OT: Help needed with E3

[bnam]

I'm looking for reference pics of what the E3 Bavaria rear shock towers should look like. The one on ebay looks like it has work done, but seller says car came like that. I've not been able to find any reference pics.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/72-1972-BMW-BAVARIA-3-0-S-/370648013655?forcev4exp=true

Thx,

Byas

[adawil2002]

Looks like the shock towers have been patched. '02s, E3s & E9s have very similar shock tower designs.

The E3s have a section on the e9 Forum

http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/

[bnam]

That was my thought as well, but the seller says not patched. Wanted pics to compare and have not found any yet -- even on e9 coupes forum.

[SteveK535]

Been a long time since I had mine, but I would say they are patched. In the photo that shows both sides they appear to be asymmetrical, which I don't think would be by design. I thought I had a picture of the trunk in mine, but can't seem to find it.

[bnam]

Steve,

As a former owner - -what do you think of this car? Can you email me your thoughts?

Thx!

Byas

[c.d.iesel]

i'd say it has 'issues'

and that's really too bad about the steering wheel ?!

[Simeon]

Danger Will Robinson!!

The guy says they aren't patched? I would walk away.

If he said "why yes they have been patched, they were done by reputable shop X and if you refer to the folder of invoices you will see it there" then I would linger a little longer.

The fact is that those tubs have been patched and unless it is some kind of trick of the light that seems to be common to at least two photos from two different angles it looks like a home spun bodge. The fact that a so called pro either can't spot this themselves or believes they can bullshit you about it tells a story.

It looks nice on the surface but I suspect this could be another saga like Select Classics in the making. Avoid.

[AndyS]

My wife has ours at work today. I can look this evening, if that isn't too late.

[SteveK535]

Ok, If I remember correctly, its been 8+ years, the trunk is originally fully lined so you can not see the shock towers without removing the lining, which may be contributing to why I can't recall what they should look like. As I said before, the fact that the areas of concern do not appear to be symmetrical, its likely a certainty that there has been welding done to patch in replacement shock towers. I would be very suspicious that 1) the person selling it has no knowledge of the history of the car, or 2) the person selling it thinks you can be talked out of a concern that may be very serious. Welding can be done by a wide variety of skill levels. Do it correctly and its as strong or stronger than original. Do it incorrectly and you have a potentially dangerous installation of the only two pieces of metal keeping the rear end of the car from dragging on the ground. I am by no means an expert welder but I do happen to manage some of the most knowledgeable welding engineers and welders in the country. I would advise you to stay away from the car, even though it appears to be very nice. The price, at this point seems to be getting beyond what its worth anyway. Be patient and keep your eyes open for another one, they are out there, that is one part of the car you can't just replace and feel 100% confident in, not knowing the skill level of the welder just puts you at risk, not just monetarily, but physically. Sorry, I would pass.

PS Just found this pic on the Senior Six registry. I don't see the same issues on this one that I see in the one you are interested in.

[vinceinIL]

Patched, also the front strut towers look odd and would warrant more inspection. Check the cracking paint in the rear door jamb pic Creighton posted, too.

vince

[bnam]

Thanks all! Decided to pass and look for another. This car interests me as apart from the looks, I like that I can take my entire family of 5 on evening/weekend drives -- something I cannot do with my Tii.

Also, the Tii I bought came with undisclosed damage and don't want to do that again

Byas

[c.d.iesel]

......well, it IS a NICE looking sedan and great for your

intended motoring pleasure - We're just trying to eliminate

surprises. It would be a nice car but still knowing that it

aint 'pristine' underneath.

For 1/2 the asking price it MIGHT then be a Nice Car To Own.

It's a great 50 footer

It is a great looking car.

[AndyS]

Here is my E3 trunk. The plastic surround was very delicate and I didn't pull it.

This was one I used to have

[John_in_VA]

This car interests me as apart from the looks, I like that I can take my entire family of 5 on evening/weekend drives -- something I cannot do with my Tii.

Have you considered an E28? http://www.mye28.com/index.php

[bnam]

Will look at E28s as well. Thx for link. Will check it out.

Another E3 has come up for sale:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/3276820870.html

I spoke to the seller this AM. He says the engine has not been rebuilt and in his recollection when he did compression testing when he got the car a few years ago, it was 120+- across all cylinders. THis sounds low to me.

He also said that it does not smoke even on startup.

One issue is that the car overheats in slow/traffic driving conditions. He attributes this to the fan clutch failure, but I think the issue must be elsewhere. What are the common causes for this car?

What would a rebuild on an engine like this run? (Range?)

Thanks!

Byas