Don't Meet Your (Abused) Heros

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
04/26/2015 at 15:24 • Filed to: None

“Don’t meet your heros.” I think we’ve all heard this saying at least once before in our lives. This is also a saying I’ve learned the meaning of in the past few months, with a bit of modification. “Don’t meet your abused heros.” If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m talking about my E36 M3 I became owner of back in late January.

When I first laid eyes on it in the gas station parking where we were meeting the seller, I was in love. Sure, it was riced out a bit with a black plastidip roof and wheels, and some strange looking aftermarket lights. Sure, it had some blemishes in the form of a small missing corner of the front bumper, clouded tail lights, and faded BMW logos, but it was nothing my dad and I couldn’t fix.

Oh, how wrong we were about that small list. The more we dug, the more we found.

It started the night we brought it home with the LED underlights. Then it was the haphazardly wired stereo. Then the sub wires. Then the rust on the trunk. Then the noticing that it’s been painted three times. Then the bad patch on the left rear quarter panel. The non-working side mirrors. The four bad shocks and mounts. The bad tie-rods. Missing swaybar links. The wheels mounted on the wrong ends of the car. Needing a new battery. The intermittent starting problem.

The list just kept growing, and we kept knocking it out.

First was ripping the stereo, underglow, and sub wires out. Then the battery and starting problem. Then making the mirrors work. Then the swaybar links. Then the tie-rod. Then the rear shocks. This is when it finally passed inspection, a month after purchase. Then realigning the rear bumper. The the front struts and mounts and rear shock mounts. Then putting the tires on the right ends of the car and buying new tires. Then taking the plastidip off the roof. Then hooking up the angel eyes. And most recently, hooking up a new stereo.

And here we are, three months later with a car needing nothing more than an alignment and some cosmetic work, and you know what? Even after all that, I’m not as in love with it as I feel I should be. I’ve loved the E36 M3 for a long time now, but it just isn’t as great as I thought it was going to be. And no, it isn’t because it’s an automatic.

Plus, it still needs more cosmetic work than I want it to, and it keeps getting worse because of it being a daily driver, and because assholes are vandalizing it, mostly the hood. Then Thursday, the worst thing to happen in the car did, I got a speeding ticket. I fucked up going 75+ in a 60 and they got me. That’s what jump started me thinking maybe now just ins’t the time for me to be owning a high-maintenance, stupid fast, requires 93 octane, and expensive to insure 90s super sports sedan.

My mom is on board with me selling it, I haven’t talked to my dad about it yet though. But I think after we fix the trim piece on my driver’s door, it’s going up on craigslist and once it sells I’ll be buying something more subdued, like a Pathfinder or Trailblazer. Something I can actually haul more than three people in in comfort. Something that I know doesn’t have as big of a chance of me getting into shit in snow. Something I’m more comfortable in really.

In the future I might buy another E36 M3. Just one that has been beaten within an inch of its life. One that’s actually the color I want with the transmission I want. Hell, I may even import a Euro-spec sedan in Estoril Blue over black with a 6-speed manual. Right now though, it just isn’t what I need.

DISCUSSION (49)

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:29

If you can make back what you put into the car then it’s not a big loss. But maybe try a lesser performance car, maybe an older hot hatch or something, rather than jumping straight to an SUV. You’ll get a bit more reliability (possibly) and less risk of racking up speeding tickets, but still some fun potential.

LongbowMkII > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:33

The blue one almost looks like a 5 door liftback. Now my mind is filled with fantasies of something that can never be. :(

4spd auto? Bad times. You cleaned it up nicely, so hopefully it wont hurt too badly to sell.

GeorgeyBoy > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:33

Speeding tickets add character.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
04/26/2015 at 15:34

I feel like we should be able to make back what we put into it mostly, probably losing a few hundred dollars.

I’m really open to anything right now, but I’m leaning toward mid-sized SUV right now because they offer the room I want, the winter capability, potential for towing stuff, and the highway comfort I want (my driving is probably 90% highway.) Plus I could keep it in the future, buy a more nice weather oriented car, and keep it as a winter beater.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > LongbowMkII
04/26/2015 at 15:36

The M3 is actually a ZF 5-speed auto that’s better than some more modern automatic I’ve used. It’s quite the transmission really, even more so when you think it’s from the 90s.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > GeorgeyBoy
04/26/2015 at 15:36

They also shorten my life expectancy via being killed by my parents.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:37

I’m real sorry to hear it didn’t work out. A good M3 is obviously a great car, but between yours being something of a lemon and not being the kind of car you need, I can see why you’d want to be rid of it. I agree, find yourself a nice lithe truck/SUV and ride out the storm.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:38

That’s not too bad then, I lost my arse on my first car (about 60% of what I paid in only 8 months).

If that’s what you prefer then fair enough, I just assumed you enjoyed a bit of performance potential hence the M3. I went newer and a little more sensible with my second car, from a decade old to 5 years old, 71k miles to 35k miles.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
04/26/2015 at 15:41

Luckily, we got it for a steal at $3,300, and I haven’t seen one with the mileage mine has and the condition mines in for less than $5,000, and we’re into it about $5,300.

I’d love the performance if I had a more usable place for it, but the nearest “fun” road is about 45 minutes out.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:43

That’s good then, if you’re super lucky you might even make a small profit.

I don’t really drive any fun roads, but I still take handling into account in a big way when I buy a car. Having something agile and chuckable really helps around here.

PS9 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:46

Kinja'd!!!

Yes, yeeeees young one. You were led astray...but it’s time for you to come back home. You cannot resist the call of the mirrored tower. It beckons you even now.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PS9
04/26/2015 at 15:48

One problem: I found a supercharged (factory, did not know that) 2004 Xterra I’m rather fancying.

Of course, the usual list of GM suspects are going to be considered.

wiffleballtony > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:51

Tldr: bought old used German car.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > wiffleballtony
04/26/2015 at 15:53

I guess that could sum it up, but none of what went wrong really has anything to do with it being German, just lack of maintenance and general care by the PO. Except the missing swaybar link, that’s just a piss poor design on BMW’s part.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:54

Sorry to hear it didn’t work out, it’s a lesson learned though. A $3,300 M3 or frankly, any sport sedan is going to be costly.

Your boy, BJR > wiffleballtony
04/26/2015 at 15:55

COTD

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680
04/26/2015 at 15:55

Basically. At least it’s worth about what was put in it though.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 15:57

That’s true. I’d say start at $5,500 and leave some wiggle room around. Get that alignment done first though so you get to say “needs nothing.”

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680
04/26/2015 at 15:59

That’s actually right about what I was thinking, and right about what we’ve put into it.

“Mechanically solid, visually needs some love.”

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 16:01

What are people doing to vandalize it?

I’d say don’t even mention much the condition of the exterior. Just include that the “price reflects the condition” or something like that.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680
04/26/2015 at 16:03

When I bought the car it had ONE dent in the hood, as of today there are over 8. It looks like someone is hitting it with something or dropping something heavy on it. I haven’t a clue who’s doing it or where it’s happening though.

That’s probably a better idea.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 16:04

First, sorry but I have to be that guy over the internet...

I TOLD YOU SO!

Ok now that that’s out of my system, sorry to hear that. I know it all too well.

Like I said in my lesson if its too good to be true, it probably is.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 16:05

Whoever did that makes me ashamed of the human race. Shallow assholes are the only people who vandalize something they are envious of.

Good luck man!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
04/26/2015 at 16:07

At least now it’s worth enough I might come out with a profit. So it wasn’t a very costly lesson.

jjhats > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 16:25

no judgement here but why buy an automtic? that for me is sign 1 that the car isnt coming from a gearhead or enthusiast as the auto box in an m3 of this vintage isnt a good transmission. idk i just feel like you sprung for the wrong car but i have no doubt you payed rock bottom on this as these without clutch is on par with miatas as far as desirability goes

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 16:50

The Grand Prix GTP could be the sports sedan you were hoping for.

Sweet Trav > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 16:52

Downside of the supercharged VG33 is that it makes very little power, gets poor mileage AND IIRC uses a timing belt instead of a chain.

TailLightDetective > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 17:14

NEVER trust a car with underglow.

wiffleballtony > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 17:16

I was being facetious more than anything plus Oppo loves a good stereotype.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > TailLightDetective
04/26/2015 at 17:17

I dont think the LED strips ever functioned, if they did they stopped before we looked at it/bought it.

TailLightDetective > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 17:25

That doesn’t surprise me. Underglow usually comes in a package with the worst kinds of car mods done up in the shoddiest of ways.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 17:36

Kinja'd!!!

Check for spooge

boxrocket > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 17:41

That sucks, but at least you know what to fix on it.

I hope I never see my old Volvo again. Apparently the buyer had some, uh, questionable mods in mind for it. I had strived to keep it as close to stock as possible, save for the chassis braces and upgraded exhaust. But it's theirs now, so I wash my hands of it.

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 17:41

ha my e30 is turning into that kind of project. Redid the entire front suspension already, about to do timing belt, water pump, etc. I started taking it apart this weekend, radiator was held in with zip ties. After this its on to the rear suspension. One day I am going to have a brand new e30...the motor & trans are in great shape at least though.

Roadster Man > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 18:08

Sorry but:

Yep, it’s because it’s an auto. Live and learn man. I put over $4000 into a WRX that was stolen right when I finally thought I was done having problems with it. And since that $4000 was all repairs from the previous owner’s fuck-ups, I didn’t see a dime of it from my insurance company.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Roadster Man
04/26/2015 at 18:15

No, it really isn't. Im not kidding when I say it's the best auto I've ever used. And don't even say some bullshit along the line of even if it's a good auto it's still an auto. Plus I don't even know how to drive a manual, so I'd probably be even more not in love with it because I wouldn't be able to drive it right and fuck up something.

Jack Does Cars > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 18:43

I was recently told that any E36 M3 is a $10,000 dollar car. No matter how much you bought it for, it’s always going to be needing work until it reaches the unofficial cap of $10,000. But that doesn’t faze me...I still want one.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 18:57

Ok. If you ever get a Pathfinder, make sure to get the one with the 240hp powerplant. 160 hp in the older models are slow. Very.

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 19:03

Even the best car can be rendered very blah by stupid/abusing/careless former owner(s). :(

As far as SUVs go. I like TrailBlazers overall - as long as they’ve had the door fire recall done, the gauge cluster rebuilt or replaced, and also look into the TSB about the side airbags. They like to randomly deploy for no reason.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
04/26/2015 at 19:14

Yup, only 2003+ models are being considered. The 3.5 VQ is a must.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
04/26/2015 at 19:16

Ah yes, the gauge cluster. My dads already had to rebuild his, so at least I know someone who can fix them. The side airbags though, didn’t know about that or the flaming doors o.o

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jack Does Cars
04/26/2015 at 19:18

...that's about where I'd sit to get it looking perfect if my estimates are correct.

mazda616 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 19:20

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/07/gm-…

http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthread.php…

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mazda616
04/26/2015 at 19:24

Okay, the airbag thing is a bit... terrifying . I guess I can have a dealer check and see if the window switches have been done so that’s fine.

XJDano > GeorgeyBoy
04/26/2015 at 22:22

I have a lot of Character then. A lot.

XJDano > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/26/2015 at 22:28

Eeh, hire a $55-75 lawyer and have it lowered. Don’t just pay it.

It’ll cost around $300 but will get reduced to noise violation. I’ve probably had over 10 tickets fixed this way.

It's not easy to slow down. Most speeding tickets are a money grab. I get about one a year.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/27/2015 at 10:41

Kinja'd!!!

Yes, this one. Sorry to hear it man, but we live to learn. Better to have loved and lost, and all that...

I picked up an ‘03 Pathfinder for five grand last fall; seems pretty solid for a 12 year old truck with 150k miles.

Roadster Man > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/27/2015 at 12:03

You haven’t even driven a manual transmission car? You can’t even make a comparison.

Have a little confidence in yourself! You can watch a few youtube videos then go out and drive a manual. It’s a very simple thing. And there’s not much to “fuck up” other than putting a bit of wear on the clutch as you learn at first. And remember, a clutch is a wear item. I’m 30,000 miles into a clutch that I practically learned to drive stick on, and it’s fine.

Before buying my car I had a few parking-lot practice sessions with a manual transmission 8+ years earlier, so I had basically forgotten everything. I took a train to go buy the car and had to drive it home a few hours. You get the hang of things quick, trial by fire is usually the best way to learn to drive a manual. Everyone is smart enough, just learn the basics online and jump in if you can’t get someone to teach you.

BLCKSTRM > Jack Does Cars
04/27/2015 at 23:14

That is very interesting. I haven’t heard that, but I’ve thought it.

I paid $5k for mine about 5.5 years ago, and that’s almost exactly what I’m into it.

Mine was a little nicer than average, and I’ve upgraded several things, but ... yup.