Classifind Cut: 1998 BMW E36 323iC – Sold?

February 2, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

December 26, 2020 Update – We just came across a fresh listing for the E36 BMW convertible.  While the pictures and description remain the same, the current caretaker lowered their asking price by $400 to $3,200 in their latest listing.

In the 1990s when Car & Driver placed a car on its annual Ten Best it meant something. Many cars that made the list quickly disappeared when new replacements came along. Not the E36 BMW Three-Series: produced for ten years from 1990 through 2000, this generation of Bimmer made the list every year it was produced.  It’s not surprising then to read the passionate description of the second owner of the past fifteen years who hopes to find a new caretaker for their 1998 BMW 323 convertible originally listed in November 2020 on Craiglist in Brooklyn, New York with a revised asking price of $3,200.  The NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms the ask falls within this guide’s current “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $2,625, $3,475, and $4,325, respectively.  This appears to be a nicely maintained example that will make a nice winter project to work on the convertible top and interior cosmetics to have the car ready for top-down cruising next spring.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“BMW 3-Series. I really love my car!  Its been very loyal, dependable and a joy to own! I am its second owner, moving for work and wanting to pass it on to another owner who appreciates a great classic look and collectibility in an everyday car !  Engine is powerful and runs great! NO major dents- body in very good shape- a few scratches and dings. Purchased car with 59,000 mi. 15 years ago and currently only have 113,370mi! I have ONLY used high octane gas – never regular. I’ve gotten tune-ups every 6 months, oil changes and have replaced or upgraded catalytic converter, condenser, radiator, 2 new super bright headlights, hood shocks, throttle valve actuator, water pump, sway bar, climate modulator, new battery (April 2020), tires (2019). Ragtop near perfect/plastic rear window clear (set replaced 2019)! It has a built-in cassette player and a 6 CD player, heated seats, power windows, anti-lock brakes, air bags, tilt wheel, cruise control,  plus +. Leather seat no rips, but saw a tear on the driver’s side seat seam and purchased custom seat covers for front/back and headrests, along with a matching steering wheel cover 6 months ago ($503- have bill to show)! I am a non-smoker and no one has smoked in my car. 
Main Repairs: the convertible top does not currently work. Because of pandemic, I didn’t really use it over the summer so I didn’t get it repaired. It was looked at and the front motor was removed and checked and it worked fine (it’s included), the back motor might need to be replaced or perhaps one of the relay switches or electricals, but I am not sure? There is a drip by the corner window when it rains – probably needs replacement of the rubber seal or window trim?? Occasionally the gas gauge has a delay – might need to replace gas tank weights? A/C and heat work, but vent on drivers side does not blow out the air. All the other vents are in good working order. There is an airbag light on dashboard (shown in mileage pic). I had it checked. It’s a sensor located in the driver’s seat belt that does not work. It does not impact the AB’s. ALL of the airbags are in working order. No worries! Minor computer glitches..sometimes it pops up, asking to check the low beam lights…but they are always in good working order. This is a really great car, ready to roll!  It can be used everyday, engine is super strong and its fun to drive! Buyer Purchases Car As Is.  Priced to Sell! $3600! Car located in Brooklyn, NY  Text Owner: 917-596-9348 Serious Interest ONLY, please! Thank You!

Vehicle Specifics for 1998 BMW 3-SeriesVehicle History Report Summary1998 BMW 3-SeriesVIN#: WBABJ8325WEM22355 Report Run Date: Nov 21, 2020 Provided by AutoCheck, a part of Experian. *HighlightsTitle Check:OK, Odometer Check:OK, Accidents:None, Owners:2. See the full Vehicle History Report at AutoCheck! Total Car Score: 65!!!!! Above range Score is over 42. Above range vs. similar 1998: Scored Upscale – Near Luxury Item!!!! Condition:Used, Year:1998, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):WBABJ8325WEM22355Mileage:113370Model:3-SeriesMake:BMWEngine:6 Cylinder GasolineNumber of Cylinders:6Transmission:AutomaticDrive Type:RWDFuel Type:GasolineVehicle Title:CleanTrim:BlackBody Type:Convertible “

Show or go: what would you do with this low-mileage Malibu?  Comment below and let us know!