Vehicle Overview
- Vehicle: 2002 BMW 325Ci
- Purchase Date: July 7, 2022
- Auction House: Copart in Raleigh, NC
- Total Investment: $2,903 ($2,050 bid + $853 fees)
- Mileage: 220,000+
- Lot Number: 48438962
Strengths
- Exceptional driving experience:
- Smooth and stable performance
- Excellent steering feel
- Great visibility
- Very comfortable seats
- Strong performance in 40-70 mph range
- Original transmission still functional after 220k+ miles
- Simple fixes for mechanical issues:
- Transmission issue resolved with fluid change
- Whirring noise fixed with fan clutch replacement
Issues and Solutions
- Convertible Top:
- Jammed assembly required full disassembly
- Previous owner had used bent metal pin as makeshift solution
- Manual lowering gear broken
- Eventually had to destroy top to resolve issue
- Instrumentation:
- Non-functional gauge cluster
- Replaced with new cluster
- Required reprogramming to match vehicle mileage
- Transmission: Initially wouldn't shift into drive, fixed with fluid change
Learning Points
- Previous owner modifications can create unexpected challenges
- Simple solutions (like fluid changes) should be tried first
- High mileage doesn't always indicate poor performance
- Complex mechanical systems (like convertible tops) may require destructive solutions
- Some repairs require specialized programming (gauge cluster)
Exit Strategy
- Final Sale: Sold to cash-for-cars operation for approximately $800
- Investment Loss: Around $2,100 plus repair costs
- Experience Value: High - demonstrated durability of well-built vehicles
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