We featured this BMW dealer-modified 320i not too long ago, and it was apparently purchased by someone with the intent of gifting it to their wife. The seller acknowledges he purchased it from a flipper and then got it cleaned up. It does look considerably better in this listing here on eBay, but I’m having a hard time believing the current seller isn’t a flipper as well. The Buy-It-Now is $12,500 and it now resides in North Carolina.
To the seller’s credit, it does look considerably better than it did in the first listing. We also didn’t have any good interior photos to go on in that first go-round. Surprisingly, the interior is quite nice, as I thought for sure the previous seller’s reluctance to show cabin photos was due to to a torn-up Recaro interior. Not so – and they’re the most desirable kind with the BMW roundel in the sides.
The now-familiar story is that a California BMW dealer was taking new cars off the lot and quickly outfitting them with a Century BAE turbo kit. In addition, the suspension was firmed up, a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel was installed, and period-correct Carroll Shelby CSS wheels were bolted on. The overall package is quite tasty and loaded with valuable parts, but this E21 BMW will hopefully never be parted out.
The lowered suspension and chunky wheels give this 320i a terrific stance, and a set of European bumpers would set it off even more. In terms of representation, I have a hard time believing this E21 isn’t being flipped again, but given the rarity and clean presentation, I could care less – other than wishing I was the one to have discovered it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Alan H. for the find!
My wife wouldn’t be to pleased either if I tried to give her a 36 year old vehicle!
You know, I get so sick and tired of hearing people complain about flippers it’s not even funny. It’s really easy, if you like the car, you like the condition and if you like the price, buy it no matter who’s selling it, if you don’t, don’t buy it because it’s not meant for you I guess!
#ALLFLIPPERSARENOTBADPEOPLE
#STOPRAGGINGONFLIPPERS
#LOVEAFLIPPERTODAY
I can’t rag on flippers as I used to be one- spent the 70’s and 80’s buying, fixing, driving, getting bored with, and flipping US and Japanese cars and trucks. Over 100 of them. Now I’m approaching retirement, and if I had a big warehouse and a car lift, I would start the whole process over again just to have something to do.
I have accumulated ten vehicles now in my almost 70’s; my family ‘wishes’ I was a flipper….I cannot insure or drive them all however I enjoy something about all of them.
I’m not so much a flipper as a car lover, as such i love em and leave em!.I am currently on my 19th BMW in about nine years. Four e30 verts, two coupes, four e34 sedans. Two e36 verts, three sedans, a coupe and now a 97 m3 coupe etc etc. Oh yeah an e28 sedan also.
If I had a warehouse…….or two…..
Hey, don’t flip out Rx7!
Lol..that was cute!😄😄😄
Nostalgia is what it’s cracked up to be. Especially when you reflect on how you loved the car at the time, but how much better cars are today.
But his occupation of restoring cars does put him in an easy position to flip it. The price does seem fair, although he probably got it for a steal from the first flipper.
Flippers don’t bother me. Buy low. Sell high. Flipper is taking the risk.
1. They have to locate the possible car to flip
2. They have to convince someone to sell 3. Negotiating the purchase price
4. Retrieving the car
5. Possible cosmetic cleaning and mechanical fixes to make the car presentable for sale
6. Advertising
7. Dealing with the tire kickers and negotiating the sales price
8. MOST IMPORTANT: they are laying out their money for Weeks or months until it is sold and possible storage location fees
hey Guys,
that BMW is in great apparent shape so no matter who sells it, willing buyer, willing seller rules !! very good vehicles but possibly little bit high in price though.
David R.
Yep, pretty much the story as described. I’ve flipped many cars i also have been restoring and selling classic/muscle cars for 35 years. I am now full time in the restoration business. The guy i bought it from did nothing but clean it and flip it to me. I paid full price not intending to resell, the seats were trashed from storage. I paid $1200 for correct 77 320i seats.
Then spent 3 months getting the car roadworthy for my wifes 55 b-day…she took one ride and said “this is old!” Lession is you can’t go back.
Yes, since I’ve bought and sold a hundred cars i said “ok” l’ll get something newer. No big deal. I am not making enought to cover my time. Thats free to the next buyer. I love the car it’s fantastic and units like this don’t come around often. I’ll keep it if i can’t sell.
Its the real deal.
David
Hi all, i am the current owner, David R. Yep, all is mostly true, i bought the car from a guy who bought with the intention of flipping. That’s cool i’ve flipped a few over my 36 years buying/restoring cars. He got it from and estate where it had been sitting for 10 years or so. It was not road worthy.
I then spent the next several months getting it into shape for my wife on her 55 birthday (I’ve been know to make a mistake or two in the gift department) she said it was too old. Ok.
I paid full price for the car from the PO and spent $1200 alone on the new interior, the old seats were not Recaro’s but just comfort stock seats. These are out of a 1977 320i. They are mint.
I spent quite a bit of money getting it back to where it is now as i was planning on keeping it. Its a real 26k mile car with original paint except for the hood which was done in 1993.
Thanks David