Marsattacks

Jim, based on Dean's post abvove I assume they actually got a whopping price. Dean, I assume you are the new bidder I mentioned above with three bids/no feedback. Sorry, I had thought you were a sham bidder because it is odd for an ebay newby to be bidding so much in the way you bid (nibbling away at the reserve etc). If it is any consolation you did not lose the auction by one cent. The winner might have been willing to go another 2k -- we will never know. This particular auction is a classic example of how bidders using ebay like a "real" auction (instead of the fixed-termination auction it really is) can lead to strange results (usually inflating the price). Buyers would be far better off as a whole if everyone simply sniped when bidding instead of getting into bidding wars that are hopeless and just up the price. Sellers would be worse off.

Now we'll see if the deal closes. The seller seemed like a nice guy but communication was very spotty for a 10k ask.

Oops, since this morning a new bidder with 3 bids (all on this specific listing) has jumped in and upped the bidding to $10k. This auction already had an apparently fraudulent chandelier bid (subsequently retracted) put in to fish the reserve out. So now the new high bidder is a zero-feedback person. And a few other very low feedback repeat bidders.

I feel sorry for the seller. What a pain.

That could be really useful depending on the bidding. Price is way too stiff for a sight unseen deal and the photos leave a lot unseen too. I assume this is an honest car that is overpriced in order to recoup some of the idiosyncratic expenditures. Will let you know how it goes.

Ends today. Reserve is 10k. Seems high except seller has lots of sunk costs making it track-worthy. Original looking on exterior except for the wheels. I would assume that the dings in belt trim are from a botched effort to remove it but not really sure. Any comments? Seller says no rust was tolerated due to track plans but I assume some repair was carried out. Thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-BMW-2002-Street-Track-Race-Many-Upgrades-2K-Miles-/140563881846?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item20ba429f76#ht_1524wt_948

Self-edit to eliminate impolite comment.

Looks like more than one of the boys here can sort you out. You do not have the greatest impediment -- low budget. A few suggestions. Maybe you have tried some of these. The bottom line is that if you have money and a little time then your problem is solved. You will have your BMW by Laobr Day in all likelihood.

1. Scour real car auction listings (not ebay). A few nice examples have gone through. RM is a place to start. Maybe MidAmerica.

2. Hire an agent to search according to your specifications. If not a member then join BMWCCA and post a wanted ad. Post a Hemmings wanted ad.

3. Hire someone to block time in his shop to make it what you want in 6 months' time.

4. Have the boys at BAT help you out.

5. If you need something right now, BAT has a 71 2800CS listed as an "exclusive" that is not too bad. It has a fatal flaw in that it is an automatic. But that can be fixed. Different price point from 02s but that engine is awesome (I had a 3.0CS for a good long time).

Good luck

Post some pics of your TLC! Cruisers are cool!

Thought I had some on Photobucket but don't. Will try. Thx I really have enjoyed the FJ40.

Appreciate the reply. Seems like a nice car but not looking for an auto. Thx

Hi all. Looking for clean 02. Pretty open on color and year but much prefer roundie in a dark color. Owned a 72 3.0CS for 15 years so am a little bit familiar with the "privileges" of ownership. Owned an Inka '74? For 24 hrs in 1986 (title defect). Willing to buy the right car from just about anywhere and open on price. Of course I don't expect too much locally.

A side issue but I have a decent registered 1980 FJ40 I'd consider as a part trade. Rust in some of the usual places but remarkably clean in others! Worth about $4k perhaps.

Thx in advance for any help. Regards, John