I am going to get my first BMW tomorrow.
I was lucky enough (in my opinion) to find a 1982 318i European car. Grey market here in the US.
It was advertised on Craigslist, and the fellow just ended up giving it to me for towing and storage charges.. about $165
I will have it by noon (EST) tomorrow. I am sure I will have TONS of questions for you folks. I love forums, I belong to several for my other loves (Ford Festivas believe it or not.. and Suzuki 4x4's, as well as some other loves, like Autocross)
ANYWAY, here is his original Craigslist ad..
Tragically, I am being forced to sell my beloved little car. Parents are moving, and the little guy may no longer sleep within the safety of their garage. Though it makes me physically ill, I must have the car off of their property by no later than this weekend.
A brief history:
Bought in France in ‘82 by a reporter for the Times. He moved back to the states around 1990 and imported the car (he, too, couldn’t bear to part with it). Lived and drove the car on Long Island until he moved into the city, at which time he gave it to his mechanic. Mechanic enjoyed the car for a few years (along with his other several BMWs), maintained it, and wanted to give it to his daughter for college. Like most people her age, she was too ignorant to realize what a gem she was being offered, and she declined. I bought the car from him (from his LI lot on an old potato farm) around 2000.
I live in Brooklyn where a car is essentially a useless extravigance. However, I was working with a group of insane BMW car guys who convinced me that I could not truly be happy or fulfilled without this auto. In a way, they turned out to be right. I drove the car all over NYC and New England for about 4 years until I could no longer afford car insurance, at which time I did what all responsible young adults do: I dumped in on my parents in Ohio.
Some Specs:
Car is a gray import, a term which brings with it all sorts of interesting little features. Instead of a tachometer, there is a large analog clock to remind you of how you are constantly running late. The car was built without a radio, so there are no speakers, and ample space within the dash to install whatever crazy Blaupunkt (for the purists) stereo you can find. I thought not having a radio was kind of a drawback at first, but without it, you can actually concentrate on and enjoy your surroundings, listen to that wonderful little engine hum, or attempt converstation with the person sitting next to you. The engine is the higher output Euro version, which pumps out a spritely 110-120 hp, as opposed to the lethargic 85 hp of the US version. That might sound unimpressive, but consider how little weight you’re throwing around: a meager 2000 pounds. How, you ask, does it manage these supermodel proportions? No side impact door anything, no radio, no sunroof or window motors, and Euro bumpers. Yup, the car is wearing those beautiful little tin foil Euro bumbers. Huge crank sunroof. Huge crank windows, too. about 120-130,000 miles.
Condition:
When I put it into hibernation, I drove this car nonstop from NYC to Columbus, Ohio at 85 on 2 tanks of gas. It does not burn oil, and is capable of spinning donuts all day long (the joys of a go-kart sized auto with rear wheel drive). However, like many old cars, the electricals are, how should I say, a bit screwy. If you’re into these old cars, you’re probably not surprised to learn how I had to keep the hazard switch depressed with a toothpick to get my turn signals to work. This electrical buggery also affected my ability to start the car: turn the key, no signal, bang the starter and fiddle about, turn the key, the car starts. The manual 5-speed transmission was working perfectly (I had changed the clutch slave cylinder when I first purchased the car). The car also has essentially new, really nice Michelins, though they have been flat for some time. And again, the car has been sitting in a garage for the past 3 years.
Cosmetically, there are some rust areas, though not much considering the car’s age. The shock towers are fine, though the trunk area will need attention, as most of the rust is concentrated back there. Cracks in the dash. Beautiful blueberry interior with black dash and front seats. Headliner is white. Classic simple German styling.
Design:
Car is Euro, and therefore enjoys those little Euro bumpers. No tach, just clock. No safety equipment, so very light. Higher output Euro motor. The most dramatic styling difference - the one which will have everyone asking “I know that’s a Beamer, but what kind of Beamer is it?” - is the single headlight up front. About a million 3-series BMWs were imported throughout the 80’s, but I have never seen - not on Ebay, not in person - another gray import 318i.
To get this car:
Just make me an offer. I’m more concerned with just getting it out of here by the end of the week. I would donate it to charity, but I’d rather this special car went to someone who appreciates what it is. With some body work and paint, it could be a real looker, something totally unique. Or tune that little Euro engine and transform the little guy into an inexpensive club racer. Just take care of it. As you can probably see, the pics are from the potato farm in LI, not my mom's garage.
Any hints or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!
and the pics:
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) now, and I am going to try to straighten the valance and repaint until I can get a new one.