I'm new here

[unfortunatepenguin]

Haha well actually I'm pretty knowledgable about cars in some aspects, I tend to be more engineer oriented then mechanically oriented (I could design it, get all the right stuff, and explain it in minute details; but can you put it together??) But I have plenty of unemployed lazy friends who could disassemble and reassemble the engine in a few seconds (joking of course but wouldn't that be a nice skill) I can probably talk them into the ride if I pay for gas (my guess is a 2006 GTO doesn't get the best mileage, but we'll make it there in record time)

:Almost Edit:

Wow I just got a call from the dealership, only about 30 minutes after I sent an email, as long as this car is in good condition I'm sold (love good service) They are going to be sending more information and I should be getting another call around 3 pm when I wake up (work 3rd shift) So I guess this is goodnight, thanks again guys probably wouldn't have found this with out your help.

[celsdogg]

good luck and keep us posted!

[BMWLotAttendant]

Originally Posted by unfortunatepenguin

Haha well actually I'm pretty knowledgable about cars in some aspects, I tend to be more engineer oriented then mechanically oriented (I could design it, get all the right stuff, and explain it in minute details; but can you put it together??) But I have plenty of unemployed lazy friends who could disassemble and reassemble the engine in a few seconds (joking of course but wouldn't that be a nice skill) I can probably talk them into the ride if I pay for gas (my guess is a 2006 GTO doesn't get the best mileage, but we'll make it there in record time)

Wow!

Yeah, I should say that you know more than the average penguin. That's for sure.

I'm glad you are asking questions, and finding out more about what you don't know. We try to help as much as possible.

Yeah, I'm really interested in seeing what you end up getting based on model, finances, mileage, and new parts.

[unfortunatepenguin]

Well so far I still haven't recieved a call back from the "brand specialist" but I found his number so I'm going to be calling him a little later today.

But yeah yesterday, I put some of those images under the microscope (well the zoom at least) and if you guys look at that sexy ass slightly to the left of the license plate is a blurry rustishy orange spot, the car looks so clean that I can hardly believe theres a rust spot but it makes me think.
O and maybe you guys can help me out if you look at the windshield the price says $5,995 but the ad clearly says $4,995 is this a mistake a special deal or rebate or what, I'd prefer to know before I call so I don't make an ass of myself (I'm quite good at it I hear)

I haven't been able to locate suitable transportation down there yet, so I'm thinking of just asking my parents to take me down there, I live about 5 minutes away from them, but when I told them I was looking at BMW's they were far from encouraging.

But anyway lets be optimistic and assume that I go down there on Monday, its in great shape, and I buy it. So now that its mine I want to do some preventative maintenance (waterpump, bushing, tower reinforcements, radiator, clutch fan, etc) and then after saving up some money (or my b-day is coming up) I want to work on a stiffer body and suspension, what products or modifications are the most cost effective in your opinions.

Also I've been searching but haven't been able to find information on any weight savings to be had with the E36, if you guys know where I could find some information on say how much weight would be saved by taking out the sunroof motor, etc. chime in.

Well thats it for now my CDC driver burnt me a copy of the new Tool cd so I think I'm going to listen to that, oo and wish me luck I have a job interview coming up next week.

You guys are the best
Traeger

[c1apton]

Are you building the "Memphis Belle"? Re: weight savings ideas - there's not any one thing I can think of that would be beneficial to remove for weight... outside of gutting interior for racing. If you're going for efficiency I'd be concentrating on making horsepower gains(hi flow intake & exhaust), good lubricants (synthetics) and good suspension mods. You might want to familiarize yourself with maintenance basics before diving into performance mods (sounds like you're on a tight budget & mods don't come cheap as the folks here on UB will be MORE THAN HAPPY TO TELL YOU ABOUT ) Keep in mind the overall balance of the initial car which is a pretty good base from the factory. Anything you change on one side is going to amplify a weak point in another.

[Dudesky]

Originally Posted by unfortunatepenguin

But yeah yesterday, I put some of those images under the microscope (well the zoom at least) and if you guys look at that sexy ass slightly to the left of the license plate is a blurry rustishy orange spot, the car looks so clean that I can hardly believe theres a rust spot but it makes me think.

Although it is a bit rusty, it's not altogether uncommon. That area is the end of a rain channel that runs along the top edge of the trunk. You might haggle a few hundred for that, explaining how you'll have to get it fixed. But if there are no other major problems with the car, I wouldn't turn it down because of the rust spot.

As far as the price difference, $4995 is probably the internet price, and you'll get it if you mention or bring in the printed ad. Lots of places do reduced internet pricing

[mullethunter3]

First, wlecome to ub.c

Second, why exactly would anyone not approve of a BMW? I myself have converted two GM and/or MB heads to the BMW.

Also, the interior panels/seats are not that heavy. I took everything except for the driver's seat out (redoing them all) and it still feels heavy. Maybe that's because I have a 318. So, unless so strip everything down to the bare metal, I don't think it will make a difference.
The sunroof motor is about the size of my outstreched hand. It weighs five pounds. However, some people take out the entire sunroof and weld sheetmetal in the hole. I don't know how much you are saving there, but whatev.
If you want a good suspension, BMW already set us up with a nice one. However, if you need more, Bilstien is the most popular route. But, be prepared to spend some money. Blistien Sports run you about $200 for the rear and $500 for the front (pelicanparts.com). If you do new shocks and struts, springs should be in order. Eibach is the more popular choice. They are not cheap either. Modding these cars are not cheap, however, if you do the work yourself, you can save a bunch of money.

[unfortunatepenguin]

C1apton, I totally agree that the E36 (and all BMWs) is a well balanced car not only in weight but performance, removing weight from say the trunk would unbalance the weight of the car and possibly the performance (less traction and a higher cg) but balancing this removal of weight by removing similar weight elsewhere and using supporting modifications (say removing that weight in the trunk magically raises the ride height by 1.5" from stock, you'd simply take this into account and say get springs that would lower the ride height by 3" (thus negating the 1.5" raise and an added lowering of 1.5") resulting in a repositioned cg) which not only restore balance but increase performance. There are a lot of things to consider when removing weight and by no means would I just start butchering this beautiful car, I'd like it to stay clean looking, and to me no carpeting for example only looks good on a race car. I appreciate acceleration, cornering, braking, and stability equally and would not modify one item that would in-turn destroy another.

Dudesky, thanks for the clarification, and how much do you think I could haggle for in this matter?

Mullethunter3, first love the name, maybe you should come up here to Indiana, one of my 3rd shift customers has a mullet, uni-brow, and the scraggly beginnings of a beard (a woman no joke). My parents..... god I don't know I got a 1400 on my SATs a few years ago and they still question just about anything I say and do, could be because I sometimes exhibit no common sense. Personally I've looked through some modifications already and really the prices don't seem to unreasonable for most stuff (absolutely ridiculous in other areas like the engine) but thanks for the tip.

Traeger

[celsdogg]

Originally Posted by mullethunter3

Second, why exactly would anyone not approve of a BMW? I myself have converted two GM and/or MB heads to the BMW.

Originally Posted by unfortunatepenguin

My parents..... god I don't know I got a 1400 on my SATs a few years ago and they still question just about anything I say and do, could be because I sometimes exhibit no common sense. Personally I've looked through some modifications already and really the prices don't seem to unreasonable for most stuff (absolutley rediculous in other areas like the engine) but thanks for the tip.

i have heard lots of people trying to discourage buying a bimmer. i hate that $h1t.

a guy at work hates BMW's, i told him to go get in his dodge truck with peeling paint and get the !uck on. . .

[dinan540]

Welcome to ub.c

[unfortunatepenguin]

Well last time we met we were pretending to be optimistic (or at least I was) In truth I am a pessimist, before I went to bed yesterday I got a call from Mark (who is in charge of selling her) It was a brief call but from what he said there are no squeaks or rattles it drives well etc. all the reassuring "this car is for you" talk, anyway he added that during the inspection it appeared as if it would need new brakes soon (didn't know if it was just brake pads or things that are much more expensive like calipers or rotors) and when I asked what the service history looked like he gave me a blank stare (well not really cause it was over the phone) but the short of it is that its a trade in and all they got with it was one key..... Now I don't know about you guys but to me the service history is like looking into the soul of the beast, you can gather so much information from them that points to how the car was taken care of mechanically and without that history I have kind of an empty feeling where my heart once was .

But I digress, how do you guys feel about this, the car looks like it was well taken care of, the leather is in good condition interior is clean as a mofo (but they could have easily have vacuumed up a cubic yard of dirt) but we don't know when the last oil change was, when was the last time they replaced the waterpump, etc.

With or without the history obviously I would want to take it for a spin before I buy it, but without the history I'm reluctant to travel 3-4 hours away to just turn around when I find something wrong with the car.

But again lets try and be optimistic, lets say I go down there and it feels great, everything feels to be in order and we start the negotiations, do you think I can talk down the price by pointing out the service history is unavailable and that this and this and this are known to break down at certain intervals?

Ok, thats it I'm going to go drink and smoke and listen to loud music a 7:06 AM

Oo and sorry but even though I'm somewhat of a spelling nazi I am way to lazy and tired right now to spell check so if you need clarification hit me with something.

[c1apton]

Originally Posted by celsdogg

a guy at work hates BMW's, i told him to go get in his dodge truck with peeling paint and get the !uck on. . .

Can you say: "Goat roaping, trailer park inbred, butt-F'ing, wife beating REDNECK?" (sorry about hijack - I hate REDNECKS)

U-Peng, whenever you buy a used vehicle you should go through ALL the standard maintenance top to bottom regardless of what previous owner/selling dealer "claims" to have done. This gives you a solid base to start with and also gives you a hands on idea of multiple aspects of your ride. Then you'll visually know what looks weak and might need repairs in future. ALOT of used BMWs in used lots are missing service records - whether maint. book was misplaced, lost or removed by seller. A good seller that has the records will be more than happy to show them to you (if they have them) because they can use that to get top $ for the car. Also alot of BMWs come through auto auctions and a practice there is to remove all records so there is no record/contact available of prior owner (to question trade in price, etc) Get the VIN# and do a CARFAX on it to get a basic idea of where it came from or major reported accidents. Keep in mind used vehicles are almost always going to need something.

[unfortunatepenguin]

Redneck hating party!!!

No worries about the hijack, previously living in CA and FL coming to good old IN has been quite a shock to me (the bad one like being tazered) I can't stand the narrow-minded cowboy boot wearing hicks that I sometimes encounter, BUT just because someone has a peeling chevy pick up and hates BMWs doesn't neccesarily make them a redneck (although sounds like a good start)

Anyway, you make a good point about the maintenance of a new to you used car, but... I'd rather not walk into a money pit, and if I'm going to walk into one (which I know I'll do anyways) I at least want to get the best damn price I can for the money pit.

So tell me, do you think I can negotiate the price down further by giving realistic quotes on what needs to be done and the standard price (including labor so I have some more wiggle room) for remedying the problem?

[c1apton]

If you're going to try negotiating down below "internet price" - first look at Ebay rates on SAME vehicle (years, etc) then go online to like Kelly Bluebook and other car price sites and see what the "good, average & poor" price ranges are. With all that in hand, it should give you an idea what is a fair price. Go in "armed & dangerous" and don't let the excitement of a new ride overcome your senses. That's 90% of what salespeople rely on - that's why they're so free with the "it's you" & all the other bullshit comments. Most people (buyers) are so engulfed in the car they don't even hear what the salesperson is saying except the #$. A quote of sales gospel : "He who speaks last loses"

[EuroStyle]

Hey Eurostyle, I missed your post while replying, my grandma lives in cincy and its not THAT bad of a drive from up here, do you happen to know of any good bimmers down there or any dealerships that have a good used stock, I've been meaning to go down to visit her and maybe I can kill two birds with one stone.

Hey, sorry it took so long to respond, I have been working overtime like crazy.

Any way, I found two 325i's (not is) down here in Cinci. The first is a 93 manual Hellrot over Tan, with 145,751 on the clock complete with service records. However the stealership is asking 7k for it. I wouldn't spend more then 5,500. The second car is a 94 manual Hellrot over "something" with 148,000 on the clock. The owner is asking 5,500. I would offer 4,800 and nothing more. Sorry no coupes this time (unless you are interested in a 318).

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=en&cardist=8

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=22

I know a shop that will do an inspection for you for like 70-80 if you want. Just let me know if you are interested.

-Matt