The Official Bring A Trailer (BaT) Thread

[jet_dogg]

Did he purchase it as a gamble on the market?

No surprise here regarding car prices with the economy in shambles. People out here are just trying to survive with everything 50% more expensive than it was four years ago. I'm guessing it'll go just under 40k.

[Interlagos]

Another auction that might indicate where market is today. Very clean Imola ZCP. Guy paid top dollar in 2020: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-m3-coupe-139/

Very sad to see that the current owner barely even put 600 miles on it in almost 4 years of ownership…

[BlueBimmers]

Another auction that might indicate where market is today. Very clean Imola ZCP. Guy paid top dollar in 2020: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-m3-coupe-139/

[BlueBimmers]

Wow, the unders won big on that one. Guy got a good deal IMO.

[TexaZ3]

Sold for $24k…

I was right on the money then!

[jet_dogg]

Sold for $24k…

haha

jet_dogg

[maw1124]

Sold for $24k…

I saw that... seems like a deal to me... but I paid that for mine way back when, so... these cars in the right color and shape feel like a deal to me up until around $35k-$40k... after that not so much... I understand classic silver isn't saying enough for this crowd.

maw

[Interlagos]

I'm gonna say this goes for $40k... over and under?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-bmw-m3-coupe-253/

maw

EDIT... I really think $35k + Fees, but saying $40k to prove a point... 2 owner, under 100k miles, 6MT, Mass car says probably not driven in winter, undercarriage confirms, classic color combo w/Imola, last of the great inline 6 and all that fun stuff, stack of paperwork... car checks a lot of boxes for that number... not much to buy that checks all those boxes for that cash... any more, buy something else.

Sold for $24k…

[Hammerfang]

Thanks! Hoping I don’t have to spend what the car cost but have already am allocating $15k for maintenance/restoration.

[bagger]

Thanks for the input, I plan on taking the car into the shop and having a full once over with a minimum of fluids and tires. Depending on what they find I may drive the car for a bit before going doing a major overhaul.

It’s already had the Besian kit installed and rod bearings as part of the recall (although they could be redone at this point) and apparently the sub-frame is intact.

When I got my car from a questionable place I took it to my trusted mechanic and asked them to put things into "need to do, nice to do, later in life" kinda buckets. Perhaps that approach might work for you to avoid some initial sticker shock.

After a couple of years of ownership it is extremely dialed in now and I couldn't be happier. I have way more into it than what's it worth (double, maybe) - but I love it so I don't care. Ha.

Congrats.

[Hammerfang]

Thanks for the input, I plan on taking the car into the shop and having a full once over with a minimum of fluids and tires. Depending on what they find I may drive the car for a bit before going doing a major overhaul.

It’s already had the Besian kit installed and rod bearings as part of the recall (although they could be redone at this point) and apparently the sub-frame is intact.

[maw1124]

I don’t know if I’ll own the car forever but needed to scratch the itch and this seems like the best way to do it.

Oh yeah, it's an M car, no doubt.

maw

[jet_dogg]

Good. My recommendation, if you plan to keep it a couple or more years, is to replace common failing parts so you don't get stranded or left chasing your tail trying to diag certain shit.

There is a maintenance sticky somewhere that is pretty good but I'd recommend tps sensors, cam sensors, fuel pump, fuel filter, coils, cooling system refresh, fluids, gaskets, and common leak points. This chassis is notorious for a short interval sensor replacement imho.

[Hammerfang]

Thanks, I previously had an 03 330i and have literally spent decades at this point reading up about these cars so I have a pretty good idea of what I’m getting myself into.

[jet_dogg]

I was the high bidder on this car and am currently working out a deal with the seller. I think your analysis is spot on.

I’ve wanted one of these cars, especially in LSB, since they came out when I was in high school. It maybe a bit of a cliche to buy at my age (mid-life crisis) but it’s something I’ve wanted for more than half my life and it’s now becoming a reality.

I’m super excited but tempering my excitement with the reality that this is a 23 year old car with 131k miles and will need some work.

The plan is to restore the car into a high quality driver that I can enjoy guilt free.

Congrats dude, you won't be disappointed but just be prepared to drop some cash to refresh.

I'm embarrassed (well not really) how much I've spent over the years on what is quite possibly the highest maintenance yet most rewarding driver's car there is.