Possible '95 e36 M3 purchase. Advice needed.

[dadasracecar]

Hi Guys,
I'm seeking advice on a purchase of a possible project. A guy from work is selling his '95 e36 M3 and I'm considering it.
Details:
~215k on original OBD1 motor
Dinan chip (removes rev limiter and speed governor?)
Dinan exhaust
BMW Motorsport wheels, M3 exclusive option
Front Sway bar
Avus Blue
2nd official owner
Complete service records with original sticker
~75% clutch left
~50% brakes left
Original Vader seats
All tools accounted for in BMW toolkit
Body is in very good condition, especially considering a 16 year old car
Clear record

The catch is that it doesn't start. He said he was replacing the radiator and when it was done, it wouldn't turn over so it's seemingly electrical. He's not real knowledgeable and I've spent 5 minutes with the car so I can't really diagnose anything. I'm thinking bad starter, knocked a starter wire loose, bad ignition, poor battery connection. These are just my initial thoughts.

What's an acceptable price for the car with 215K miles and not running. He says the motor was strong before it wouldn't start and I'd give him the benefit of the doubt.

Here are some crappy iphone pix as the sun was going down.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/630296a1.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/2968a9bf.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/855041ce.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/bce508ba.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/8fee14ef.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/7d18a00c.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/aa501ff5.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/8ee994aa.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/5b8f7459.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/f03882ac.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af266/boom335/e36%20M3/85fc1ffd.jpg

Thanks very much for the time.

[graveshaker]

Really hard to say without a real trouble shoot. I paid $2900 for my 95 with around the same amount of miles and drove it 3 hours back home. Paint was the only real issue. If you really believe it to be a minor fix, go as low as possible. Factor in the worse case scenario being an engine and go from there.

[RahgBag]

In that condition I'd offer him 4.5k. Paint appears to be in good condition. Missing both door panels, the radio, worthless strut bar, ghetto intake, unknown condition of motor all reduce value. What do the seats look like under those covers?

[dRock13]

pass.

[l1ttlej7]

1st: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=379325

2nd: Run! This sounds like a headache. I mean doesn't run because of the radiator or it ran then the radiator went while driving caused an overheat and completely destroyed the head and that's why it won't start?

3rd: Possibly buy cheap and part out to guys here, hell you could get a lot just for an Avus Blue shell!

[graveshaker]

1st: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=379325

2nd: Run! This sounds like a headache. I mean doesn't run because of the radiator or it ran then the radiator went while driving caused an overheat and completely destroyed the head and that's why it won't start?

3rd: Possibly buy cheap and part out to guys here, hell you could get a lot just for an Avus Blue shell!

+1 Avus is my favorite on an M.

[scooper]

Factor in a new (another used but good) engine. Might be a reason he's selling it with "just" a bad starter among other things. Doesn't look taken care of. I might also think about running from it...

[dadasracecar]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. The seats are horrendous under the covers. At least the driver's side is. I'm going to probe the owner a little more to see if I can get some answers. Leaning no at the moment. Really appreciate the advice.

[New2M3]

Try to get it started by finding a way to bang on the starter... If that is even possible..because I know it is pita to get to...
-I would start at 2K and work my way up from there...
-SInce it is a project who cares if it sits for a little while.
-Body looks clean

I paid 3750 for my 95 with 180k and motor runs strong interior needs work and clear coat is starting to peel. But if I were u id try to get it started and buy it...

[Russell042]

Wouldnt pay more then 3k. Door panels are a pain in the ass to find in good conition, who knows what kinds of work it need when you do get it running.. Needs alot of TLC.

[Advan06]

I wouldn't pay more than 2k for that under the speculation the engine is bad. I bought my 95 avus blue with black interior/vaders in IMMACULATE condition inside and out and only 120k miles for $5.5k

[KnudsonsM3]

perfect track car!