Official interesting finds thread. Ebay, CL, Etc

[Sniff38]

There is every possibility these low mileage CSi's will be worth more than a quarter million dollars sometime in the future. Unfortunately the values just aren't there yet. This is an example of sellers trying to create their own market.

The number of buyers who have the means to fork over that kind of coin for a car (any car) is incredibly small. And given all the choices they have, what will make them pull the trigger on an e31 over some other limited production exotic or rare classic? My guess is the sellers will be holding on to these for quite a while unless they get realistic about their prices.

And remember, history has shown the market could just as easily go the other way.

[Budget M3]

Here's my take on it -- it's a collector's car, and I'm not a collector. I love my 8, but that specifically includes enjoying driving it. This car was meant to sit in Jay Leno's garage and ogled by someone who just likes to have nice things to look at. For someone like that, it may be worth the price, but it isn't to me. And, frankly, I've learned recently that the value of a CSi to me has dropped dramatically, because the enjoyment factor over my car simply isn't worth the cost. If I could find the right one, at the right price (and that probably means a euro version, in the exact color combination I want), I'd buy it, but for now, the "I've got to have a CSi" bug has kind of worn off. I've only got one or two things left to do to my car to make it perfect (for me), and the cost of those things is much less than the cost of purchasing any CSi would be.

Bottom line, I think I'm pretty happy where I am, and while this car is really nice eye candy, it's not for me at any price.

I can relate to this, too. If a high mileage, blue w/ black CSi came to market for an affordable price, I’d have to consider it. Otherwise I think I’ll get just as much enjoyment out of my current $15k ride.

Unfortunately the values just aren't there yet. This is an example of sellers trying to create their own market.

True dat.

[Sniff38]

?...the enjoyment factor over my car simply isn't worth the cost. If I could find the right one, at the right price (and that probably means a euro version, in the exact color combination I want), I'd buy it, but for now, the "I've got to have a CSi" bug has kind of worn off.

This is exactly what I experienced with my 1989 911 Turbo. For those not familiar with that model, it's rare because it's the only year the 930 came with a 5-speed. I really enjoyed it when it was a low $40k car and didn't stress too much about it. But then the values kept climbing, and so did the costs for spare parts and service. I ended up selling it a bit too early and missed the rocket ship to $150k+. That said if I had $150k to drop on a toy car, I wouldn't buy another '89 Turbo. The enjoyment factor just wouldn't be there for me.

Sean

[rjjablo]

Bought mine with 185K for 3K and will spend that to get it back to being a driver. I intend on driving it a lot.

The CSI will be a museum piece which is fine, but I would drive it.

[taylorpatterson]

This is exactly what I experienced with my 1989 911 Turbo. For those who aren't familiar with that model, it's rare because it's the only year the 930 came with a 5-speed. I really enjoyed it when it was a low $40k car and didn't stress too much about it. But then the values kept climbing, and so did the costs for spare parts and service. I ended up selling it a bit too early and missed the rocket ship to $150k+. Oh well.

That said if I had $150k to drop on a toy car, I wouldn't be buying another '89 Turbo. The enjoyment factor just wouldn't be there for me.

Does anyone else get the feeling collectors with deep pockets search out the moderate budget enthusiast communities and then swoop in and drive us out of the market? Seems that way sometimes.

Sean

How long did the rocket ship last from when you sold it to the $150k range on that car?

[Sniff38]

How long did the rocket ship last from when you sold it to the $150k range on that car?

After 9 months of advertising I finally sold the car in late 2012 for around $53K which was $9k more than I paid for it in 2010. At the time I thought I was quite the deal maker. About 18 months later I saw the guy who bought it from me trying to flip it for $149K. I thought he was out of his mind asking that kind of money. True, he was about a year too early on his price, but that's where the values for the low mileage originals eventually settled (and have remained for the last several years). Perhaps the CSi's will experience a similar trend .... Who knows?

Sean

[Chamberlin]

I actually visited Jon yesterday and looked at, and drove, his CSi.<SNIP>

Mike, any word what happened on Jon's CSi? I see that it fell fifty bucks short of a $100K, but reserve not met? Seems like a damn good chunk of change for an 83K mile CSi that still needed a few minor things sorted? What's going on here? Are people just doing these auctions to get stated value comps for their insurance carrier? Or did Jon actually end up selling the car at or near that $100K price outside of eBay? Maybe he's decided to take it to BaT after Alec's car runs its course...

[toomanyparts]

You are a moron if you buy this over a Ferrari 550. You will even have money left for repairs.

PS: for sub 5k miles, sure is a lot of wheel damage and swirls...

[Chamberlin]

Quarter million dollars? Fix the pixels....*then* I'll consider it.

[rockytt]

Hey - someone might buy it as an investment (?)
IMHO, it's just a piece of sculpture in the shape of a car at that price with those miles
I could fill a garage with cars I'd rather have and drive - but to each his/her own!

[Chillax]

shoot... for that kinda money it better cook, tuck me in at night and kiss me in the morning...

[kiwiCSi]

Nice original, one owner example, but black on black is not a widely desirable color combo....certainly not my cup of tea, especially not with the wood trim.
There are a few other things that would put me off this car, like the reverse-flow throwing stars (not just two, but all four wheels!) and the MID pixels, etc. Also, at least one of the rims has some curb damage.
All negotiating points for sure, but for that asking price you'd expect it to be perfect.

I'd also be curious to know the condition of perishable components like hoses, suspension bushings, mounts, headliner, etc.
To be honest, with that mileage I'd be scared to drive it anywhere - although if it's been properly maintained, it might be the closest thing to driving a new CSi!

Presentation is everything - especially with such rare, high-end cars as these - and comparing this advert to Alec's, they are like chalk and cheese.
That said, I wish the seller all the best with the sale and look forward to hearing who the next owner is.

[TedBobo]

I'd also be curious to know the condition of perishable components like hoses, suspension bushings, mounts, headliner, etc.

Right, there's definitely shelf life to consider. Whether is covered 3,000 miles or 300,000 miles those bits are still over 25yrs old!

[Chamberlin]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...pina-b12-parts

[mightydave]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...pina-b12-parts

I've spent the last hour trying to determine how dumb I'd be to buy a set of Alpina Wheels (my all time favs) and sport seats (my all time favs) for $9k. I've come up with ... not dumb at all. Awaiting photos from the seller.

[TedBobo]

I've spent the last hour trying to determine how dumb I'd be to buy a set of Alpina Wheels (my all time favs) and sport seats (my all time favs) for $9k. I've come up with ... not dumb at all. Awaiting photos from the seller.

My thoughts as well, then reality set in. In CA you lose 1/2 of everything in divorce.

[mightydave]

My thoughts as well, then reality set in. In CA you lose 1/2 of everything in divorce.

Hahaha - then the question is, does she get the wheels or the seats? I’d give my wife the seats.

[dragon850]

Pretty good deal on the M70 engine:

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/pt...638792143.html

[alex840]

This is definitely a collectors car, and someone might buy it for that. I do believe in a couple of years we are looking @ many $250k CSIs. I would rather get a stock M70 car and TT or SC it put all CSI goodies (CSI sway bar, springs, and shock/struts, mirrors) on it and drive the living $**T out of it, but then again I am not a collector.

.......but there is something about the S70 car that I can not explain or put my finger on it.

Alex

[Omega man 1969]

It's a shame the American cars didn't get all the Euro CSi goodies, those parts are what makes it really special.

[alex840]

Simon are you referring to engine oil cooler, csi mirrors, and ur chips

Engine oil cooler
-Differential oil cooler
-Active Rear-Axle Kinematics (AHK)
-Upgraded 13.6-inch front brakes rotors, all rotors with "floating" design
-Smoked front turn signal lenses
-M aerodynamic rear-view mirrors

It's a shame the American cars didn't get all the Euro CSi goodies, those parts are what makes it really special.

[Omega man 1969]

No I'm referring to the Active rear steering AHK, floating front M sport rotors and 4 pot brake calipers, diff cooler, engine cooler, sports seats, sports mirrors and electric rear sunshade :-))

Simon are you referring to engine oil cooler, csi mirrors, and ur chips

Engine oil cooler
-Differential oil cooler
-Active Rear-Axle Kinematics (AHK)
-Upgraded 13.6-inch front brakes rotors, all rotors with "floating" design
-Smoked front turn signal lenses
-M aerodynamic rear-view mirrors

- - - Updated - - -

I'm a tad jealous of your M sport door handles though :-)

[e31gixxxer]

Nice original, one owner example, but black on black is not a widely desirable color combo....certainly not my cup of tea, especially not with the wood trim.
There are a few other things that would put me off this car, like the reverse-flow throwing stars (not just two, but all four wheels!) and the MID pixels, etc. Also, at least one of the rims has some curb damage.
All negotiating points for sure, but for that asking price you'd expect it to be perfect.

That will be another $30.000 please sir!

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...i/1955262.html

[Omega man 1969]

That will be another $30.000 please sir!

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...i/1955262.html

I thought this was the car the thread was about :-) I didn't look at the link on the first post as I'd seen this car advert.

[taylorpatterson]

It's a shame the American cars didn't get all the Euro CSi goodies, those parts are what makes it really special.

Mine has all the Euro goodies except for the expensive-to-repair AHK, sport seats, diff cooler and headlight sprayers... CSi #125 and it will soon be on BAT - it. You going to bid?