Hello guys.

There is an 850i about 250 miles away from me that's got 65k miles on it.

It's $10k. Don't you think that is too low...? The only thing that I can tell is wrong in the pics is some chips in the paint. Not worried since the engine is pristine, the car's been garaged, interior got detailed, new tires, and it has two new batteries.

Keep in mind that I am a junior in high school though. I get the feeling that an E31 is too much car for me, but hey, you can never underestimate the value of a tight ride =]

If I wasn't to get this car, I'd probably be looking at an E36 M3. What's more enjoyable to drive?

What do you think...?
Thanks!

Hello guys.

There is an 850i about 250 miles away from me that's got 65k miles on it.

It's $10k. Don't you think that is too low...? The only thing that I can tell is wrong in the pics is some chips in the paint. Not worried since the engine is pristine, the car's been garaged, interior got detailed, new tires, and it has two new batteries.

Keep in mind that I am a junior in high school though. I get the feeling that an E31 is too much car for me, but hey, you can never underestimate the value of a tight ride =]

If I wasn't to get this car, I'd probably be looking at an E36 M3. What's more enjoyable to drive?

What do you think...?
Thanks!

They are both nice cars. I say drive both and then decide. My personal choice for your age (Oh! how I wish my youth back) would be the M3 (E36 or if budget allows E46). The E31 is a high end GT where the M3 is a more fun car to drive and toss around.

YMMV.

I'm reading that the E31s aren't too good for large people...I am 6' and 240lbs.

Might that cause some problems? I can't imagine a 'puny' E36 being much better, haha.

I'm reading that the E31s aren't too good for large people...I am 6' and 240lbs.

Might that cause some problems? I can't imagine a 'puny' E36 being much better, haha.

Well!! It is very comfortable sideways (Unless you have sport seats). The issue is with the length of your Torso or upper body. I an 6'2" and have to adjust the seat in a certain way so that my head do not scrape the headliner. Unless you are with a long upper body you should be able to adjust.

Also, if you are planning on participating in any event that requires a helmet, there is no room.

The E36 M3 actually has a much better headroom where I was able to use a helmet.

Oh, no helmets, haha.

Thanks for the info. I am worried most about gas milage, insurance, and maintenance. I bet these won't be coming very cheap...

E31 for highschool student is not a good move, unless u plan on digging into your parents pockets for the life of the car.

Well, they are paying up front and I am going to pay them back over the next year or two.

Well, they are paying up front and I am going to pay them back over the next year or two.


...it looks alot easier on paper. The key is to make sure the car has as much of a service history as you can get. Remember, it has 2 of everything, which means you will undoubtedly need a pair of wallets if you aren't careful. There is a pre-purchase checklist that is invaluable when going out to buy one of these, especially if you really don't know a whole hell of alot about these cars. One false move can be extremely costly.


Good luck

Can I get a link to that checklist?

Thanks for the help.

And by the way, your sig seems to send the message across, haha.

www.wuffer.net (http://www.wuffer.net) go to E31 downloads. Lot's of info there...

Can I get a link to that checklist?

E31 Pre-Purchase Checklist (http://wuffer.net/MyFiles/E31ppc.pdf)

You're in high school, actually just being under 23, or whatever the age is that it drops, or not married is going to make insurance expensive on anything but a skateboard. I was so happy when I turned that magical age and my insurance rates tanked! Now I can get full coverage on a NSX for way less than I could get liability only for a MG when I was in high school...lol Haven't checked on adding the 850 to my insurance yet since I'm still not home from vacation.

As suggested, drive both if you can. Either one you will have loads of fun. The M3 is even faster than the NSX, it has a higher power to weight ratio. Just be safe man!

We'll see about insurance ;)

Let's discuss the going price for a bit - is it a good deal?

yes.
i paid 3x's as much for mine.

I am an original e36 owner (since new) and have drooled over the e31s all my life.
4 years ago my e31 dreams came true!
parts costs may sting your wallet more than insurance costs...

e36 is affordable and economical for your age than an e31 IMO. I started out with an e30 in highschool, then an e36 in the first 2 years of university. I went english for 2 years then got an e46 and now an e31 for a weekender.

Definitely start off with an e36 and use that as your learning platform before joining the crazy bunch!

Yea...its just that I found this deal and said to myself that if I passed it up, I'd be retarded.

Yea...its just that I found this deal and said to myself that if I passed it up, I'd be retarded.

I searched for 1 year. I didnt jump on the first available e31. It is easy to fall in love with these cars but care must be taken so you are not burdened with a lemon.

What I mean is, considering the mileage and condition, it seems to be a decent deal...

Are you Mechanically inclined? or well off? If neither, Don't do it, The E31 is very jealous also, It Must have your attention!

PS. They our also slightly too much fun as well---)

No to both of those questions ;)

That sounds like a great deal all things considered. Having said that I would say no way to the e31. I love mine but it isn't my primary vehicle. The maintenance and gas costs are way high. If you have a surplus of money its okay but if you cheap out on maintenance it will be a never ending source of irritation. Just remember one thing, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ANOTHER DEAL!!!!!!! Just my take. Good luck.:cool

Hello guys.

There is an 850i about 250 miles away from me that's got 65k miles on it.

It's $10k. Don't you think that is too low...? The only thing that I can tell is wrong in the pics is some chips in the paint. Not worried since the engine is pristine, the car's been garaged, interior got detailed, new tires, and it has two new batteries.

Keep in mind that I am a junior in high school though. I get the feeling that an E31 is too much car for me, but hey, you can never underestimate the value of a tight ride =]

If I wasn't to get this car, I'd probably be looking at an E36 M3. What's more enjoyable to drive?

What do you think...?
Thanks!

When I was your age I had an E36, I think you need to graduate to the 8, sadly I drove an E46 the other day and it just didn't hold the same feel. I'm 21 and had an 8 for less than a month and the only car I could get after this is the 6.

Start with the tight M3, then when your ready get an 8. Also in High School it takes some coin to keep it in tip top condition!

Good luck with whatever you choose.

The 8 is great! But she's a super demanding girlfriend with expensive tastes in all things pricey :D If you've got $$$ saved up for a rainy day (there will be many) and you've got decent wrenching skills, go for it. Like others have said, E31 is a heavy GT cruiser, not a 0-60 nimble speed demon. If you want ore affordable fun, get an M3. If you want a tempermental girlfriend who is as moody as she is hot, get an 8!

Cheers

Hmm...

So many different ideas and opinions...

Guess we'll see how it pans out. I need to get hired at a place first =]

Hmm...

So many different ideas and opinions...

Guess we'll see how it pans out. I need to get hired at a place first =]

You will need 2 jobs.

Not if I work at the Geek Squad...I hear the rate is $12/hour. If I work my projected 28 hours, I think I'll do alright...

Not if I work at the Geek Squad...I hear the rate is $12/hour. If I work my projected 28 hours, I think I'll do alright...

You will need more then that!!!

Set of intake gaskets: $450 (that's 37.5 hours of Geek Squad Work)
Set of spark plug wires: $500 (that's 41.67 hours of GSW)
Set of lower control arms: $550 (that's 45.84 hours of GSW)

...you get the picture? And those times are before taxes! The prices are for parts only - hope you know how to wrench.

Listen to all these 8 series owners. There is no way you can afford it. Buy one when the time is right. You will enjoy it much more. I understand your passion for the 8 as every owner does. Don't buy a car before you have a job. We all understand what its like at that age, an easy way to think of it is this car brand new was $75000 to $100000 so although it is now a good deal maintenance reflects the original sticker price not the current value of 10 to 30 thousand. One day it will all come to fruition.

Because of your height have you looked at maybe a e36 convertible?
or maybe a 540i with the sport package?
or M5
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/923391421.html

Wooster as in Wooster, OH?

My brilliant red on black '91 850/6 in Cleveland, registry car for many years with a maintenance book to match...and amongst other goodies, eibachs, fresh bilsteins, BBS 17s, CSi sways, and the piece de resistance -- one of my full CNC mandrel-bent stainless exhaust systems on it -- will be available for sale shortly. Looking for similar money...

Yea lowell. Wooster, OH.

How many miles?

Edit: PM sent for more details.

You will need 2 jobs.

:lol
i agree that the "asking" price sounds great but if buying the car will clean you out you're in big trouble. undoubtedly the car will need at least a *couple* of things done and in this car, especially if you're not wrenching yourself, that can easily add up to afew grand in a heartbeat!

Also, unless the problem is threatening the immediate functionality of the car, couldn't I just wait to save up a bit to get the problem fixed...?

I also wanted to add that I will be paying my parents back over 18-24 months. Meaning, I have to cover anywhere from roughly $480 to $600 per month to cover insurance, the car, and gas. Assuming a job at minimum wage ($7), 28 hours a week, we are talking about $800 a month. So, worst-case, that's roughly $200 (let's say even $150) a month backup. If need be, I've got $1700 up front that I was going to use for a Macbook Pro, which makes that monthly figure even less.

With the above in mind, I think I should be able to pull this off if I get a really well-maintained example that's had everything of concern serviced on time.

Now my main concern is that I haven't driven a manual-trans car before. If I find and acquire an 850i/6, how hard is it to learn? Good idea to learn on a vehicle of this caliber?

Also, unless the problem is threatening the immediate functionality of the car, couldn't I just wait to save up a bit to get the problem fixed...?

Can you generalize problems with a diva? :devillook

Harry, You a Diva?

Harry, You a Diva?

No, my Lady...


http://www.cafeamwehrgang.de/fbilder/familie.jpg


...and my 8-series! :D

...yes, yes, fantastic.

Let's stay on topic, folks! =]

Can you generalize problems with a diva? :devillookBeautiful Family Harry, This question was misleading, Sorry!

If your only gonna have $150 left each month after paying your parents there is no way you can afford one of these cars.

what about, um... TAX, GAS... and INSURANCE??? as far as learning stick - it's not that hard. i learned on my first bimmer! better would be if you could at least borrow a buddy's pos manual car for the very first drive though....

That was ultra-conservative...

If my total expenses were only $480, then I'd have $320 left over. If I don't get that new laptop, I will have even more left over. If I get a higher-paying job, I'll have more left over... and so on.

Ed: I roughly figured those in on the math above.

well it's one of those things. that seems like a decent amount to have left over each month. i agree with all of the previous posts.... but i also know that some mistakes you just have to make for yourself. you MAY buy the 8 and be happy since you obviously really really want it. just recognize all that has been said and also recognize that it may need some serious work right off the bat. at least have it checked out by either BMW or a BMW specialist before buying it.

Also, unless the problem is threatening the immediate functionality of the car, couldn't I just wait to save up a bit to get the problem fixed...?

Well, that is not a good approach. There are alot of things on this car that can't just "wait", usually waiting only worsens the problem.

I also wanted to add that I will be paying my parents back over 18-24 months. Meaning, I have to cover anywhere from roughly $480 to $600 per month to cover insurance, the car, and gas. Assuming a job at minimum wage ($7), 28 hours a week, we are talking about $800 a month. So, worst-case, that's roughly $200 (let's say even $150) a month backup. If need be, I've got $1700 up front that I was going to use for a Macbook Pro, which makes that monthly figure even less.

Suggestion here: Make sure you take senior math, because your figures don't add up. $7/hr @ 28 hours = $196 per week (which works out to $842.80 per month - month has 4.3 weeks). That is what your Gross Pay is. Your "take-home pay" will be somewhere around $625 per month. That my young Jedi, will leave you a whopping $25 to spend on some tail - not much by today's standard.

The 8-series will be around for many more years - you just don't have the means to really enjoy one right now, and you need to come to that realization. It is the owners who do not understand this, and have to "skimp" on basic maintenance items that have flooded the market with more than it's fair share of shitty 8's. I get emails on a regular basis from dis-enchanted 8 owners that offer their cars to me for pennies on the dollar, just to stop the bleeding.

Just as a point of reference on how extreme it can get: I have spent over $10,000 a year on repairs, upgrades and preventative maintenance (and I do ALL of my own wrenching). Are you ready to make such a commitment?

Not trying to burst your bubble, but you do need to be very realistic about this.

Well, I am in Pre-Calculus.

How did you come to $625 clear a month...? Are taxes that harsh?!

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind the right kind of M3...just saying, the E31 is a lot more car for the same amount of money (up front, I guess)...

Figure about 24%-26% for Uncle Sam. That's how I got to $625.

Why do you want to risk having this car "on your back" listen to all of the "brotherin" Tj
this car is EXPEN$$IVE" :deadhorse:

I am not even sure you can afford the M3

You are very young and I think (like myself at your age) are aiming a bit high:ak

Anyway,, Good Luck...

DMP:round

ok, understood.

E31 is off the list.

Thanks for your help guys, and I surely hope some day to join your uber-exclusive club ;)

Thats a very wise decision made by a highschool student :thumbsup: some adults arent that responsible with their finances. I would hate to see you posting a million "help threads" and then selling the car for whatever when the bills pile up.

Id strongly suggest an E31 as a second or 3rd (etc) car. when youve established yourself. They will be here for you and im sure most of us will be as well.

Good luck!!

and dont lose that great taste in cars!

I SAY TAKE A CHANSE.
Before i bought my 8 i had a master BMW TEC (my best friend) Dont buy it you will be sorry they are P.O.S cars they look nice but not worth it.
I havent regreted it since yes the car can be a princess,BUT! OMG the looks this machine can draw are incredable just make sure the car is mechanicly sound First off make sure the car is smoged like yesterday smooth idle , no Errors on HALL 9000 and everything works fine 6 speed is rare i know i have one.
But learn in a POS car not in the 8 clutch job is over $1000. OK lol no lye
I know im going to get Boooed for this but somethings are worth it and you will kick your self latter ,Remember this is a Gentalmans car not a masher at all.

I SAY TAKE A CHANSE.
Before i bought my 8 i had a master BMW TEC (my best friend) Dont buy it you will be sorry they are P.O.S cars they look nice but not worth it.
I havent regreted it since yes the car can be a princess,BUT! OMG the looks this machine can draw are incredable just make sure the car is mechanicly sound First off make sure the car is smoged like yesterday smooth idle , no Errors on HALL 9000 and everything works fine 6 speed is rare i know i have one.
But learn in a POS car not in the 8 clutch job is over $1000. OK lol no lye
I know im going to get Boooed for this but somethings are worth it and you will kick your self latter ,Remember this is a Gentalmans car not a masher at all.

uh-oh smokum's lookin' for a FLAMING! http://images.corvetteforum.com/images/smilies/rofl.gif http://images.corvetteforum.com/images/smilies/smash.gif

When i was younger there were cars that i would have killed to have the chanse to own... I would have done what ever the hell it took to keep it mint and pristine 2 jobs etc.
The first car i gave a shit about ,to were any lil thing the car needed i would make the extra effort to provide was a 1987 BUICK GN that was my love one and only man did i love that car and everyone and my mom did too she helped me get it. So when it was stolen i cryed a lil she cryed a lot because the sacifice that she made to help me get it.

http://edchapman.tripod.com/cars.html

When we went to go buy the car the owner had just sold a GNX for $16,000
to some lucky bastard.

Lol! I sold mines because they tried to still it 09 times! The 7th time they got it down the freeway on a tow truck before teletrac kicked in, Baddest 6 Banger, I'd still be crying if i was you, There rarer than the pimps we drive now.

Haha...I am getting impatient waiting for a job folks. I might blow that laptop fund on a cheapo E30 to keep me satisfied and learn to drive a stick for now =]

I read that the E30 is a really raw-feeling car, and in fact the last BMW to really have that feel. I'd love to see how it is.

Haha...I am getting impatient waiting for a job folks. I might blow that laptop fund on a cheapo E30 to keep me satisfied and learn to drive a stick for now =]

I read that the E30 is a really raw-feeling car, and in fact the last BMW to really have that feel. I'd love to see how it is.

not as raw as a 2002!

Not too hijack the thread, but how reliable is the 840 compared to the 850? I love the cars and I have been looking for one for a while. Just haven't "found" the right one. Yes, I am older and I can afford one...LOL Plus, I am very mechanically inclined.

Oh, think its funny, eh? -.-

The 840 is gonna be a lot more reliable, as well as being cheaper to maintain. At least, that is what my reading indicates.

What i do know about the 840, Other than the enigine, It's pretty much the same car! The previous owners of 840's who bought another 8 bought a 850, Guess they could'nt live without the headaches eh?

Oh, think its funny, eh? -.-

The 840 is gonna be a lot more reliable, as well as being cheaper to maintain. At least, that is what my reading indicates.


That is a myth. These cars are only as reliable as the maintenance programs they are on...

Like mentioned above, the car will only be as healthy as the maintenance regimen it has prior to your ownership & during your tenure as owner.

Having owned both the V12 (E32) and the V8 (E31), I can tell you from experience, that the cost of maintenance is essentially the same.

Whatever parts are cheaper for V12 or V8 engines would be offset by some bizarrely expensive parts for both. This pertains to shop time, too, if you're not wrenching yourself.

The '840 is cheaper to maintain than the 850' myth can now be laid to rest.

I had both and worked on both. With the 60 degree V the V12 is slightly easier to work on (On certain things) and easier to troubleshoot with 2 sets of common parts. But certain partys are more accessible on the 840 engine than the 850.

Do you know the engine rule of 720 degrees?

crank rotation between each cylinder firing, V12=60 Degree?