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1983 Bmw E30 323i Baur Convertible 5spd A/c Obc Ps Cruise Targa Top Zender on 2040-cars

Year:1983 Mileage:139489
Location:

Novelty, Ohio, United States

Novelty, Ohio, United States

 1983 TC Baur 323i.

Car was originally imported to Cincinnati Ohio in 1985 where it was federalized by a company called Bavarian Motors.

I purchased this car with a blown motor in 2007.   It had thrown a rod on the original 2.3L M20 L-Jetronic engine.

Rather than source a new block for the 2.3, I installed a used US version of the M20B25 2.5L Motronic engine, from a 1987 325iS.

Car has a limited slip differential and 5spd transmission with newer clutch.

Actual mileage is unknown as the odometer has stopped turning. I purchased the vehicle with just under 124,000 miles.  The photo shown here of the speedometer with 139257 miles was taken in April of 2011 and when I transferred the title from my company's name to my own on 9/27/2012, the recorded mileage was 139,489, which is what it still reads.  Since that date, the vehicle barely left my shop, where we were doing the work detailed below, for anything more than test drives.   2 nights prior to this listing, I drove the car 20 miles home and it still reads 139489.   I highly doubt it has 200 miles on it since the odometer failed.

Over the last year, I gutted the interior of this car and replaced the mostly missing dealer installed air conditioning system with a factory BMW system from a US car.  At the same time, I added cruise control and a full On Board Computer.  The car originally had no cruise and only a clock. 

The seats are original early E30 sport seats. 

For those who are unfamiliar with the TC Baur conversions, these cars were taken from the BMW production line and sent to the German coach builder TC Baur for conversion.
The cars were converted to a targa roof with drop down rear section, then finished by BMW and sold new as convertibles.   These cars were produced up until BMW released their own full convertible.

There is a rack in the trunk that holds the targa top, and the car comes with a parade boot that clips on to cover the rear roof section while it is folded down.
The stitching has failed on the rear window.   A patient person could probably re-stitch it. A less patient person could go to GAHH automotive top company and order a replacement rear canvas for $600.

Car has a period correct Zender body kit that consists of front and rear spoilers, rear valance and side skirts.

Overall the car is in good condition and drives well.  A/C is ice cold, using R134a.  Cruise works.  Transmission is smooth, engine starts and runs perfectly. 
No leaks, all suspension is tight, exhaust is solid.  

There is a grapefruit sized dent above the left front wheel.   There is a small dent in the top of the left quarter glass trim, see pictures.

There are speakers installed, along with wiring to head unit, but there is no head unit in the car.
Car is fitted with headlight wipers, but they are inoperative.

Pictures depict a missing hubcap, but car does have all four hubcaps.    Wheels are period correct 15" with new tires.
Car is ready to drive as-is in good weather, or any weather after replacing the rear roof section detailed above.

Call 440 463 6422 with questions.


On Nov-10-13 at 13:25:26 PST, seller added the following information:

 In an attempt to clear up any confusion:

The vehicle was delivered from the factory with power windows and mirrors, and power steering.
I added OBC and cruise control.

The vehicle had no air conditioning from the factory.  It had an accessory system fitted by the dealer in Germany, which was quite common at that time.   This system had many missing parts when I bought the car, and there was no hope of getting it working.  I removed the entire accessory system and replaced it with a factory AC system.  This included removing the dash and installing a factory AC equipped heater box and installing a new AC condensor in front of the radiator.   The system is charged with R134a and is as cold or colder than an original R12 system in Ohio.  If you drive it in Death Valley, it will be just as inadequate as the original E30 AC system in any US car.

Car needs nothing mechanically.  You could fly in and drive it to California if you wish.   Timing belt was replaced when the engine was installed, along with front seals and oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket and a valve adjust were done also.  No leaks from anything.

Limited slip diff had new clutches installed and new seals.

All fluids are less than 2 years and 500 miles old.   Brake fluid was just flushed a few weeks ago.


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Take a look below and let us know what you think in Comments.