[BMWCSRegistry] General input sought

Sat Aug 4 17:00:24 EDT 2007

I don't think some *minor* damage is a detriment - may depress to price, to your advantage.? But it has to be truly "minor" and the body shop that you very carefully choose to do the work should make that call.? "Slight" visual damage could be major if the car is twisted or bent like a banana.

Buying a slightly beat coupe, or even a nice one, the largest single cost item is body condition and RUST.? The mechanical bits are available, replaceable, and relatively inexpensive.? You better have a very good idea where to look on and in the body structure, and of the consequences, and so must also your body shop take this into consideration.

Conversions to manual transmission is frequently discussed on this board.? There is a search function.? You can pick up the bits needed separately, or as a kit.? By now the original auto trans is likely not in good shape.? I was amazed how much torque "appeared" when I first went from original AT to a 4-speed.? Now have a five speed, which cost me 350 for a beat, semi-abandoned E12 528i.? Add a clutch kit, and $600 for the original 4-speed parts car ('79 528i), though I later sold that for 350.? If you have any liking for zoom, you gotta have the manual trans.

Sunroof is nice to have (don't know your local weather).? You'll use it less than you think, and it subtracts 1.5 inches from clearance over your skull.? I'm 6'6" so this would not be desirable with stock seats.? Also, many sunroof cars are (much) rustier up there than non-sunroof cars, so careful inspection of the roof, hole, pillars and below is a must.? There are places down there that are hidden and cannot be seen without disassembly, so it may be a risk you have to accept.

I think you are putting a little too much emphasis on originality, given your starting point.? If originality is truly your goal, most of us would quickly tell you to get a coupe that is already in good shape.? TJ fixed up a nicely running coupe to stunning condition and spent over what, $40 grand?? Can you stomach this cost, not to mention the time and aggravation?? Do you believe that strongly in your body shop, and that they will take this beat car that far in the correct manner?? Think of the all the nice cars you can get for that money....

Suppliers of parts for these cars are few and well known.? And they're well aware of their position.? Nothing for the body or interior of these cars is inexpensive, and most prices aren't even reasonable, compared to many other "old" cars which were produced in greater numbers.

Well if you're a "senior associate" I guess you have pots of dough for a checkbook restoration (of the car, your checkbook will be well and truly devastated).

Charlie 

-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Bobb <kbobb at nmrea.com>
To: bmwcsregistry at idb.ded.forest.net
Sent: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 6:49 am
Subject: [BMWCSRegistry] General input sought

Dear Coupers,

In the on going negotiation for a 72 CSA coupe I need the following
input:

Automatic vs 4 speed Does a automatic take away in value and if so, by
how much +/-  I have read all about the automatic not being a good match
with the motor.

Is a sunroof a detriment or value?

Repaint  Car was repainted a different color (white) from the original
Silver.  I know that individual taste plays a part, but is a repaint
verses an original color a detriment?

Slight damage from rear ending another car   The front end has been
damaged, although slightly, it has been wrecked, if you are going to do
a restoration does it make sense to start with a car with slight damage?
If so, how much does it ultimately reduce the potential value?

Has anyone had their wood dash redone in the last few years?  What
should I expect for a renovation of a "fair" dash?

The car is somewhat disassembled but seems to be all there.

Any additional input in negotiation would be beneficial.

Dumb questions? Maybe, but that is why I pose them to the knowledge base
here.

Thanks

Kevin Bobb
Senior Associate
Grubb & Ellis|New Mexico
2400 Louisiana NE
Bldg. 1 - Suite 300
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505.880.7034 - Direct
505.228.1134 - Cell
505.883.1034 - Fax
kevin.bobb at grubb-ellis.com
www.nmrea.com 

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