New Buyer Advice

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TM

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Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum. I've got it bad for an E9 coupe! I have done a lot of research on these cars and this site has proved very helpful.

Here's my situation. I like fixer uppers, and I'm currently looking at a '73 CS that's sitting in back of a shop right now with a about a foot of snow on it! The owner claims that it was in a garage until a few years ago, but it's been sitting outside a few years. It's an automatic and probably a gray market car. I didn't get a real good look at it but can tell you that the only visible rust was near the sunroof and in spots where the paint has come off. The paint is bad and flaking off. I didn't see any rot thru on the car. Interior is musty and the wood trim is falling apart on the doors. The car is located in the dryer part of the NW, but still has been exposed to the elements. He's asking $3,000 and claims that it runs great. Might be able to talk him down a bit.

From everything I've read about E9's, I'm sure that there is rust lurking about in the car-But-for the price I might be able to enjoy the car as a driver with an option to restore. My question is, for the price is it worth the risk? Any feedback appreciated. Thanks.
 
For $3000 you could part it out and wind up ahead. The real issue as you clearly understand it rust. The visible rust is usually the tip of the iceberg. You next to take a look at the frame and rear suspension shock towers.

Personally, If I ran into a $3000 coupe that ran I would probably buy it just for a parts car. If the frame was solid enough I would do what I could to repair it and inhibit future rust.
 
We're all biting our tounges, as it sounds like you have already made up your mind to buy this car.

Regardless of its price, condition, location, etc, you HAVE to inspect it more for evidence of rust. Open the hood - CS coupes rust along the seams where the front fenders attach, weakening the spring towers. There are several other "classic" rust areas - I'm not an expert (others can chime in here) - but these areas should all be examined in detail.

Whether the price is $3,000, $300, or $3, this thing may NOT be a bargain! Even if your goal is just to drive it as is, if it is structurally compromised, it is just a parts car (or a VERY expensive restoration project). But hey, miracles do occur - maybe it runs just fine, maybe the brakes work perfectly after sitting outside, maybe all the rust is visible, and maybe there is a Santa Claus.

Good Luck!
 
Use our link: http://www.e9coupe.com/buyers_guide/index.htm

diagram-main.jpg
 
Wanting a "fixer upper"

REALITY CHECK for a prospective new Coupe owner--these are very unique vehicles in that their body and structural design by Karmann (often referred to as the KING of Korrosion) were extremely vulnerable to rust and corrosion--and unless you have actually been shown the hidden damage from 35 years of neglect--be very aware!!

From your description of the CS sitting outside for several years--having seen a number of them essentially abandoned and then allowed to sit outside for several years (where in the NW is the car) speaks loudly of serious damage to the Coupes custom body structure and of its most costly exterior and interior trim parts--and bondo won't fix the body.

In your enthusiasm to buy you will most likely find the $3,000 Coupe a challenge well beyond my understanding of the term "FIXER UPPER" you have used--many others have been seduced by the low entry cost and gone that route only to find it a true "money pit"--then after thousands of dollars spent to replace, repair, correct, etc. etc the neglect inflicted by those years--in order to have it safe enough to be roadworthy--just throw up their hands in frustration and abandon the project.

My suggestion is to save your money, take time to learn what you are looking at--study what others have experienced--chat with Malc--and then buy the best CS you can afford instead of being buried in a money pit to even get that left outside bargain in safe roadworthy condition.

I remain consistent in this view following many years of CS ownership--some listen--some don't--and find out for themselves by getting buried.
 
Thanks everyone for your opinions. I kind of figured that this would be the response I would get, and I wanted a reality check from the experts before I pulled the trigger. It's a crying shame to see such a beautiful car go to hell.

In recent years I have rescued a 1980 911SC , a 320i and a '77 Alfa Spider of which I currently still own. All of the cars that I have refurbished (not totally restored) have turned out great. I 've been thinking that I could get away with putting this 3.0CS back together, but it sounds like you really must buy a nice one. Oh well, maybe I'll go back to hunting for a nice 2002!
 
TM
I do agree with others comments, however remember anything can be fixed with enough time and effort (forget the money bit :wink: )
I am not the ony one who has taken drastic action so do look through the resto section of the site. You can see where Gazzol even went as far as replacing the roof!

Some of the rot issues apply to the 2002 as well, I should know I rebuilt one out of 3!

What ever you decide to do good luck and if any of us can help just let us know
Cheers
Malc
 
Thanks Malc. I am still considering the project. I have most of the skills and a lot of the tools needed for a restoration job. Maybe it's time to dive in?

On another subject, I have never driven one of these cars. What's the performance like?
 
TM,

You sound like a knowledgable guy in the car field and one who does some research before acting. I would suggest more of the same. Educate yourself, like you're doing here, and if the car still gets you excited, buy it! If nothing else, you'll probably meet some good CS guys and spend time at home messing with the car. :)

Performace from a stock 2800CS or 3.0CS is not great, especially to today's standards, but enough to have plenty of fun. The stock Zenith carbs or Weber replacements work about the same power-wise, although the webers are typically more reliable and cheaper to work on. Stock exhuast isn't bad either. If its not enough for you, there's plenty of options for more power...

Dan
 
TM,
Well it's nearly Christmas so maybe, just maybe, Santa will deliver a Coupe looking for a good home. :D
Hopefully he will bring you lots of spot weld cutters too :roll:

Performance maybe "sedate" by todays standards but with some tweeks you can end up with a real wolf in sheeps clothing, plus a coupe will go round corners! Finally, IMHO you will end up with one of the world's best automotive styling icons.
Malc
 
TM said:
Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum. I've got it bad for an E9 coupe! I have done a lot of research on these cars and this site has proved very helpful.

Here's my situation. I like fixer uppers, and I'm currently looking at a '73 CS that's sitting in back of a shop right now with a about a foot of snow on it! The owner claims that it was in a garage until a few years ago, but it's been sitting outside a few years. It's an automatic and probably a gray market car. I didn't get a real good look at it but can tell you that the only visible rust was near the sunroof and in spots where the paint has come off. The paint is bad and flaking off. I didn't see any rot thru on the car. Interior is musty and the wood trim is falling apart on the doors. The car is located in the dryer part of the NW, but still has been exposed to the elements. He's asking $3,000 and claims that it runs great. Might be able to talk him down a bit.

From everything I've read about E9's, I'm sure that there is rust lurking about in the car-But-for the price I might be able to enjoy the car as a driver with an option to restore. My question is, for the price is it worth the risk? Any feedback appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Honestly, for 3K you could do better than an automatic that has been sitting outside a few years. Take your time and look around.
 
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