The Time Has Come To Buy My First Car

[Ryan]

Ok, I'm getting older and discovering a whole world beyond my house, TV, and Computer.

Now that I have begun to see beyond my front porch, and my little I realize that my 21-speed Peugeot mountain bike is no longer adequate transportation. The time has come for me to get an automobile.

For the past few weeks I have been looking around for a cheap, and fun little car that could buy. Something that gets me from point A to point B, and on weekends points C. But also something that is worth working and spending time on.

And I think I've found it.

A guy who lives about a half hour away is selling a 1986 BMW 325 for about $1000. I talked to him today about it and he said it's in mostly good condition. The bodywork, interior, engine, transmission, and clutch are all fine. It does have a slight fuel leak, and a cracked seam in the muffler (so it's a noisy ride), but these should be fairly easy fixes. It also comes with the regular all season tires, aswell as Pirelli winter tires with rims and BMW hubcaps.

What do you guys think?

I haven't seen it yet, but I should be going to see in the next couple of days. When I do I'll take some pics too.

[saltysurprise]

What's the milage??? Don't just take buddy's word about the condition. Take it to an actual mechanic (preferably someone with Beemer experience) and spend the 50-100 bucks or so and have them give it the once over. It could save you thousands in the long run.

Unless you're a gear-head, they're pricey to get fixed professionally. But really, what isn't these days:rolleyes:

[Ryan]

The milage is 260k, which for a 1986 model isn't bad. Means about 10k a year.

I agree with you about getting it checked. Although my old man is a skilled mechanic, so I'll take him with me and get his opinion.

[saltysurprise]

I agree with you about getting it checked. Although my old man is a skilled mechanic, so I'll take him with me and get his opinion.

Well that's handy. Lucky you! I had my Dad help me with an engine swap in my old Blazer. Not once, not twice, but thrice he put the wrong mount on the block:mad::lol:. Up and down, up and down the cherry-picker went:rolleyes:. THANKS DAD!:thumbsup:

If I were your 'Old Man' (I'm sure he loves it when you call him that:rolleyes::lol:), I'd probably try to talk you out of the Beemer and hope you'd get something a little more reliable and not so pricey to repair. See! I'd make a horrible father:lol:

[EIR Loe.307]

I usually recomend something that you can work on yourself if you needed to. There's always budget to keep in mind though. Just try to keep in mind what it "could" cost later if there are problems. You may need to save for a little longer to get a better car. Just my 2 cents (USD) hehehe.

[JoStream]

The milage is 260k, which for a 1986 model isn't bad. Means about 10k a year.

That is a fairly good mileage. But as the rest of the gang said, it's crucial that you get a mechanic to check the car.

Why don't you give us some specs of the car (just to get a better idea :thumbsup:)

[Harakimi]

My friend has an old M3 and he gave me following instructions what to check out.

Check the ignition system. old bimmers usually leak oil from the engine and also from gearbox. Differential could make some noises, if so then it's worn out. There might also be oil leakage in the diff. Check break discs, they wear out easily. Also the hand brake can have some problems. Also check the headlights for any cracks or even water inside the lights.

[Ryan]

My friend has an old M3 and he gave me following instructions what to check out.

Check the ignition system. old bimmers usually leak oil from the engine and also from gearbox. Differential could make some noises, if so then it's worn out. There might also be oil leakage in the diff. Check break discs, they wear out easily. Also the hand brake can have some problems. Also check the headlights for any cracks or even water inside the lights.

Thanks, I'll be sure to check those things.:)

[Ryan]

Well I went and looked at it. Checked everything out, it all looks good. Needs some work, but nothing major. There's some surface rust around the rear wheel wells but that I can get out with a grinder on a weekend.

It has been well taken care of, the guy who's selling it is the 3rd owner, but the first 2 were his brother and mother. The car has seen about 3000km in the last 5 years.

In the end I think that I am going to buy it. It will be motivation for me to keep working hard at both school and my job.

[saltysurprise]

In the end I think that I am going to buy it.

Cool man! You must be excited about your first car:D:cool:

Did you get a chance to take 'er for a boot? You should put up some pics too. I'll send you the air freshener of your choice when you get it:thumbsup::lol:

[Harakimi]

Cool man! You must be excited about your first car:D:cool:

Did you get a chance to take 'er for a boot? You should put up some pics too. I'll send you the air freshener of your choice when you get it:thumbsup::lol:

Yeah, how it rides? We'll get you a Wunderbaum that smells like new bmw! :p Those old bimmers are btw pretty easy to tune up. You get nice boost just changing the exhaust system.

[Ryan]

We did take it out for a quick spin around the block. But my dad had to drive as I have not yet learned how to drive standard.:o

But he said it drives well. Typical BMW, stiff but sweet.

[Ryan]

Ok, I figured out how to make these pictures smaller.

[saltysurprise]

Ok, I figured out how to make these pictures smaller.

It's a good thing I don't have any pics of my first cars:o:lol:

I was just trying to find some pics on google that might have been a reasonable facsimilie, but it's just too embarassing:lol::lol:

In order of the first few POS's I had, '81 Datsun 510 Station wagon, '77 Ford LTD II (brown on brown 4 door), '77 Toyota Corolla (with custom paint:eek::lol:) and to top it all off, the '82 Buick Skylark which caught fire on Earth Day in '90.

You've done well:cool:

[Ryan]

It's a good thing I don't have any pics of my first cars:o:lol:

I was just trying to find some pics on google that might have been a reasonable facsimilie, but it's just too embarassing:lol::lol:

In order of the first few POS's I had, '81 Datsun 510 Station wagon, '77 Ford LTD II (brown on brown 4 door), '77 Toyota Corolla (with custom paint:eek::lol:) and to top it all off, the '82 Buick Skylark which caught fire on Earth Day in '90.

You've done well:cool:

:lol::lol::lol::lol: That made me laugh quite a lot.

What caused that?

[Harakimi]

Oh man those bumpers are HUGE! Like 10 times bigger than in the models we have in europe. :eek: Remove them and you will get 1 second faster 0-60 time!

The interioir looks very good for it's age. :thumbsup:

[saltysurprise]

:lol::lol::lol::lol: That made me laugh quite a lot.

What caused that?

Lack of oil, water, piss poor wiring and a fuel leak on the manifold will usually do it:thumbsup::lol:.

Problem was, I was dating this really hot chick from the mainland at the time:wonder:. She was cool about it though. We just left it and walked into town (there were no cell phones at the time).

[Ryan]

I withdrew the money from the bank today, and my dad is going to drop by on his way home from work tomorrow and pay him, and get various paperwork. I wanted to be there, but I have to work from 3pm to 11pm.

Anyway, we should be able to get 10-day insurance on it and a trip permit, which allows us to move the car without it needing safety ceritfication, and be able to bring it home on Saturday, so we can get to work cleaning and preparing it to be certified.

Unfortuanately I have to work on Saturday afternoon aswell, so the real work won't start until Sunday, then I work on Sunday aswell.:wonder:

[saltysurprise]

I withdrew the money from the bank today, and my dad is going to drop by on his way home from work tomorrow and pay him, and get various paperwork. I wanted to be there, but I have to work from 3pm to 11pm.

Anyway, we should be able to get 10-day insurance on it and a trip permit, which allows us to move the car without it needing safety ceritfication, and be able to bring it home on Saturday, so we can get to work cleaning and preparing it to be certified.

Unfortuanately I have to work on Saturday afternoon aswell, so the real work won't start until Sunday, then I work on Sunday aswell.:wonder:

Work shmirk. You'll be so into messin' with your new wheels, you'll forget all aboot work.:lol: If I were you I'd be all over Ebay looking for parts and gizmos, like a Texan on a box of Smarties:lol::lol: (for those of you keeping score at home, Smarties are a candy coated chocolate candy, found only in Canada I presume:wonder:).

[Ryan]

Work shmirk. You'll be so into messin' with your new wheels, you'll forget all aboot work.:lol: If I were you I'd be all over Ebay looking for parts and gizmos, like a Texan on a box of Smarties:lol::lol: (for those of you keeping score at home, Smarties are a candy coated chocolate candy, found only in Canada I presume:wonder:).

Oh believe me I have plans.:)

There's a piece broken off the front under the bumper from where the guy I'm buying it from hit a snow bank last winter. He still has the broken piece, but instead of plastic welding it back on I'm going to leave it for now and also eventually rip off (gently;)) the spoiler on the back and add an E30 M3 Aero package. So a new air dam and a larger spoiler/wing.

I also want to get some special heat resistant paints, and paint specific area's of the car, like the brake calipers, and parts of the engine. Getting a new shift knob is also importent as the current is wearing out.

I've got many idea's, just not the $$$:rolleyes:

EDIT: Smarties are everywhere except for the US. So EIR.loe is the only in the dark as to the awsomeness of Smarties.
What about Ketchup potato chips? Are they Canada only?

[Harakimi]

What about Ketchup potato chips? Are they Canada only?

Nope! We have excellent ketchup chips in Finland too! YUMMY! And everytime I buy a pack, I can eat it all by myself coz my girlfriend hates em :D

[saltysurprise]

Nope! We have excellent ketchup chips in Finland too! YUMMY! And everytime I buy a pack, I can eat it all by myself coz my girlfriend hates em :D

I'm with her, YUCK! I have a real Ketchup phobia:lol:

[EIR Loe.307]

EDIT: Smarties are everywhere except for the US. So EIR.loe is the only in the dark as to the awsomeness of Smarties.
What about Ketchup potato chips? Are they Canada only?

Nope, I've seen both here. I had a smarties fight with my bro one halloween. we had little pack of them all over the house. :lol:

Now YOU don't have Zapp's or Bob's Jalapeno chips do ya?!?! :lol:

[JoStream]

I'm with her, YUCK! I have a real Ketchup phobia:lol:

I'm with you Salty. Not a big fan either, especially in big amounts :eek:

[saltysurprise]

Nope, I've seen both here. I had a smarties fight with my bro one halloween. we had little pack of them all over the house. :lol:

Now YOU don't have Zapp's or Bob's Jalapeno chips do ya?!?! :lol:

Huh. Weird.. I think we invented smarties at least:wonder:. I dunno.

Never heard of Zapp's:confused:. And we have Jalapeno chips in many different varieties. Unlike a lot of people, instead of chocolate cravings, I get Jalapeno cravings:cool:. My fave is sliced on cheese and crackers tossed in the oven. Mmmmmm.

BUT! Being this is Ryans thread about his new car and not about salty snacks, can I eat my crackers and cheese in your car buddy??:lol:

[JoStream]

BUT! Being this is Ryans thread about his new car and not about salty snacks, can I eat my crackers and cheese in your car buddy??:lol:

Exactly! And Ryan, I thought you are going to hit me with some specs. Given that it's a 325, the engine should still have quite some grunt (which in the WRF community is of course relatively speaking :lol:)...

[Ryan]

Exactly! And Ryan, I thought you are going to hit me with some specs. Given that it's a 325, the engine should still have quite some grunt (which in the WRF community is of course relatively speaking :lol:)...

Engine: M20B27
HP: 121 @ 4250RPM
Configuration: Straight 6
Displacement: 2.7L
0-60MPH: 9.5s
1/4 mile: 16.8s

It's nothing special right now, but I'm going to tinker with it over the next few years.

I've got it now. It's sitting in the driveway. I haven't had the chance to work on it yet. Got it home at 12:30pm had to work at 3pm. Only got the chance to clean the engine and the carpets. Tomorrow it will be thouroghly cleaned, and will jack it up and find out what needs to be done to get it certified.

Then I have to go to work...:rolleyes:

[saltysurprise]

I'll bet M3Power would have a bunch of not-so-common tips and advice for you. I was going to recommend a K&N airfilter, but what the hell do I know:lol:.

Personally, I'd look at getting things a little easier for the engine to do it's thing. Easy stuff you can do. Might be a little pricey though. Look into it. ie. New roller rockers, upgrading the intake and exhaust manifolds, upping the exhaust 1/4-3/8 of an inch. New throttle body maybe. Oh the list goes on.... How's the suspension? Snazzy new wheels are in order too.

Maybe we can get a 'WRF- Ryan's new wheels' Telethon or something. We'll put it on public access TV. I'd pay 10 bucks to watch Tex tapdance in a tutu, with Harakimi playing a flute in speedo's and scuba gear:lol:

[Ryan]

I'll bet M3Power would have a bunch of not-so-common tips and advice for you. I was going to recommend a K&N airfilter, but what the hell do I know:lol:.

Personally, I'd look at getting things a little easier for the engine to do it's thing. Easy stuff you can do. Might be a little pricey though. Look into it. ie. New roller rockers, upgrading the intake and exhaust manifolds, upping the exhaust 1/4-3/8 of an inch. New throttle body maybe. Oh the list goes on.... How's the suspension? Snazzy new wheels are in order too.

Maybe we can get a 'WRF- Ryan's new wheels' Telethon or something. We'll put it on public access TV. I'd pay 10 bucks to watch Tex tapdance in a tutu, with Harakimi playing a flute in speedo's and scuba gear:lol:

For every 10 dollars raised Salty will drink a beer.

[EIR Loe.307]

What, are they gonna pay for me to stop!!:lol:

[saltysurprise]

For every 10 dollars raised Salty will drink a beer.

I would have gone at least 50. Who's buyin? At 10 bucks, things could get messy.

What, are they gonna pay for me to stop!!:lol:

Stop what? Tap dancing in a tutu? They might.

[Ryan]

I would have gone at least 50. Who's buyin? At 10 bucks, things could get messy.

Exactly.:cool:

As for providing it, we'll get some Romanian beer from a contact I have in Romania. $13 for 30 half 500ml bottles.

That should ensure good profits:p

[saltysurprise]

Exactly.:cool:

As for providing it, we'll get some Romanian beer from a contact I have in Romania. $13 for 30 half 500ml bottles.

That should ensure good profits:p

Half 500ml bottles:confused:. Soooo, 250ml bottles then or half full, half litres? I'm not too crazy about your idea... Cheap Romanian beer huh?

[Ryan]

Half 500ml bottles:confused:. Soooo, 250ml bottles then or half full, half litres? I'm not too crazy about your idea... Cheap Romanian beer huh?

lol, I started typing Half-litre then changed to 500ml.:eek:

[EIR Loe.307]

You can toss back some of that American Bud Light since you say it's wuss bear. I don't drink bear myself, but I can do the tequila sunrise.

[EIR Loe.307]

Ryan, don't drink and drive. Hehehe (we keep getting away from his car and it's needs. Hehehehe) I would say free up the intake and exhaust to help it breathe better. That will give you better fuel economy and a little more power. After that there are limitless engine mods that can be done depending on your budget. Port and polished heads, bore and stroke the motor, swap engine for a V8 twin turbo setup (hehehe).

[Ryan]

The car is ready to go. Both the exaust leak and fuel leak have been fixed. The fuel leak required cutting a hole through the metal under the back seat to get to the top of the gas tank.

Anyway it should be certifiable now. It's a good thing because I leave for New Brunswick tomorrow (back to school:eek::eek::eek::drunk::sick:). Unfortunatly I don't have the money yet to get the car out there so I have to leave it here. I should be back in November to get it hopefully, and if failing that Febuary.

[saltysurprise]

I leave for New Brunswick tomorrow (back to school:eek::eek::eek::drunk::sick:).
I have to leave it here. I should be back in November to get it hopefully, and if failing that Febuary.

Have fun at school! :lol: Have a safe trip too. It's too bad you can't take your car with you. You know why;). Say hi to all the ladies for me:thumbsup::cool:

[Ryan]

The car is pretty much ready to go now. All I needed when I left at the end of August was tires, because the fuel and exhaust leaks had been fixed.

For Christmas my dad gave me new summer tires, well the promise of new summer tires, so as soon as I have the money for insurance she's on the road.:thumbsup:

[Ryan]

It's been 8 over months now, but school is finished in less than a week, I'll be finished by last exam on Tuesday.

I'll be back in Ontario by the end of next week. My Army regiment is on the east coast so I'll bringing the car back east in the first week of May, and spending the summer in the Maritimes.