Long-term Member-New Car

CSteve

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Here is my new-to-me 1973 Agave Bavaria. I have owned 11 classic BMWs over the last 51 years. Starting with the only brand new BMW, a 1971 1600 in Atlantik. Then four e9 Coupes and now the fifth Bavaria. And the other BMW in the garage, a 1976 2002 purchased from JMinPNX. You will be seeing it soon in the Cars for Sale section as I must sell it to purchase the latest Bavaria. BTW, two of the Coupes and two of the Bavarias were parts cars. And if I owned two at the same time one was a parts car.

So why a Bavaria? Well both my wife and I, and especially my wife, are having problems with steering the 2002 at low speeds. Impossible for her, sometimes difficult for me. We are among the Old/Old so give us a break. I bought the '02 for Karen as she has supported me over the years as I bought, sold, tracked and loved them. Karen and our two children sent me to my first, of many, many driver's schools all over the East Coast. It was her time. Then JMinPDX popped up with the '76 when I posted an ad here. I did not realize no 2002 ever came with power steering. There are aftermarket kits, no thanks.

I started my search last fall looking for a pre-74 automatic, air conditioned Bavaria in excellent condition. And in late December I found one when Steve Petersen of BluntTech sent me an email.
Steve acquired the car about eight years ago and picked it up at the Mid-America 02 Fest in Arkansas. He drove it to Bay City MI where an E32 motor he had purchased was waiting. The cylinder head was completely rebuilt and the lower engine resealed along with the transmission. His goal: a turn-key classic for his then 82 year old mother. She was a hit wherever she went, including C&Cs At the time he purchased the car it had H&R Sport Springs, Bilsteins(it looks like a fresh set has been added recently) and big sway bars. Along with all new bushings and steering components. At the same time. The car was also resprayed in the original Agave and any rust was taken care of. I know that because last week I had it up in the air at my mechanic's and there is NO rust.

Except for a small tear in a seam driver's seat vinyl the interior is perfect. Oh, the Alpine stereo has to go! The installation of the B35 motor is clean and professional, my mechanic who knows about these things was impressed. Of course the clock does not work. Second "Oh" as quick at the car is with the B35 I am thinking a Dinan Chip would give it anothere kick
 
I will post photo as soon as I figure out how to post them without posting my entire AOL email account.

CSteve
 

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Lovely car! Hopefully the additional creature comforts of the Bavaria will keep you and Karen happily and safely motoring for years to come.
 
Congratulations and great find. How do you spend about a year just looking for one, any one. My only real criteria it was not rusty. I found it but of course everything else was shot. Looks like you got a very nice example. Hope you enjoy it.
 
Fredrick, I had specific requirements not easily found in one car. Turnkey(get in and drive away), no rust, automatic and air conditioning. My search actually took about four months.

alprada70, I did not know Agave cars came with black interiors. Can you send a photo, I would like to see your combination.

CSteve
 
Fredrick, I had specific requirements not easily found in one car. Turnkey(get in and drive away), no rust, automatic and air conditioning. My search actually took about four months.

alprada70, I did not know Agave cars came with black interiors. Can you send a photo, I would like to see your combination.

CSteve
I am amazed you found that in a Bavaria.
 
Fredrick, I too am amazed. If you read my intorduction above you will see it was timeing and luck. Steve Petersen's(BluntTech)90 year old mother was ready, at that moment, to sell her beloved Bavaria. Which met all my requirements.
 
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