Found an E9 CL

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RokuMado

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Interested in what you folks think about a E9 in the islands. Found this CL listing a week ago. Is this a fair price? Not many here, but also not many people here want or appreciate an older bmw E9. How much rust on this car would make it worth the asking price? Planning to go see it sometime. I hear that rust is a very common thing with these cars. Hawaii is a very common place where the salty climate and spray kills cars.

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/1268045707.html
 
From the photos the interior looks to be in good shape as well as sheet metal. All the important parts seem to be there. Interesting upholstery pattern on valour.

If the shock towers, floor pans, rockers, and spare tire well/gas tank are solid the price seems really right in my opinion.

Converting to a four or five speed is not difficult. Any original tools in the tool kit are a plus.

Steve ONeill
74CSi
 
And looks to be a US spec car with the original and usually discarded `73 only front bumper guards, original wheels and hubcaps, etc. Pictures are too small to properly evaluate but it might be a true survivor.
 
Regarding your find---

Outward appearance is good considering your Island environment--the interior vinyl with cloth or velour insert is very practical as its more comfortable in your very humid climate. If it meets the minimal rust inspection suggested--and you buy it--I would further suggest the following steps for future long term preservation of your toy.

Get a thorough steam clean of all under-carriage and wheel wells--with wheels off if possible--followed by a professional application of a modern epoxy type corrosion protection material to all surfaces exposed to the wet, salty Island environment.

Also--very carefully remove door and quarter panels--BTW--this first time opening will require a very careful, guided step by step way for correct--read without damaging NLA parts and bits--removal to avoid damage as you go--I have seen the results of gorillas or unknowing owners doing it to these hand built cars.

Follow with rigorous cleaning out old grease from window mechanisms, etc, whether electric or manual--simple throw away brush with mineral spirits works well--collect drippings with rags or shop towels and get inners doors sqeaky clean--while there replace the little nylon grommets at door rod ends and lock rod--3 each side--1 at each door rod end and 1 on door lock rod--first time is a bitch to do but will save future work and no door rattle when closing door.

While there after inner door cleaning apply rust prevention to lower 10-12" of inner door--and if door panels are still solid apply coat of gray POR-15 to back side--it will prevent future moisture deteriorating the pressed paper door and quarter window panels. These steps will be very helpful in the long run toward preservation against corrosion and deterioration due your daily dose of moisture in your Sandwich Island environment--as last step re-apply fresh lube on all door and window moving parts.

Extreme steps--yes--but the results merit this--I'm making these suggestions of effective damage prevention steps as one of the longest continuous owners of E-9's.

Also--while door panels are still off you might want to replace your door brakes if still the original type as they will fail--replace with enhanced ones that will last much longer--available from Mesa performance in Costa Mesa, CA--they ship many hard to find early parts to the Islands

As you enter the madhouse of Coupe ownership--you will have joy in driving a beautiful car--but due to its rarity there you will know frustration in finding correct parts except from the mainland. Plus--if you want it to last be sure you garage it when not in use--also avoid pouring water over the top to minimize your already wet environment..good luck with your candidate.
 
I was visiting Oahu and met fellow couper Charlie. He has been driving his 3.0CS daily for years. Also it did not look as though he had done a lot of restorative work.
He said he stayed with the 4 speed as the island was so small he rarely needed to get out of 3rd!
Anyway, my 2 cents worth...
 
'ello...

Charlie here.

Howzit Stan, long time no see. Yes I have "not done a lot of restorative work". Still. Oh well.

The advertised car is one I haven't seen, but what the heck, I'm shackled to my desk all day and don't get out as much as I oughta. But if someone is really interested, cajole me and I can have a look at this car, assuming it's still available. The price is about what I'd expect for an "average" CS. Know that the seller lives on the windward side of the island, which is nowhere far from the ocean, and there's a near constant onshore wind there. Some areas of that side are rainier than others. If it's a daily driver, he's seen a good bit of drizzle, and maybe some saltiness.
 
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