After 5 years of watching a handful of Byzanz Sedans pop-up on Craigslist, I finally pulled the trigger. It's not the kind of color I could relax about because I've only seen 5 for sale in the last 5 years. I don't know if you call it rare but there are only 88 total in the US (51 auto, 37 5spd). There might only be 20 left after 20 years. Additionally, they are usually un-loved, far from home, and the paint is bad. I've had the most desirable cars (5spd Estoril Sedans and Coupes) but I've never had the least desirable. A Byzanz Sedan on Magma with an Automatic transmission in Lux form has got to be the bottom. At least I think so and that's why I was looking for one.
I saw this particular CList posting 2 hours after it was posted but Russ was asking $5,000. I thought about going to see it 2 weeks later but I my realistic offer would have probably been an insult (you never know). On the 28th day, the price dropped significantly because Russ took delivery of a new white BMW X1. I emailed Russ at 5am and then called at 7am (because he responded). I made arrangements and got to his place at 4pm. The car was smogged and I handed him the cash after going for a 2-mile drive. Slam Bam!
About the car...vin WBSCD0329VEE11174
Clean title
I am the 3rd owner
166,000 miles
Perfect smog history
Rust free California car
No modifications
No CEL. No ABS light
Lux version
Automatic transmission
BMW and Dinan records
The paint is fading and clear is peeling
The Magma leather is torn
Headliner falling
Several small leaks
Suspension, tires, brakes, bushings - shot
Because this car cost so little, it needs work. I could spend 20-grand fixing things but it may never be worth very much. The plan is fix all the problems: leaks, replace fluids, filters, gaskets, RTABs, LCABs and RSMs. I won't do much cosmetically for now. A good paint-job costs thousands and Magma leather is hard to find so I'm going to make the engine and drivetrain solid first.
On to the work! I put in my first order to RMeuropean at 5am this morning. That will take a few days. I have some parts and filters and fluids in stock so I'll get started there. Compiling the thick stack of records into a spreadsheet will give me focus. Lastly, I named the car 'Danny' after my father.
I saw this particular CList posting 2 hours after it was posted but Russ was asking $5,000. I thought about going to see it 2 weeks later but I my realistic offer would have probably been an insult (you never know). On the 28th day, the price dropped significantly because Russ took delivery of a new white BMW X1. I emailed Russ at 5am and then called at 7am (because he responded). I made arrangements and got to his place at 4pm. The car was smogged and I handed him the cash after going for a 2-mile drive. Slam Bam!
About the car...vin WBSCD0329VEE11174
Clean title
I am the 3rd owner
166,000 miles
Perfect smog history
Rust free California car
No modifications
No CEL. No ABS light
Lux version
Automatic transmission
BMW and Dinan records
The paint is fading and clear is peeling
The Magma leather is torn
Headliner falling
Several small leaks
Suspension, tires, brakes, bushings - shot
Because this car cost so little, it needs work. I could spend 20-grand fixing things but it may never be worth very much. The plan is fix all the problems: leaks, replace fluids, filters, gaskets, RTABs, LCABs and RSMs. I won't do much cosmetically for now. A good paint-job costs thousands and Magma leather is hard to find so I'm going to make the engine and drivetrain solid first.
On to the work! I put in my first order to RMeuropean at 5am this morning. That will take a few days. I have some parts and filters and fluids in stock so I'll get started there. Compiling the thick stack of records into a spreadsheet will give me focus. Lastly, I named the car 'Danny' after my father.
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