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Seen on eBay 2/24/11: The coupe that I have for sale is Fjord with blue leather, Alpinas (genuine), and Nardi steering wheel. When I bought it, I had a 3.5L engine from an '88 735i dropped in it along with a 5spd transmission. Engine management is via 1.3 Motronic which is most desirable because of its reliability and smooth operation. Beefier sway bars had already been added as had shorter springs and bilsteins. This car is fast, fun, and reliable! All engine work was completed by Carl Nelson's shop (La Jolla Independent) and is top quality. This is a $15,000 conversion (I have the receipts)! I have owned four coupes and the modifications that were done to this one brings a whole new level of performance to these cars. Recently, I rented a 2010 Mustang (V6); my coupe feels infinitely more sporty than that new car despite it having less horsepower and being 37 years its senior.

There is a flip side: Rust is rearing its ugly head on the sunroof, front left lower quarter panel, some around the rear window, scaly rust in the spare tire well. Also, parts of the interior are shot: the dash is cracked and rear seats and armrests have dry rotted; however, I was recently able to purchase to like new vinyl front seats that match the color of the rest of the interior perfectly (see photos).

Drivability is perfect. I recently picked up the car from San Diego after having the front seats replaced and a number of small issues addressed (faulty turn signals, leaks, alignment) and drove it 400 miles to Monterey. All problems were resolved and the car completed the trip flawlessly at speeds I dare not write down.

Make no mistake, in my perfectionist eyes, this car is a project, but it is handsome, reliable and drivable right now to enjoy. The speedometer and clock do not work and the only window that works is the driver's side. Also, aside from fixing the rust, new rubber seals would be required all around, the rear seats and armrests would have to be redone, and the chrome should be restored. Restoring a car of this vintage is not easy or cheap. Yet, despite the imperfections, the paint is shiny and the car brings compliments wherever I take it. I want this car to go to someone who will appreciate it and hopefully get it back to the level that it deserves given the outstanding driveline that has already been completed. Please feel free to contact me through ebay with any questions: