1967xx miles; located in San Diego
VIN: WBADC740XJ1718904
$3950
Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/M2rxVTaABBE7bdJZ7
(let me know if additional photos are requested. I will also add a video of cold start and drive)
TL;DR: a ready-to-enjoy classic that has the right stuff where it counts and is ready to offer many more miles and years to a caring owner, without the stress of preserving a garage queen.
Bentley manual included with sale. Comments and questions welcome!
The good
General
- Authentic "is" including decklid spoiler, front air dam, LSD, 16" basketweaves, sport steering wheel, and sport seats
Starts, runs, drives reliably and solidly
- No fluid leaks or battery draining gremlins --> can leave it parked for a couple of weeks and it will start right up and not make a mess of the driveway
- Comprehensive records for most the last 20 years, with many critical items replaced within the last 70k miles (radiator, diff mount, water pump, etc.). Logged here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing
- Engine: good, consistent compression test numbers. Does not leak or burn oil between changes. Valves adjusted and spark plugs inspected at recommended intervals. Oil pan protected by a skid plate!
- Transmission: Smooth shifting and (believed to be) original clutch are a testament to how gently this car has been driven over the years. Fluid change at 177k
- LSD: rebuilt by PO at 171k, fluid change at 177k
- Handsome cardinal red door cards on black interior
- Leather on sport seats redone by PO
- Working power sunroof and windows (rears a bit slow in the cold)
- Mostly-complete large tool kit (missing channel locks and pliers)
- Tastefully modernized radio allows bluetooth connectivity (see pics). Rear speakers are stock and the front footwell ones are aftermarket
The bad
- No catalytic converter: buyer responsibility to install emission system needed to register in their state. There is currently a flex coupling in place where one can be easily added.
- Worn shifter bushings cause side-to-side play in knob (does not inhibit shifting precision)
- Non-functional radio antenna
- Gas tank filler neck pinholes: can top off if you're on a road trip, but not if you're going to park it.
- Slight driveshaft vibration under load at precisely 13 mph, related to CSB. Hasn't changed over the past 20k miles so I haven't messed with it
- Weak A/C (system converted to R134a by PO but I don't think compressor or condenser were changed to reflect this)
- Deactivated cruise control
- Deactivated brake pad wear sensors
- Deactivated ABS (computer and actuator are functional, but one of the Hub sensors/rotors needs cleaning or replacement to correct this. I have pulled the relays in the mean time)
- Was lachssilber, clear coat was failing. Repainted with single stage in 2016. I still have the paint in case the buyer would like to make touchups
- Central locking works intermittently (bad connection at the control unit likely)
- Half of passenger seat motor functions don't work (motors spin but cables need to be replaced)
- Standard e28 cracked dashboard
- Left rear quarter panel met a sign post in a sleet storm (see ding in pictures)
- Rust-perforated footwells driver and passenger side
- Some small surface rust spots on hood and sunroof
- Small rust hole in left rear corner of trunk
My first and only car to date. Engineer-owned and maintained since September '15; 176k to 197k current miles. Reliable (never let me down/stranded), fun, practical car that got me through college and continues to be my daily driver (although I don’t commute with it much these days). It was a NY car its whole life until I brought it out to CA, so there is some underlying rust. However, the drivetrain is ready to go another 100k with the right owner. I learned so much working on this car and it has required only routine maintenance the past 2 years, but now as I balance my priorities it is time to let go, although I am not in a rush to do so.
My general approach to this sale is that if it does not go within a month or so, then I will gradually make an effort to pass emissions and register in CA. Price will increase accordingly.
Ideally this car will go to someone who will continue to enjoy it in its current form. I could also see the mechanicals and "is" bits being swapped over to a car with a healthier chassis/body/paint.