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Want a fun car to replace my Harley
Old 07-13-2008, 12:05 PM   #1
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Want a fun car to replace my Harley

I know there is probably better things to do with $5K but I'm thinking of buying a very well maintained 1995 BMW 540i with 6 speed manual tranny.

I don't have a "toy" to wax and play with since I sold my Harley when we started a family. I have a commuter car and family car, but nothing to fulfill the car guy needs...

I haven't had a BMW since 2001/02 and the joy I got each time I drove it still makes me smile. Yes, I have a car addiction.

What do you think?
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Old 07-13-2008, 12:09 PM   #2
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It is your money - indulge!
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Old 07-13-2008, 12:11 PM   #3
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Old 07-13-2008, 12:37 PM   #4
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Very nice. A sound and well reasoned choice. Best to maximise your smiles/gallon. All the BMWs have their strong points - not just a matter of "same sausage, different lengths", yet they all are noticably BMW - even my loaded down family truckster.

Gone:
'83 533i, very much missed
'86 524td parts car - crank is in a stroked 325
'91 318i missed - woke up and sang at a pleasing rpm
'89 325i convertible goodies donor for the
Current
'89 325i

And the work truck:
'93 525it
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Old 07-13-2008, 01:51 PM   #5
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Yeah, the E34 body style is one of my favorites. Supposidly built like a tank. I'm thinking of selling my commuter car since it is in very high demand right now and I could net more than I bought it for 2 years (and 40K miles) ago.

I'd love to get my hads on a nice BMW diesel, but all the ones I see aound here are beat and not running...

Maybe I'll see what kind of mileage I get before selling the commuter car if I get the Bimmer. My commute is set up for good mileage (if I keep my foot out of it) and the 6sp may help...
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Old 07-13-2008, 06:19 PM   #6
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do it
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Old 07-14-2008, 08:39 AM   #7
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Z3...
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Old 07-14-2008, 10:35 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmerbill View Post
I know there is probably better things to do with $5K but I'm thinking of buying a very well maintained 1995 BMW 540i with 6 speed manual tranny.
If you can buy a well-maintained 540i 6MT for $5k, better do it. Otherwise, I'll beat you there and offer the guy $5,250.
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Old 07-14-2008, 01:39 PM   #9
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Yeah, this Thursday I plan to buy it after a nice long test ride. It had no plates on it so I only took it around the park. I was amazed at how tight the steering was. Will take it on the highway to check for shimmy, etc.
A BMW speciality shop is selling it for one of their customers and gave me all the receipts since 2004 (glad that guy sprung for the clutch and cats!). The customer has 4 or 5 BMWs and moved across country and this one got left behind (must have been his weekend Bimmer for the lake house).
Insurance is a bit more than I expected, but hopefully registration fees won't be much for an old car.
I like the Z3, but at 6'6" I think the 5 series has plenty of room. Never sat in a Z3, but I know the 3 series I've sat in are TIGHT.
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Old 07-14-2008, 01:42 PM   #10
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6 speed manual tranny.

What do you think?
I think the tranny would be happy to have you playing with their stick.

Shift too quickly and you'll dump fluid everywhere though.
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Old 07-14-2008, 02:51 PM   #11
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Z3...
Chevy doesn't make a Z3... I think you mean Corvette Z06.
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Old 07-14-2008, 07:56 PM   #12
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My 525 gets 23.5 overall,filled with tools and parts, figured by dividing miles/gallons for each fill. That's with a Marc DaSylva chip. If i fill and do a 60 mile there and 60 back highway run up to the airport the OBC reports 29+ at 70+. Betcha that big 8 would get maybe 4-5mpg less with similiar usage. and be a WHOLE bunch more fun.
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Old 07-15-2008, 01:19 PM   #13
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Yeah, I'm hoping for 20. My commute is set up for MPG and I should do OK if I keep my foot out of it. 35 miles, 45MPH to 55MPH, two traffic circles and a couple of lights. Specs state 27-29 highway, but they must lug it in 6th gear!
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Old 07-15-2008, 02:40 PM   #14
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Chevy doesn't make a Z3... I think you mean Corvette Z06.
BMW makes a Z3.........little car, but quick............
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This Thread is USELESS without pics.........:)
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Old 07-15-2008, 02:41 PM   #15
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I had the chance to buy a stick 1996 M3 awhile back for cheap. I was tempted, but have no garage space. That thing was a screamer, that's fo sho'
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Old 07-15-2008, 02:47 PM   #16
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BMW makes a Z3.........little car, but quick............
But Wyoming was gritting their teeth last month over us not buying American, so I assume they misspoke here and/or misremembered the car.
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Old 07-16-2008, 06:42 PM   #17
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What the! The guy sold it tonight. I had an appointment tomorrow morning to give it a final look over and had indicated I'd buy the car in email. Geez, you would think the guy would at least give me a call first.

I already ran a CARFAX, took the day off from work, set up the bank check, set up insurance, etc.
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Old 07-16-2008, 06:59 PM   #18
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Wow, that sucks. It wasn't me, honest! You think somebody offered him a better deal than you were going to give him?

Regardless of how it happened, it was definitely rude of the seller not to at least give you the option to match.
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Old 07-16-2008, 07:12 PM   #19
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What the! The guy sold it tonight. I had an appointment tomorrow morning to give it a final look over and had indicated I'd buy the car in email. Geez, you would think the guy would at least give me a call first.

I already ran a CARFAX, took the day off from work, set up the bank check, set up insurance, etc.
I don't know why, but I'm really !
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Old 07-16-2008, 07:30 PM   #20
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Here is what I wrote:
Does the car have its owner's manual? How many keys are included?
>>> If the longer test ride works out (I'm sure it will, it was very
>>> tight just driving around the parking lot) I would like to purchase the
>>> car.
>>>
>>> How would you like payment? I can get a bank check from MY BANK if that will work for you.

I can see they guy wanting to close the deal, but I thought I was pretty clear with my intentions.
Oh well.
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