The Esoteric
Sometimes, you just need to see things how they are. Is this the kind of person/location/condition you are really looking for? For example, suppose you are buying a low mileage or fully restored car.
- Is the person knowledgeable?
- Are they an enthusiast?
- Is their garage reflective of what you expected?
- Does it appear that this person has the means to support their habit or did the car’s condition deteriorate during their possession?
- Does it look like they want/like to tinker on the car?
- Does their garage reflect the kind of cleanliness and tools to reflect this skill and/or interest?
The “garage rule” applies to the high end of the market. Most of the project cars will be in garages covered with boxes or sitting in the driveway. I’ve seen a few barn finds and field finds that were acceptable, but make sure you check for rust and verify how long the car has been sitting.
How to locate the right mechanic to inspect the car
Having the right person to inspect the car is almost as important as finding the right car. My first choice is a professional mechanic. A corollary to this statement is a professional mechanic that is interested in working on these cars. It is getting harder and harder to find people with the experience, knowledge and willingness to work on O2s. I know a famous northern California mechanic was so fed up with his O2 customers that he finally declared them unwanted in his shop. The primary reason is that O2 owners are notoriously cheap. They will always look for a deal or flinch at the cost of doing something right. This is cannot – and should not – be your attitude. Remember, these are 25-35 year old cars designed to be sporting. Therefore, many are driven hard. Maintenance, upkeep, and most importantly – restoration/refurbishing – costs money.
My first recommendation is to join your local BMW car club. Most chapters are part of the BMW Car Club of America, but there is at least one BMW Automobile Club of America in the United States (the BMW ACA, Puget Sound in Washington State). Check the BMW CCA website links for more information or to join the club at http://www.bmwcca.org
Remember, that O2 mechanics are not your typical group just like O2 owners. Different O2 owners will have different opinions about the same shop. You may have to visit a few shops and make your own decision. What I look for:
- What kinds of cars are in the shop? Do you see a mix of old and new BMWs?
- Does it look like the shop has parts and other items for these cars (parts stashes for the older Bimmers)?
- What is being done to the cars?
I look for engine construction, custom work (if that is important to you), and maintenance. I look for maintenance as well as the other maintenance like brake replacement quickly. But, I will also want to put a custom suspension on or have an overdrive 5-speed installed and I want to know they can handle it.
What do their customers say? Do you find them helpful and talkative? Remember, this is not going to come for free… you need to compensate them properly for this experience. Develop a relationship with your mechanic.