'72 Bavaria worth $650?

Josh

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So I've been searching for an old BMW to add to my collection and restore, and a friend found this guy locally. According to the owner he purchased it 2 years ago but it never ran. He says the starter is not working, but no idea if the engine runs since he couldn't get it to turn over.

He only wants $650 for it, so I'm wondering what are your opinions? Some visible rust, but shock towers and birdcage look fine. I was looking for one to restore. Think this one is worth picking up for $650?


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Thanks!
Josh
 

GolfBavaria

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I saw that a while ago. It's worth what you are willing to put back into it. I've found it's best to start with the best example and closest to how you would finish example, then finish it off. You may not pay as much here on the front end, but believe me, you will pay on the back end and may give up before it is finished. There are still some great examples out there for sale. The Polaris 74' on this thread seems like a good deal and with a few more tweaks already a reliable driver. This one will be a while.
 

jmackro

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That car is probably worth $650, but as GolfBavaria writes, it probably shouldn't be the car that you ultimately restore.

A lot depends on how much storage space you have. If you live out in the country, $650 for what looks like a complete parts car could be a good deal. Buy that one, and the Polaris 74', use the bumpers and whatever else off the green car. Or see if you can get the green car running, and drive it as is for awhile - you will learn a lot about Bavarias and be ready when a nice one comes along.

But don't attempt to make a silk purse out of that sow's ear - my guess is that it needs a lot of rust repair. If this were a 1930's Bugatti, then sure; but Bavarias just don't justify that level of investment.
 

Joe Barthlow

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there are certainly that much in parts. if this becomes a part out situation, i'd be interested in the transmission, drive line, clutch/pedal assembly, window washer fluid reservoir.
 

bavbob

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It really depends on what you plan to do with the car in the long-term. Want a project to work on slowly and get a nice driving car that you plan to keep, then it is worth 650 and I would buy it knowing you will never get your money back, just the satisfaction.

If you want something to work on a little, drive for a bit then sell and move on, then no, buy the polaris 74.

My Bavaria took about 10K to go from what you presented to what you see below but I wanted a project to learn from and planned on keeping it. The 10K was spent over 3 years so it didn't bother me that much. It may only be worth 8 or 9K but I don't care. I knew all this at the onset and ended up with a nice addition to the home............

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Joe Barthlow

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...The 10K was spent over 3 years so it didn't bother me that much. It may only be worth 8 or 9K but I don't care. I knew all this at the onset and ended up with a nice addition to the home............

The ROI right now is personal gratification. perhaps in another 5 years the values will be high enough to get closer to what you've put into it.
 

Ohmess

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My car had a solid body and ran relatively well when I bought it, but it had been sitting for six years. All the bushings were shot, the cooling system was blocked inside the engine block, there was rust in the gas tank, and portions of the brake system had corrosion inside. And the seller had replaced the brake lines and tires before the sale; otherwise I would have needed those too.

If you are serious about a Bav, you should try to find one that runs and is being used by its owner. Buy this one for the parts if you have the space.
 

Josh

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Thank you all for the feedback. I am no stranger to restorations and complete rebuilds, but you are probably right about the cost of restoring it to full glory vs. a better shape one.

I might pick it up for parts, if anyone needs anything!
 

duct-tape

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personally, I think it's totally worth it. If the engine is crapped, you can find plenty of swaps. Unless you're spending bankrolls on collectible cars, don't look at the worth or return.

If ya'll saw what I'm building, you'd call me crazy.
 

bluecoupe30!

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Save it! You know these cars, you can get a bargain and if you have space, store it while you explain to your partner what you have just taken on. These are amazing cars and can be put back together and give you an enormous sense of accomplishment. Keep us informed :)
 

Josh

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It's in MO? Yes, I need some parts so if you buy it let me know. Is it listed for sale anywhere?

Yeah in MO. I am buying it, but if I can't get it started I will probably part it out. What do you need?
 

mosearch

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Joe clearly has first dibs...but I too would be interested in the transmission, drive line, clutch/pedal assembly. If you decide to part-out, that is.
 

Josh

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Joe clearly has first dibs...but I too would be interested in the transmission, drive line, clutch/pedal assembly. If you decide to part-out, that is.

I'll keep you guys in mind. Are there any places with fair resale valuations of those types of parts?
 

duct-tape

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it's on a trailer. tell the guy you'd give him asking price plus $100 to drop it off. He's obviously equipped

he probably would take 4-500 for it if you went to pick it up.
 
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