Re: V8 Madness

[Mike Larosa <mlarosa@v8q.East.Sun.COM>]

Hi Al,
	
low mileage.  check the VIN at the dealer, make sure that
mileage is real.  Lotsa V8's had the dash clusters swapped
to fix a computer problem, as in the little computer that 
calculates how many miles to empty, fuel mileage etc....


>
>Friends, I spotted a 1990 V8 last night here in Fort Collins, CO.  A
>call to the car lot simply identifies it as a 1990, leather interior,
>52K miles, automatic, Quattro.  I need to look it over further.  they're
>asking $12,500 for the car.  
>

reasonable price, depending on condition, service records, timing belt
done, non-ufo's or non pulstaing ufo's....

I would thinking paying $10k plus would be ok. My Opinion :-)

>I'm considering trading our 1990 200 on it, as it has 96K miles, I don't
>entirely trust the tranny (one rebuild is enough...) and the 1990 is a
>FWD whereas the V8 is a Quattro.  Our 200 is extremely clean, pearl
>white color with grey leather, and has the euro lights (sigh...I'd lose
>them...) and I think will bring about $5500 or maybe a bit more as a
>trade, so the difference should be about $7K.
>

I find the V8 lights work just fine, especially in comparison to the
wife's 89 100.  (I fixed the 100 by adding Bosch driving lights :-)


>I'm writing from work, so feel free to respond directly to me at this
>address....my questions:
>
>1)  Anyone have an opinion on price?  Kelly's web site sez $17K resale
>for the V8, Edmunds suggests a more rational $12.9K retail.
>

10kish is reasonable depending on condition.....

>2)  What automatic was used on the V8 series and how reliable are they?
>The 5000/100/200 automatics are trouble-prone and I don't want to buy a
>problem if the V8 automatics are no better.  This is a serious issue for
>me.
>

Not the same tranny.  It's the same one used in the BMW 750 (V12).
Some people have problems with them. I'm at 110k, mine works fine
with fluid/filter changes every 30k.  Anybody who has ridden with me
can attest that I do not baby my car.  I also don't try to do 
holeshot's or anything either.  I simply drive... we'll say spirited :-)


>3)  What are mechanical items I should specifically check on this V8?  I
>habla 5K/100/200 pretty well, but the V8 is a new one on me.
>

Timing Belt.

UFO brakes ? any warpage ?

At that mileage the suspension should be very tight.  Any wallow in 
high speed ramps, struts on the way out.... or tail waggin crossing
lanes for me was rear bushings.

I'll leave out the standard stuff, like window switches/regulators,
hydraulics etc....


>4)  Any other observations or thoughts from the V8 owners on the list?
>


I've had mine from 45k - 110k and it's a lot more reliabe that the
100.


>I apreciate your comments.
>

I'm sure there's plenty more to say, but I'll let some other listers
to share in the fun too :-)

Mike L.
90 V8
89 100 Avant

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