How much is it worth?

[mphmotorwerks]

Here it is....I started a M50 swap and have it almost finshed. I have a new job now and just dont have the time to finish the project. Plus now school loans are coming up so money is tight. I'm just curious about how much I would be able to get for it.

It a 98ti with a M50 vanos from a 94 325 with about 120,000mi on the engine. There is about 118,000mi on the body. 5 spd, Mtech, sunroof, 17" MMII Rims, M3 Front Lip, tinted windows.

The engine does turn over, I do have a ecu and have tried starting it with no sucess. This could be just a need for a different ecu or some wiring issue. It also will need a exhaust system.

Like I said, I just dont have the time or the money to finsh this up, so this could be a easy project for someone. I know a 98 ti is worth about 3500-4500. So I figure I'll get around that being that is upgraded but not running. Am I wrong on that thought or is that about right. Any help would be great.

If anyone is interest let me know....will be up for sale shortly.

The photo is before the swap, but not much has changed minus the depos are gone now.

Thanks

[J!m]

Well, you have a couple things going against you.

First, with it in non-running condition, it could actually be worth LESS than a stock ti in similar condition that runs. You and I know the engine WILL run, but if it doesn't run when the buyer shows up, for all he knows the engine is toast...

The next HUGE hurdle is the fact that is has been converted to OBD-I engine diagnostics. Unless someone wants a track car (and if so they'd probably just get a used M3) they might have a lot of trouble registering it for the street. In CT, ME and CA (with many others to follow) if any part of the original emissions control equipment has been altered, it will not be registered. Even you might have trouble in Minnesota at your next inspection and/or emissions test, because the laws are changing fast these days.

Personally, I think the car looks nice and clean. You could try listing it on ebay and see if someone wants a project to finish up. Just be aware that if you sell this, and the new owner cannot register it, you may be buying it back. Make sure you are up-front about this and list it as an AS-IS sale so you don't get it back; however when you mess with emissions control equipment, you are messing with the state laws... It's becoming more and more of a problem now. So, even if you sell it as-is, and the new owner cannot get it through emissions testing in his home state, you could still be liable for it because you did the modification and eliminated the emission control devices...

Sorry to rain on your parade. I'm sure this is not the news you wanted to hear, but I want you to know all the facts before you get screwed over.

[dguzzardo22]

best bet is get it running .!!! it will save your sale and can improve your chances making lil more money .. keep buyers from saying "but it dosen't run" ..

[briansol]

yup, you'll lose your shirt if you don't finish it, far worse than low student loan interest will

buy a civic for 500 bucks and leave the ti in the garage until you can get more time to work on it.

[Swap_File]

Originally Posted by J!m

Even you might have trouble in Minnesota at your next inspection and/or emissions test, because the laws are changing fast these days.

Minnesota has no inspections or emissions tests.

There was limited emissions testing in the metro area, but even that was discontinued a few years back because it was deemed to not be cost effective.


But yeah, like people have said, at the very least just get it running (but not necessarily drivable) before selling it. I flat out refused to buy my 325i parts car until the previous owner got it running again. He finally ended up hooking up a row of toggle switches to get it going. Ugly, but good enough to prove the engine wasn't shot. And we could drive it onto the trailer to get it home from Duluth.


Or hold onto it until you have time to work on it again. Unfortunately, a non running 318ti (or any non-running car) probably won't bring much. Hell, mine was free with a blown engine.


Edit: You got a replacement Vanos head for the old one that was cracked, right? Maybe something just needs to be looked over with that to get it going?

[J!m]

Originally Posted by Swap_File

Minnesota has no inspections or emissions tests.

...right now. Keep your eyes and ears open to the changing times- and their changing fast. Our new president is imposing VERY strict emissions laws nationwide, regardless of the fact that autos are a very small contributor to global pollution. I'm not being a wise-ass, just want you to be aware- the days of the 'no emission test state' are going away for good, and soon.

Most people in the industry are familiar with California's CARB rules. These are pretty strict, as many CA residents can attest to.

The new rules make CARB look like a joke. Fasten your seat belts kids, it's going to be a bumpy ride!