1989 BMW M3

Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Manual

WBABB1306K8275006

Clear

Gasoline

Up for an auction is my 1989 BMW M3 cabriolet replica. This is not like one of those low budget M3 replicas that you have seen on eBay or around. This project took me about 1.5 years to complete with “ABSOLUTLY NO-SHORTCUT OR EXPENSE SPARED ” approach. You have to see my car in person to appreciate the work I put into it. Just to give you an idea, I spent about $50000 on this project. The donor vehicle: 1989 BMW 325ic in Alpine White II/black leather interior, w/ only 87k miles. Unlike most people who start such projects using a banged up or salvage donor, I wanted to do this project the right way. My idea of right way was to use a clean E30 325i convertible as a donor, so there would be no issue of body panels not lining up. This donor was never involved in any accidents. The paint was original and all VIN# stickers were present (on the doors, fenders, quarter panels, hood and the trunk) before the start of the project. The car was so clean and nice that I really had a hard time to give the go ahead to the body shop. After all, it was a very nice and clean 325ic that is hard to find in that condition. The Facility: As I mentioned above, I wanted to do this project the right way and the right way always cost more. The body and paintwork was done at BMW Authorized Collision Center. In fact, the work was done just like factory and the BMW representative had to sign off on the work. They even ordered the original door jam VIN sticker from the factory and reattached it to the door jam. The body shop guy who did the work had over 20 years of experience of working on BMW cars, especially the older BMWs such as E30. The Parts: Again, unlike the other E30 M3 cabrio projects, I decided to use brand new original European E30 M3 cabrio parts, except for the hood, the interior, the headlights, the suspension (US m3 suspension was used) and some other minor parts. For example, I could have used the US M3 coupe fenders but these fenders are not a direct fit and they have to be modified. Or I could have used US M3 coupe bumpers but I choose to use brand new original European M3 bumpers because I didn’t want to bondo the side turn signal holes that are not in the Euro bumpers. I also used the pictures and measurements from an original E30 M3 cabriolet that belonged to one of the forum members to replicate the door panels, consoles and the seats. The following is the summery of all parts and work done to this car. If you want more info, please refer to the following link so you can see my build thread on S14.net. There are 48 pages on my thread, detailing everything I have done to this car. Having said that, you are welcome to ask any questions and I will try to answer it to the best of my knowledge. http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33882 Bodywork: (everything were new unless stated otherwise) E30 M3 cabriolet fenders, doors, quarter panels, bumpers (front bumper is from Euro Evo M3), side skirts, door sills, emergency brake lever, Euro grills, under carriage plastic covers (used from US M3 since they are NLA), etc. Suspension: US E30 M3 5 log suspension parts, modified by ground control into coil over with 450lbs front spring, 900Lbs rear springs, Koni adjustable shocks, Racing Dynamics Strut tower brace, cross brace, E36 M3 steering rack, front camber plates with the rear camber/toe adjustment. The handling is unbelievable! Even though I used 900 lbs springs in the back, the car is not bumpy. The handling is very tight and the car sticks to the road better than new BMWs. Drive train and exhaust system. US M3 S50 OBD-I engine with approx. 75K miles, E30 M3 drive shaft, new E34 M5 clutch, Dinan E36 M3 lightened flywheel, 3:25 LSD differential, new Z3 M coupe differential cover, new E36 M3 exhaust from Rouge Engineering with OEM E36 M3 catalytic converter (passes CA smog with no problem!). The motor swap was done properly and I had it certified by the State Of California inspection facility. The car can be taken to any smog facility and get it smoged because it has the state certification sticker in the door jam. Sound System: Alpine component speakers, Clarion FZ709 button-less touch sensitive head unit (for clean look) with bluetooth audio streaming, ipod/iphone connection, Sound Stream 5 channel amplifier and 2 x JL Audio subwoofer. Interior: All leather interior, including the seats, consoles, door panels with shift knob. New OEM heated seats heating elements. Misc.: New AC compressor, custom AC hoses, custom made pedals, US M3 instrument panel with the original odometer swapped into it (the mileage is original), new OEM Evo M3 steering wheel, custom painted E39 BBS wheels with chrome rivets, German computer and overhead panel. High end Cliford Alarm system with windows modules (one touch up and down), tilt and proximity sensor. I am sure there is a lot more need to be said about my car but I don’t remember it at this moment. I will add to the description as I remember them. Things that need attention: ( I have been very busy lately, otherwise I would have taken care of these minor issues. I may still take care of them if I get the chance around my busy schedule) -The ground control suspension is known for squeaks and suspension noises so there are some noises from the suspension at low speeds. -Instrument panel backlight comes and goes. It sometimes needs couple of tap to make it illuminate -The top is original BMW top and in very good condition except for the rear windows that needs to be replaced. I have always driven the car with top down so it never bothered me but it is a reletively sheap fix since the rear window is zippered into the top so it is not that hard to replace the rear windows. Please note that the title is free of any lean or loans. I am not sure why AutoCheck says there is a lean on the vehicle. I have the title in hand and there are no lean or loan on my car. Auction rules: - $2000 NON-REFUNDABLE PayPal deposit immediately after the end of the auction. The rest of the payment is due in 7 days after the close of the auction via wire transfer, cashier's check issued in my presence in the bank or sent 10 days in advance of the vehicle pickup for verification. If the car is not what I say it is, you may have your deposit back. - You are welcome to inspect the car (at your own expense) but only before the end of the auction. You may use any inspection facility in or around Redwood City and San Mateo, CA. - I may drive the car sometimes so the mileage maybe more than what is listed in the auction at the time of the pickup. - Vehicle needs to be picked up in San Mateo or Redwood City, CA. -I reserve the right to end the auction early because the car is listed for sale locally as well. Thank you and happy bidding Please call me at 925-286-5994 IF you are seriously interested in purchasing my car and have questions. Otherwise, please check out my build thread or submit your question through ebay. I answer my emails promptly. Thank youOn Nov-19-11 at 19:44:47 PST, seller added the following information: One of the bidders complained about not being able to see the pictures on S14.net because they were not member. So, here are couple of links that will lead you to all of the photos I have taken from my car, from the start to finish. If the links are not active, just copy and paste them into your browser and it should take you to the album. http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt163/whoisbuck/E30%20M3%20cabrio%20pics/ Here is the link to over 400 pics of my project http://photobucket.com/e30M3cabrioOn Nov-22-11 at 23:59:08 PST, seller added the following information: One of the bidders asked me if I take trades. Yes, I will consider trades as long as they are one of the followings vehicles and as long as you meet the following conditions:- Regular or lightly modified cars or trucks- Regular or lightly modified motorcycles- No custom made cars or motorcycles.- All price negotiations must be done prior to the auction end. If the auction ends, I expect the full amount in cash/wire transfer/cashier's check (must clear prior to the vehicle pick up).- You must be prepared to pay for the full auction value, unless I agree to take your vehicle in trade.- You would be responsible for the cost of the transporting the vehicle to me in addition to the cost of transporting my vehicle.- The value of your trade must be considerably less than value of the final auction price. Basically, your trade plus cash! So, let me know what you have.On Nov-27-11 at 09:58:57 PST, seller added the following information: My car is listed for sale locally and I may cancel the auction at any time.