[net.auto] 320i info wanted

kevin@gitpyr.UUCP (Kevin Campbell) (12/28/85)

I am in the market for a used BMW.  By looking at the current prices I
have found that I can afford a 77-79 model. I am seeking information 
concerning these model years. I would like to hear owners/former owners
thoughts and remarks concerning this car.  Also, if someone could provide
basic specs, I would appreciate it.  
 
    Thank you,
 
P.S. I had heard somewhere that 320i's had 6 cylinders at one time, is this
     true? If so, what years?
-- 
Kevin Campbell
Office of Computing Services
Office Of Telecommunications and Networking
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia 30332
...!{akgua,allegra,amd,hplabs,ihnp4,seismo,ut-ngp}!gatech!gitpyr!kevin
...!{rlgvax,sbl,uf-cgrl,unmvax,ut-sally}!gatech!gitpyr!kevin

rick@uokvax.UUCP (12/31/85)

    Used BMW's within your price range that are about eight to ten
years old will eventually require repair. Be forwarned that unless
you can do a number of mechanical tasks yourself, the price you
ultimatley pay for parts alone is considerable. Last I checked
labor rates to do anything to a BMW were about thirty eight
bucks an hour. Since there aren't to many in the junkyards you
will have to buy new parts, needless to say all are about three
times what you would expect to pay.
    If your going to live around Georgia as indicated by your
address, you'll probably be stuck doing business with the only
shop in town. You should check them out before you buy a car.
    For instance; give them a call and find out what a complete
brake job costs,(parts and labor). If they hem and haw around
but come up with a "best guess" plan on the final cost being
twenty five percent above that if your lucky.Then ask what an
exhaust system,alternator,starter,tuneup costs. And if you
get one with electronic fuel injection ask what a control
module costs. When my neighbors went bad he found a used module
for a bargain basement price of 450.00 big ones,with no guarantee
and no return ,cash only.
    Of course if your hobby will be keeping your car running
between breakdowns have at it. This is not meant to scare you
but all of the above are things to ponder when buying any older
German automobile.
                                                 Been there
                                                 Rick