front seats were worn away a lot! the hood was good, though i think it has been drawn on and apparently when clean you cant tell... it also has a new rear screen.

oh well, i did my part.

my mate is now thinking of a FTO with loads of mods! but again the costs to insure is stupid... he doesnt have a licence yet either, so its gonna sit on his drive while he mods, and it devalues further.

 

[LOFLUX]

Bad roof > walk away.... if it's got a gremlin you will probably find more.

Tell him to buy a Golf and spend the extra money on some nice mods...

 

[djhorace]

Quote: posted by hmi1750 Posted - 05 Jan 2005 : 15:24:28

i told him to get the clio too...

but he wants a 318i cab with the m3 kit! the car is actually better looking than in the pics, and i have told him to walk away... he says its all he ever wanted, etc etc... but the insurance will be almost 50% the value of the car!! its just mad!! i said if you want to buy a car to mod up then go for the older 325i for ?1,500... but alas, not much i can do...

we saw it in the end, in the dark (so didnt really get to look round) its not MOT although seller said he would do that, and also the key was with the guys brother! so no test drive or even engine start...

the paintwork was good and clean (well in the dark at least) and only 1 minor dent, and the 114k miles meant corroded wheels, though not kerbed, and cream leather front seats were worn away a lot! the hood was good, though i think it has been drawn on and apparently when clean you cant tell... it also has a new rear screen.

oh well, i did my part.

my mate is now thinking of a FTO with loads of mods! but again the costs to insure is stupid... he doesnt have a licence yet either, so its gonna sit on his drive while he mods, and it devalues further.

No offence but has your mate got much in the way of brains?[B)][?][]

 

[hmi1750]

brains... but not in this dept! he is too stubborn i think... hopefully it will be sold to someone else before he has time to buy it!

 

[djhorace]

Then he will look at something else as daft!!