re: my 2002 died, i need help, URGENT please

[Don Cicchetti <dcicchet@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Anobel said:

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well, the engine in my 2002 just died a little while ago.  Took it to a
mechanic, who is a friend of my father's, so he is trustworthy.  He took the
engine out, and says there is too much damage.  cannot be rebuilt.  now, i
dont know what to do.  Im 16, and this was my daily driver.  It was also in
the middle of a restoration, so it basically has minimal interior.  How much
would i be able to sell it for in this condition, no engine and bad
interior?
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500 bucks if you're lucky.   Maybe 1000 if it is really nice and has a
sunroof.   With the inside torn out, and needing so much work, figure on
the low side.

What exactly went to lunch in the motor?  Just curious.


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I DO have all the parts necessary to restore the interior, but it would
take a lot of work.  Ive already spent about 4K on the car.
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Sounds like you're "in for a nickel, in for a dime" huh?   <grin>  Welcome
to the world of '02's!

Do you know about the '02 digest?   You should subscribe.

BTW, be VERY careful about using the word "restore".   What "restore"
really means is that you will get the *correct* vinyl, the *correct*
headliner, and the *correct* "gummihar" (horsehair) padding for the seats.
You will acquire proper door panels and carpet, and rebuild gauges, and if
your dash is cracked, you will get a new one, and pages more stuff....  (!)

You will get to know the words "Maximillian", "World Products", and "Mobile
Tradition" very well...

If you are not doing this project on that level of motivation and financial
investment, do not call what you are doing "restoration".   Call it "fixing
up" or something, but not restoring.   When you call it "restoring" folks
will -expect- that you did all the above and a lot more.

And, oh yeah, it COSTS to do a proper resto, and you will likely never
recoup the costs of a real resto in any sale of the car, so it should be
done for love, not money.


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Should i get a new/rebuilt motor? how much would that cost me? is it worth
it? where
should i look?
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Are you a CCA member?   If not, call their 800 number and join today.
Best 35 bucks you will ever spend.  That will get you discounts on a
factory rebuilt motor to the tune of around 1800.00 - 2000.00 (as well as
entre to a great club!).   They are good motors, and you won't have to
worry about the motor for years.   Me, I like a bit more compression,
(maybe 9.5-1) a bit of porting/polishing, balancing, a Weber DGV and a good
distributor, along with some dyno time to dial it all in.   A motor like
that will cost between 2500.00 - 4000.00 from what I have seen, but will go
like stink, hold together, and get good mileage.   (all prices are guesses
and do not include installation)   The factory motors can be had from
several bimmer dealers who advertise in the Roundel.

For a performance motor, I would start with the guy who does my work, Carl
Nelson at La Jolla Independant BMW.  619 488-1555

If money is tight, just use the factory motor.


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The main thing im worried about is if i fix it now, and it
breaks down later, i will not have any money left to fix it.  Should i fix
thed car and sell it? or sell it as is? i dont know what to do, i hope some
of you out there will help me out. thanks...
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Ok, answer these questions:

1. Do you love the car?   I mean *love* it?
2. Do you care that you will have more money and work in the car than you
can ever, ever get out of it?
3. If you sell it, will you miss it the rest of your life?
4. Are you really committed to finishing the project, no matter what?
5. Is all of this overwhelming, and you would really rather have a nice
Civic and spend your time/money somewhere else?

If you answer yes to #1,  no to #2,  yes to #3,  yes to #4,  and no to #5,
you should pick your motor, and get to work.  Plan on spending lots of
time, asking lots of questions, and doing lots of work yourself. (personal
work being the only substitute for money).  If you adore the car, it will
all be worth it.  It is to me!

If you answer any of the questions otherwise, sell the car to someone who
needs a rolling body, and get something else.   Cut your losses, because
this is going to be difficult, maddening, and expensive.

good luck, and let us know how it goes.

Don

ps feel free to email me if you want info on the '02 digest, the CCA, or
other '02 stuff.



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Don Cicchetti - BMW CCA member 122043
dcicchet@domain.elided
'71 2002/318ti (waddya mean that motor don't go in there?)

- -Beatnik Motor Werke-
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