motuman
07-09-2005, 11:29 AM
I need the input of some experienced BMW buyers like yourselves. I have always bought, and been extremely happy with, used BMW in the 100,000 mile range. I look for cars that have been well maintained, had the expected components replaced aleady, and fix the odds and ends myself. The system has worked very well so far and I have had no reason to change my ways.....until now.
I have come across an 1995 540/6 M-sport with 147,000 miles (one of 135 imported to the US). In many ways this car is a dream find for BMW hunters. The original & only owner took delivery of the car new in May 1996. This California car was garaged, babied and well maintained. Documented oil changes every 3000 mles, complete maintanence records, only BMW parts, etc. etc. Upon purchase, sheepskin covers were placed on the sport seats and they haven't had direct contact since. Looking under the seat covers the leather looks brand new. The entire interior is showroom condition, everything works 10/10. The exterior is almost showroom. Only a few tiny chips on the spoiler and a couple of tiny, tiny dings on the door (virtually undetectable) 9+/10. I have seen a lot of e34's and this car's visual condition is equal to the nicest I have seen, matching the nicest e34 M5's shown at Bimmerfest. The catch (and there always is one) is that none of the usual 540 stuff has needed to be replaced. Cat's, o2 sensors, Nikasil block, clutch, EDC III suspension, driveshaft is all original @ 147k. It all works now, but I anticipate having to replace some or all of these items during my ownership. For example, if the EDC dampers fail, I may have to replace them with regular struts. I drive about 5k miles per year, so in 5 years the car will have about 172k on the clock.
So here is my question - Assuming I can keep the car in immaculate condition and the Nikasil still passes leakdown, would you buy this rare, pampered, 2 owner M-Sport from me with 172K miles??
I know everything hinges on price, but that is really my question. I'm certain I could sell it for $5k, but what about $10 to $12K? (Which would be my target). I don't have experience selling the higher mileage special interest cars as mine have always sold at lower mileage. My thought is that collectors (the ones willing to pay a premiun) are generally looking for low mileage cars.
Anybody have their crystal balls turned on today?
Thanks to all!
I have come across an 1995 540/6 M-sport with 147,000 miles (one of 135 imported to the US). In many ways this car is a dream find for BMW hunters. The original & only owner took delivery of the car new in May 1996. This California car was garaged, babied and well maintained. Documented oil changes every 3000 mles, complete maintanence records, only BMW parts, etc. etc. Upon purchase, sheepskin covers were placed on the sport seats and they haven't had direct contact since. Looking under the seat covers the leather looks brand new. The entire interior is showroom condition, everything works 10/10. The exterior is almost showroom. Only a few tiny chips on the spoiler and a couple of tiny, tiny dings on the door (virtually undetectable) 9+/10. I have seen a lot of e34's and this car's visual condition is equal to the nicest I have seen, matching the nicest e34 M5's shown at Bimmerfest. The catch (and there always is one) is that none of the usual 540 stuff has needed to be replaced. Cat's, o2 sensors, Nikasil block, clutch, EDC III suspension, driveshaft is all original @ 147k. It all works now, but I anticipate having to replace some or all of these items during my ownership. For example, if the EDC dampers fail, I may have to replace them with regular struts. I drive about 5k miles per year, so in 5 years the car will have about 172k on the clock.
So here is my question - Assuming I can keep the car in immaculate condition and the Nikasil still passes leakdown, would you buy this rare, pampered, 2 owner M-Sport from me with 172K miles??
I know everything hinges on price, but that is really my question. I'm certain I could sell it for $5k, but what about $10 to $12K? (Which would be my target). I don't have experience selling the higher mileage special interest cars as mine have always sold at lower mileage. My thought is that collectors (the ones willing to pay a premiun) are generally looking for low mileage cars.
Anybody have their crystal balls turned on today?
Thanks to all!