Minivansomeren
New Member
Hi all, the E9 has been a favorite car of mine since graduating college and I’m finally in a position to purchase one. I have a ratty E30 race car that I work on, but I don’t have experience keeping an old car “nice,” let alone doing any sort of restoration. So I’m still deciding how much of a project I want to take on, versus spending more on something somebody else has restored. I’ve read through the whole pre-purchase rust inspection thread and I’m hoping that, being in Arizona, the climate will stop or at least slow any minor/moderate preexisting rust issues. Is that reasonable?
Also, please talk to me about color! I’m partial to solid bright colors (Mint Green, Pastel Blue, Inka, Golf) but I know those are quite rare, especially on the non-CSL models that I can afford. I think they add an element of 70s fun to an otherwise extremely classy car. I’m not set on this - I’d be happy to drive an E9 in any color - but I’d considered a respray in one of these colors if I need to do any body work, versus a wrap to protect good paint underneath. I see one or two threads about wraps but nobody has gone through with it? Also, if I’m considering a re-spray, when does this start to affect value? Does having the original color only matter on numbers-matching cars, or is it important for all? It seems counter-intuitive that swapping a newer 6-cyl motor and a 5-speed can increase the value, but having a non-original color (even if it’s a factory option) might hurt the value.
Lastly, I just posted a question about “migrating fenders” i.e. movement of the front strut towers:
I think that’s all for now but I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I move forward with a purchase. I’ll be bidding on BAT as well as watching the for sale section here. But feel free to point me in the direction of any coupes with “good bones” whether they are well restored or need some mechanical work or a restored interior.
I’m really glad to see that this forum exists with so many active and knowledgeable contributors!
Also, please talk to me about color! I’m partial to solid bright colors (Mint Green, Pastel Blue, Inka, Golf) but I know those are quite rare, especially on the non-CSL models that I can afford. I think they add an element of 70s fun to an otherwise extremely classy car. I’m not set on this - I’d be happy to drive an E9 in any color - but I’d considered a respray in one of these colors if I need to do any body work, versus a wrap to protect good paint underneath. I see one or two threads about wraps but nobody has gone through with it? Also, if I’m considering a re-spray, when does this start to affect value? Does having the original color only matter on numbers-matching cars, or is it important for all? It seems counter-intuitive that swapping a newer 6-cyl motor and a 5-speed can increase the value, but having a non-original color (even if it’s a factory option) might hurt the value.
Lastly, I just posted a question about “migrating fenders” i.e. movement of the front strut towers:
Hi everybody, I’m new and in the market to buy an E9. I’ve read most of the excellent resources on here about inspecting and buying. One thing I’ve seen mentioned several times is the “migrating fenders” where the front strut tower bulges up and rubs the hood.
I haven’t seen any discussion of the significance. Is this caused by rusting of the inner fender spaces? I.e. does it signify hidden decay? Additionally, have there been problems caused by this, such as affecting hood alignment? I know rear shock towers occasionally blow out (metal fatigue) but has anybody seen this front tower...
I haven’t seen any discussion of the significance. Is this caused by rusting of the inner fender spaces? I.e. does it signify hidden decay? Additionally, have there been problems caused by this, such as affecting hood alignment? I know rear shock towers occasionally blow out (metal fatigue) but has anybody seen this front tower...
- Minivansomeren
- Replies: 11
- Forum: E9 Discussion
I think that’s all for now but I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I move forward with a purchase. I’ll be bidding on BAT as well as watching the for sale section here. But feel free to point me in the direction of any coupes with “good bones” whether they are well restored or need some mechanical work or a restored interior.
I’m really glad to see that this forum exists with so many active and knowledgeable contributors!