Looked at another M3 Evo Convertible

[JRSE]

After the trouble I had with the Swansea one I went and looked at a local M3 Evo convertible today. Only 30 mins away opposed to 4hrs!!

It was a Techno Violet (much nicer than the one before in Boston Green).

1996 "P"
Techno Violet
52,000 miles with FBMWSH
Lot's of paperwork and previous MOTs
Walk away price of £13.5k.

It's only done 52,000 miles and last serviced in October at 49,000. FBMWSH...

Recent big bill for new roof mechanism and motor (last week).

The leather shows usual wear but okay. Hardly any stone chips and no scratches.

Drives well and the double vanos seems ok.

Only problem I can find is that the passenger door gap is different to the drivers side. Perhaps 1/2+cm compared to 1/4cm. According to the history it's never had an recorded accident. Everything seems genuine but I can't explain the door. Perhaps removed at some point and not aligned correctly if that's possible?

Other major expense is that it has no other form of security. So would need a CAT1 and a tracker!

Anyone aware of what the story with the N/S door might be other than removed due to an accident?

Is the standard BMW alarm Thatcham approved?

Thanks,
James

[xm5er]

Cant comment on the bodywork issues, I suppose they wont be as tight as a coupe, however was it significantly different to the last one you saw?

For Thatcham compliance go here www.thatcham.org/resources/pdfs/compliance.pdf
for a look.

[shadowninja]

Check the line of things under the bonnet and in the boot, you might spot a crease or something...

[JRSE]

Thanks for the handy link! Reading that then it looks like all E36 M3's were CAT1 (top of page 8). Which would mean I only need to fork out for a tracker.

I can't see any other sign of a repair to accident damage. However the door gap is different to the other side. I never noticed the other M3 have a difference like this. I'll wait and see if he takes it to the dealership for air con recharge and enquire about door.

[Smartie]

If you insure with Liverpool Victoria (if over 30) then you won't need a tracker! (and they're cheap!)

[JRSE]

Smartie said:

If you insure with Liverpool Victoria (if over 30) then you won't need a tracker! (and they're cheap!)

4 years and 5 months too young! Thanks tho.

Got the insurance down to £4 a day, ouch! Limited to 7,000 miles... Worth it for such a nice car tho and the 328i was only £200 less.

[JRSE]

shadowninja said:

Check the line of things under the bonnet and in the boot, you might spot a crease or something...

I had a good look around and it seems just that door? Couldn't really see undeneath tho. It was a very nice M3 but that gap let's it down. I know it shouldn't be like that and all I can think of it's been in an accident and removed. Re-fitted badly... I'd try and knock the owner £500 off but don't think he would do it.

He reckons 5 or 6 others have requested a viewing so I'll wait and see. Maybe I'm too picky but I like everything to be right. Top price should mean tip top condition?

[darreni]

JRSE said:

Top price should mean tip top condition?

I don't think that 13.5k is a top price. Sounds quite good.

[Xm5eR]

Speak to a few BMW dealer body shops and ask if its common.

Dont forget, plenty of cars have a respray BEFORE the leave the dealers to go to their first owner.

[iguana]

Has door just not dropped over time? its a big heavy long door..

Common problem on some 2 door cars & usually its just a worn door hinge, a new hinge & re-hanging door sorts it.

[shadowninja]

Smartie said:

If you insure with Liverpool Victoria (if over 30) then you won't need a tracker! (and they're cheap!)

How's that work? If you're over 30 people don't steal your car?? The logic of insurance companies never ceases to fail me.

[JRSE]

I was hoping it was a worn hinge but the door doesn't appear to have dropped. It's biggest gap is where the door edge meets the rear panel. Hopefully I'll hear back from the guy as I'm pretty interested if it's sortable (and we're talking the right money).

There is no logic with insurance companies! I have given up ages ago.

As for the price - £13.5k, Yes it's only done 52,000 with FBMWSH but it has a dodgy door and price is more than what the book states. I don't mind paying more than book price for a good one but he's asking that with something that raises a few Q's. How he never noticed this gap is beyond me? It was the first thing I picked up on...

I've waited 3 months I can wait a bit longer if a deal can't be done on this one.

[JRSE]

Well the car has been taken to a BMW dealer who said the wing would need adjusting to bring the gap to the same size as the other side. Advised that since there is no wind noise from it then not worth bothering with. Most importantly no signs of accident damage.

I'm going to make an offer on the car - Should hopefully be a BMW owner next week!

Thanks all for the advice.

[Raks]

Good Luck

[JRSE]

Thanks! After a little negotiation I've secured the deal and will be taking cash along with me on Wednesday. Owner was trying to get a little more £'s but I stuck to my offer and had a phone call 5 mins later trying to meet half way. Eventually agreed on what I offered...





>> Edited by JRSE on Saturday 5th June 15:03