BMW 1986 L7 - Worth Buying at 1k or a headache?

Have a chance to get this for 1K. Worth it?

Post pics/specs - they're ALL headaches; just don't buy a migraine.

Originally Posted by newbie-newbie

Have a chance to get this for 1K. Worth it?

If you like working on cars and it's not too rusty, buy it!

Originally Posted by catso

If you like working on cars and it's not too rusty, buy it!

I agree - if the interior leather is good (and that thing should be ALL leather - dash, doors, etc.) and the head is OK, you're good - you could sell the interior parts/head and recoup your investment if it became necessary.

An L7 for a thousand dollars sounds too inexpensive, though. Is it super rusty?

Hi all,

took the plunge, bought the car for a grand. But now have a check engine light and all the red indicators lit up. Like to find out how to find and diagnose the error codes and then release them.

Any ideas?

Originally Posted by newbie-newbie

Hi all,

took the plunge, bought the car for a grand. But now have a check engine light and all the red indicators lit up. Like to find out how to find and diagnose the error codes and then release them.

Any ideas?

The routine inspection lights are probably on because no one reset them for many, many miles. Do a search and you'll find the procedure. Washer fluid is no big deal. I don't know if there's any on board diagnosis capabilities. Does it run poorly? What are the symptoms? Disconnecting the battery sometimes resets the light.

From the pics, it looks like you got a hell of deal for 1000.00 - nice going! ^^^What he said about your check engine/inspection lights.

Wow, that is a lot of car for $1K. I know that the A/C for the 7-Series are a mess and very hard to fix it they are not working right. Electrical issues also plague these 7-Series, but the engines are rock solid. Great deal, hope everything goes well.

Boy I would buy it from you for a grand if you were close to me and I would not care about any of those lights.

Hi all,

Thanks for your thoughs. Had no idea if I was making a huge mistake.

Updates:

Jumped the 7 & 1 pins at the data link connector to reset service indicator lights. This was useful, though the link connector on my L7 was much smaller than the one pictured. Regardless, finally got it to work. http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/ele...ce_lights.html

My next problem is the AC. The car has hot air blowing through at the base of the windshield whenever the engine is engaged and moving forward. Smelling (if I'm not imagining things) slightly of coolant (slightly sweet smell).

The heat and fan is turned off. Defrost as well. Anybody have this problem before? I can park the car, thoroughly close all windows and sunroof, and come back to find the car fogged up.

Originally Posted by newbie-newbie

Hi all,

Thanks for your thoughs. Had no idea if I was making a huge mistake.

Updates:

Jumped the 7 & 1 pins at the data link connector to reset service indicator lights. This was useful, though the link connector on my L7 was much smaller than the one pictured. Regardless, finally got it to work. http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/ele...ce_lights.html

My next problem is the AC. The car has hot air blowing through at the base of the windshield whenever the engine is engaged and moving forward. Smelling (if I'm not imagining things) slightly of coolant (slightly sweet smell).

The heat and fan is turned off. Defrost as well. Anybody have this problem before? I can park the car, thoroughly close all windows and sunroof, and come back to find the car fogged up.

Sounds like a possible heater core problem. I would start by pressure testing the cooling system. I'm not sure of your model, but on mine you need a special adapter that costs about $50. Maybe you can borrow one from a repair shop.

If it's the heater core, it's a HUMONGOUS PIA to replace. Are you noticing any water/coolant on the driver's side floor?

If it's just the heater valve (in the engine compartment, on the firewall driver's side), you can either bypass it or replace it - easy fix.