FS: Beemer-shite...

[Wilko220]

Right, I’ve been threatening it for a while. Now, for sale, is my 30,000mile (sort of) BMW 316i Compact.

 

My other half inherited this car from her late father, who owned it from new. It was very well cared for until he fell ill, after which it sat idle for several months. I’ve been driving it for almost a year now, trouble free.

 

Given its history, it would obviously make me happy to see this go to someone who will look after it rather than paint it with Dulux or something – however, I realise there are no guarantees when you sell a vehicle...

 

Here are the details:

 

• 1995 N-reg (but later changed to an NI plate. Yes, I know…)

• Two registered owners from new (both with the same surname)

• Full service history

• Car has covered 110,000 miles but it had a new engine fitted in 2004 and has only covered 30,000 miles since

• MOT until August 2012

• 5 speed manual

• Electric windows, electric mirrors and electric tilt/slide sunroof (all in full working order)

• Parking sensors, front fog lights, driver’s air bag

• All brake pipes, brake hoses and rear brake cylinders replaced in August

• Full service carried out in August

• Interior in nice condition

 

Bad points:

 

• Exhaust is blowing

• Central locking only works from passenger side

• Superficial rust around rear wheel arch (one side has been repaired the other I've not got round to) and the other odd chip and blemish here and there

• Needed some welding done to get through last MOT.

 

 

The car is in St Albans, Herts.

 

Not sure the going rate for these – but a quick bit of internet research suggests to me that £550 – or £650 with seven months tax (until 31/7/12) thrown in – isn’t a bad deal?

 

Give me a shout if you’re interested. Happy to discuss. Anyone in the area is welcome to come and have a look as well.

 

Here are some not particularly good pictures taken on a rubbish camera in adverse weather conditions. I’ll try to get some better ones soon and post them up.

 

 

 

 

[Wilko220]

I have to say, I am astounded* by the apparent lack of interest in this...

 

Can I just assure everyone that it's much, MUCH safer than Scooters' Subaru.

[messerschmitt owner]

I have to say, I am astounded* by the apparent lack of interest in this...

 

Can I just assure everyone that it's much, MUCH safer than Scooters' Subaru.

my bubblecar on blocks in the garage is safer on the road than the ex-scooter's Subaru. In fact, that reminds me to send a letter to someone complaining about the fact that it isn't on the road taxed and tested!

[Wilko220]

Some more photos (and a bump) for this one, which is still available...

 

I'm open to offers so do get in touch if you think you might be interested or want to have a look. It's got to be good, cheap reliable motoring for someone...

 

 

 

 

 

[dollywobbler]

I would have thought that a BMW Compact won itself some shite points? Inverse badge snobbery perhaps?

[Wilko220]

I would have thought that a BMW Compact won itself some shite points? Inverse badge snobbery perhaps?

 

Well indeed - surely the ideal car for the discerning shiteist!

 

I seem to remember reading in an early Clarkson book (before he turned into a total, insufferable cock) about how when the 316 Compact first went on sale, it was put in the same price bracket as another BMW product of the time - the Rover Maestro - which, of course, was much better value for money because it had five rather than three doors...

[Wilko220]

I realise, understandably, I'm probably pissing in the wind with this one on here - but one last bump before I hit eBay.

Do contact me if you have any interest in finding out more or making an offer on this...

[danthecapriman]

That looks a tidy motor, suprised at the lack of interest.

I sold a 316 saloon a couple of years back, it was an early e36 J reg, with nearly 180K on the clock, a shredded mess of an interior, scratched/chipped glass all round, very very poor paint with rust on rear arches and boot lid and the engine rattled its tits off when cold. I got it an mot, after changing one of the front suspension arms and ball joints, one metal brake pipe and two tyres. It also had six months tax.

I stuck it up on autotrader for £650 ovno, and had no shortage of interest and calls, I sold it on the second day of it being on the site/mag. The guy wouldnt budge at £600 so I sold it to him at £600 but I kept the tax and got a refund! Easiest car ive ever sold and could have sold it several times over.

I think you could get a bit more for this tbh, my old one was a total shit pile and this one is a million times better. I say go for ebay or autotrader or similar and I bet it will sell pretty easily.

Best of luck!

[Wilko220]

Thanks mate - sounds promising...

[garycox]

I agree, I think this is easily worth the asking price if it's as good as it looks/sounds, just maybe here isn't the best place for it. Thanks for offering it here first though!

[Felly Magic]

Another vote here for a fleabay ad. Try a classified ad at around £650 ono, and see what happens.

[Pete-M]

I reckon if you binned the Mick plate it would sell a lot more easily.

 

I won't touch anything with an NI reg unless it's spectacularly cheap. That little compact looks quite tidy, but the NI plate just put me off it instantly - (not that I'd buy it anyway, it's far too economical)

[Wilko220]

That's interesting to know. I also hate seeing NI plates on cars which have nothing to do with Northern Ireland - I can assure you I have nothing to do with this car acquiring one!

Do you avoid them just because it looks naff - or is there any other reason to steer clear?

[Pete-M]

Do you avoid them just because it looks naff - or is there any other reason to steer clear?

 

Experience with NI plated cars in the UK has taught me that the people who fit NI plates tend to be the same people who'll spend £20 getting a car with a bald tyre valeted....

[Wilko220]

I suspect that's probably rather accurate. Although one might also say, they may also be the same sort of people who would buy a B**...!

 

No bald tyres on this one though, obviously like...

[messerschmitt owner]

Do you avoid them just because it looks naff - or is there any other reason to steer clear?

 

Experience with NI plated cars in the UK has taught me that the people who fit NI plates tend to be the same people who'll spend £20 getting a car with a bald tyre valeted....

I had a NI plate on the 230TE W123 when I sold it, put it through an MoT the day before it went - wish I'd never sold it but it was in the days before fleet insurance. It wasn't immaculate, but it was pretty damn good with full history from new over 20 years! Don't tar all N I plated cars with the same brush.

I'm sure this Beemer is the same.

[Pete-M]

Don't tar all N I plated cars with the same brush.

I'm sure this Beemer is the same.

 

Oh, my comments were in no way directed at Wilko's BMW.

 

It's just that over the years I've been to see loads of 'prestige' stuff that has been advertised as "immaculate", BMWs, Mercs, Audis, Jags and when I've got there they've turned out to be grotfests with chrome arches, blowing exhausts and NI reg plates. I saw so many at one time that I naturally shy away from anything that has one unless it's actually from NI (and rot free).

 

I've had a couple of cars which have been blighted with the NI "council vanity plate" myself. Had a Merc 260E for about a year which had one (MUI????) and a Range Rover Classic (TDZ1075). They were both ok. The Range Rover I had a couple of months ago had also suffered one in its past.

[trigger]

I'd i was in the market for a cheap runabout for the wife at the moment then I'd be all over that BMW, It looks perfect regardless if it has a N.I plate or not.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

I've had a couple of cars with Council paddy plates, a 635CSi and an Alfa 75 1.8.

 

I run a Compact as my daily snotter. It's alright - had it 3 years and 50'000 miles now. Rear beam bushes are a pain in the rectum to replace (near enough rear axle out), electric window regulators are shit, the odd head gasket but that's about it. A good one drives well enough, cheap to fuel and they don't rot badly.

[Wilko220]

Now eBay tat...

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230729501309

[Wilko220]

So far so good - 4 watchers on the B** already. But I don't quite know what to make of a question posted by another eBay user.

 

I have my suspicions...

 

Right smart arse, this car has potential, and the 3 series coupe is now getting very rare, and is a future classic. The only real worry IMHO is the 1.8, which has known piston liner issues,but as the car has a ticket of 12 months on, and rent in the screen, it gives chance of fixing stuff over the year, without fear of the car being laid up due to no test, plus the list of faults gives a bit of haggle room. Tidy coupes seem to be commanding a premium already

What does concern me though, is if it still has a holed rear quarter, wouldn't that bring out an MOT fail?

 

I do find that there are way too many people on here that when it comes to buying cars, they simply forget about common sense, and let their heart rule their head. This is the gutter end, so cars bought as daily drivers must have as long an MOT as possible, not just 5 minutes, and actually be roadworthy. You have to think 'why are they selling it with short test? Is it absolutely ronnied?' etc Just use yer friggin loafs

[Cavcraft]

So far so good - 4 watchers on the B** already. But I don't quite know what to make of a question posted by another eBay user.

 

I have my suspicions...

 

Right smart arse, this car has potential, and the 3 series coupe is now getting very rare, and is a future classic. The only real worry IMHO is the 1.8, which has known piston liner issues,but as the car has a ticket of 12 months on, and rent in the screen, it gives chance of fixing stuff over the year, without fear of the car being laid up due to no test, plus the list of faults gives a bit of haggle room. Tidy coupes seem to be commanding a premium already

What does concern me though, is if it still has a holed rear quarter, wouldn't that bring out an MOT fail?

 

I do find that there are way too many people on here that when it comes to buying cars, they simply forget about common sense, and let their heart rule their head. This is the gutter end, so cars bought as daily drivers must have as long an MOT as possible, not just 5 minutes, and actually be roadworthy. You have to think 'why are they selling it with short test? Is it absolutely ronnied?' etc Just use yer friggin loafs

 

[messerschmitt owner]

I smell a felly man?

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

 

the 1.8, which has known piston liner issues

 

An expert!

 

Did it sell, or was it a wankerfest?

[Wilko220]

Still another 5 days to go. No bids but 10 watchers...

[Wilko220]

Well, it sold on eBay for the starting price of £500.

 

Turns out it was a dealer who intends to tidy it up and sell it on. This is him - check out dem BARGINZ: http://www.oldcolonelcars.co.uk/ I'll be fascinated to see how it appears on the website and for how much...

[Gompo]

Well, it sold on eBay for the starting price of £500.

 

Turns out it was a dealer who intends to tidy it up and sell it on. This is him - check out dem BARGINZ: http://www.oldcolonelcars.co.uk/ I'll be fascinated to see how it appears on the website and for how much...

 

If that's the guy I think it is, he does do A LOT of preparation to some of his cars before punts them on. I admit a lot of his cars seem (and possibly are) over-priced but he does still manage to sell them.

[Wilko220]

Interesting Gompo. I know I mock a bit, but fair play to him really.

I wanted it to go to a good home so if he's going to spend hours making it minty fresh and punt it on for a nice profit then it's a good result as far as I'm concerned.