FS: 1971 BMW 1600 w/155hp Metric Mechanic 2200 (79 photos)

[malagalaga]

The time has finally come... I'm giving the FAQ first shot before it goes to eBay. Sad, but I know that's the best way to get maximum exposure.

This is a 1971 1600 - the last year the 1600 was offered in the U.S. Delivered new to Fort Worth, Texas, it has lived its entire life in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It passed through a number of owners between the 1980s and 1990s, several of whom were fairly prominent in the local BMW scene. I have receipts dating back to about 1984, plus one 500 mile inspection from 1971 (very cool!).

It has had a lot of work over the years, including several new body panels and a 10-footer paint job. It was born 40 years ago today (January 26, 1971!) as a Nevada car, but the current shade is closer to Sahara. Generally, it is a straight and presentable car, as you can see from the photos. What rust it has is limited to surface rust - there is simply no perforation anywhere. I doubt it has ever been exposed to road salt or a particularly humid climate.

Rust has creeped in on in a few spots below the paint around the rear window. I haven't noticed any leaks, although I do not drive this car in the rain. See photos. Definitely a non-rusty car otherwise. Underbody is very clean. Spare well has light surface rust that could be cleaned up. No perforation anywhere on the car.

Mechanically, the big news is its 155-horsepower 2200 HiFlo ST Sport Engine (which I believe started life in a 1974 2002). The engine was installed in 1991 and I estimate it has about 60,000 miles on it - plenty of life left. Today, this engine retails for $4,495 on its own!

It also has upgraded front and rear swaybars (unsure of manufacturer), a fairly new radiator, good chrome, Frigiking a/c (blows, but not cold) and 320i brakes. Battery relocated to the trunk (new battery in 2010). Fairly new black carpet from World Upholstery.

Since I bought this car in 2009, I've had a lot of work done to it by Dallas' premier '02 mechanic (ask around on the FAQ - anyone with an '02 uses Brad Fenn)...

Mechanical

- Fuel pump/hoses (9/09)

- Points and condensers (9/09)

- New choke cable (11/09)

- head gasket (11/09)

- starter (4/10)

- strut mounts (4/10)

- lower control arms (4/10)

- Bosch rebuild alternator (1/11)

- regulator (1/11)

Exterior

- NOS front turn signals

- cleaned up chrome

- used (but clean) 1600-specific kidney grille

- New front seatbelts (retractable)

Interior

- Brown seats recovered with European-spec-style cloth centers (they get lots of compliments)

- cleaned up gauges (all gauges/lights work)

- Esty floor mats in front

- New parcel shelf (wired for speakers, but none currently installed)

What it needs...

Could use new front struts. Brakes are soft (but they do work). A/C does not blow cold (although it does blow and the heat is toasty). Four-speed transmission is a little loud in first (bearing?). Driver door check makes a popping sound. Rubber seals are tired (does have a new trunk seal).

Note: It will not come with the wheels and hubcaps pictured. It will obviously come with wheels wrapped in decent tires, but I'm still trying to figure out what.

Located north of Dallas. Feel free to come check it out. Plenty of FAQers in DFW have seen this car run - it positively flies with the MM 2.2-liter. I have regularly driven it 300+ miles in a single day with no issues. Could probably use a bit more carb tuning, but it doesn't smoke at all. Doesn't even really leak aside from maybe a drip or two after a long day.

Keep in mind that this is a 40 year old car - definitely a "driver" - and I think you will be happy. Why am I selling? I want to concentrate my efforts on a more show-ready car than a driver. I know this seems like sacrilege, but I barely have time to drive my '02 and I really just want an occasional cruiser that can look pretty in my garage.

Asking $7250.

Gallery links (79 photos)

http://img231.imageshack.us/g/15724591.jpg/

http://img706.imageshack.us/g/157245921.jpg/

http://img214.imageshack.us/g/157245941.jpg/

http://img716.imageshack.us/g/157245961.jpg/

[malagalaga]

On the way home from shooting these photos, I got two compliments...

1) a guy in a new 650i convertible took a camera phone photo of my car

2) I stopped at the bank and came out to find a guy peeking in the window. Unfortunately, he wasn't in the market - would have saved a lot of effort on my part!

[schwarz75]

That's a nice one! Good that you're holding on to the wheels & tires for your next '02. Good luck with the sale. Larry

[malagalaga]

Thanks Larry. With all I went through to get those wheels from you, I couldn't pass them on to another owner!

The car will come with Enkei 92s wrapped in good rubber. 13 x 5.5. These are lighter and pricier wheels than the steelies, but I'm old school and I like steelies. There seems to be a big following for these Enekei 92s.

Car will go on eBay this weekend unless I get interest here.

[malagalaga]

Also worth noting that it comes with a brand new VIN plate from Blunt.

[nbristow01]

I can say from first hand experience that it is a nice car. And very quick might I add. I have done a few drives with this car in the pack

[bueller]

my brother had those enkei's on his 86 z28. lol! they were gold centers with silver lips though. red/gold is pretty classic, but not to my wife. heh

matt

[malagalaga]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110641831722

Bid high! If the winning bidder is an FAQer, I'll toss a six pack of something good (local beer or Dublin Dr. Pepper - real sugar - in the trunk.

[rover1]

looks pretty cool and the price seems appropriate

[malagalaga]

looks pretty cool and the price seems appropriate

Thanks! The MM engine is the best part of the deal, but I love the interior too.

[malagalaga]

More than 200 people are watching the auction... crazy. I bet I've answered 25 questions, too. I've never had so much interest in an eBay car before.

If you are watching the auction, you might want to pay close attention toward the end on Friday... with all the watchers, I bet there will be a flurry of bids.

[Guest Anonymous]

I wish I had seen this a few days ago. The price it went off for was a steal, I would have gladly paid higher.

I've been looking for a 2002 like this for about three years. Nothing yet, they all get away.

[malagalaga]

I wish I had seen this a few days ago. The price it went off for was a steal, I would have gladly paid higher.

I've been looking for a 2002 like this for about three years. Nothing yet, they all get away.

Send me an email (above or through ebay) - it may still be for sale.

[malagalaga]

Still for sale - price lowered to $6800 obo.

Local beer six pack in trunk for a FAQ'er still applies!

Thanks!