1997 BMW 3-Series

328iC Convertible

6 Cylinder 2.8 Liter

Manual

WBABK7321VET63603

Gasoline

Power Windows

With great regret, I am selling both of my E36 cabriolets, as I am retiring to Georgia and have room for only one convertible, so I am keeping the M Roadster (tough choice, eh?). This auction is for my 1997 Bostongruen Metallic 328iC cabriolet. This car was purchased new by a Kathy Bell (no relation) in Maryland, I think as a graduation gift. She drove it for 65,000 miles and I bought it to keep at my condo in Florida. That was over 5 years ago and since then, I have put 20,000 miles on it. I have five cars, four of them BMWs, and I work from home. So I don't drive much. The car is a pretty typically optioned 328iC. Most came to the States with the same or similar options or dealer installed options. This car's options include: Leather Interior Leather Steering Wheel ten speaker stereo with tape deck (!) and 6-CD changer (trunk mounted) power windows, locks, steering, brakes, cruise 11-button On Board Computer Remote keyless entry, two fobs, two keys alarm system alloy wheels (with Michelin MXV-4 205/60-15 tires, including spare) fog lamps wood trim on dash board full power top Automatic climate control (A/C blows ice cold) In addition, the previous owner had the windows professionally tinted. I have replaced a lot of parts on this car, and if you read the list below, it is a pretty good list of all the things than break on an E36. So even if you don't buy this car, use this list when shopping for others. The car was in an accident a few years back, which is listed on Carfax. See Pictures link below for photos of the accident and repairs. It was repaired at a BMW dealer (World of Cars, New York), including a whole new paint job. I had them overhaul the suspension at that time and they also replaced the rear window. They did a very nice job on it and the car runs and tracks straight. I have all service records since I have owned it and some of the records from the previous owner. I changed all the fluids (transmission, differential) and change the oil about every 3-5K miles with synthetic. The brakes and radiator have been flushed regularly, per the manual. Here are some links to more pictures of the car, which also gives some of its history. It is in good shape, but like any 13-year-old car, is not perfect. If you want a new BMW, go to your BMW dealer, they have them. They also cost $50,000. This car sold for nearly $40,000 when new, but that was 13 years ago. If you are a car person and handy with tools and know how to take care of a car, this car might give you years of good service. If you aren't a car person, it might be a nightmare. Your choice. If you are the latter, may I suggest a nice used Toyota? You'd be happier. I have had it on the track once at Watkins Glen, but other than that, it has not been horsed around, modded, raced, or whatever. Adult owned all its life. Word of advice, an E36 cabrio makes a lousy racecar, so leave all those aftermarket "mods" on the shelf. It goes nicely and handles well. Leave it at that. Some links to pictures: http://rides.webshots.com/album/563889700tfefuD http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=93502&id=566574352&l=c3a8d37281 http://rides.webshots.com/album/268145067ZsIVjD http://rides.webshots.com/album/278375139nWucMY http://rides.webshots.com/album/296569006jRTAdL http://rides.webshots.com/album/477951888gHwOmL I strongly suggest an in-person inspection and test drive before buying. The car is near Syracuse, New York. I bought the car with 65K on it several years ago and now it has 85K on it. The only things I know of that are wrong this car are: 1. Some slight scratches in the trunk lid (I've tried to take pictures but they don't show up). 2. The passenger side seat lever (on the driver's side of the seat) which makes it go forward, is disconnected. The other lever (on the other side of the same seat) works. 3. I recently noticed that the differential seems to be leaking a small amount of fluid. Not on the floor, but there was some wetness near the output shaft. 4. Exhaust rattles on occasion. 5. The odometer digits occasionally display dim in portions. This is a typical E36 problem and the cure (as documented online) is to re-solder the ribbon cable connector. I never got around to it. I will try to add more pictures of the car shortly. That's about it, as far as I know. It is not a new car, of course. Some wear on the driver's side bolster, but not bad. Parts replaced on the car since I have owned it: paint rear window tension straps on top camshaft sensor struts shocks lower control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings Primary and secondary oxygen sensors rear quarter panel front fender one headlight trunk lid 2 wheels brakes (rotors and pads, at 65K miles just before I purchased it) clutch clutch slave cylinder all fluids - transmission, differential flushed brakes and radiator more than once new radiator, water pump, hoses, tstat, tstat housing, coolant bottle spark plugs secondary air pump and valve tensioners and serpentine belts (spare in trunk) battery various trim pieces Door panels were repaired, but one has slight bubbling from the glue. cocoa mats (very retro) Roundel Available accessories: See my other auctions! NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SALE: hard top cover (weather or dust) wind screen peake code reader peake srs reader Bentley Manual rear window blanket Bra Again, note, the Bra and windscreen shown in the photos are NOT part of the item for sale, nor is the hard top! Please read carefully! The top is original and in working order and appears to have years of life left in it. Again, the rear window was replaced, the tension straps replaced and the side stays replaced (and re-glued, recently). It is, however 13 years old. I have always kept this car in a garage or covered. Pricing: Edmunds gives this car, in excellent condition, a value of about $5000, which I think is kind of low. Kelly Blue Book lists it for over $8600. NADAguides lists it for about $6800. I am starting the bidding at $5000 with NO RESERVE. Thanks for looking and good luck! P.S., please, no e-mails with "will you take $X and end the auction early?" or "will you ship this to Kenya?" Answer is No. Sorry.