Help! Should I buy this car or not.

[newmusic11]

I'm looking at buying a 1997 BMW M3. Please let me know what you guys think.

Here's the info on it:
Price: $5,000 obo (I will negotiate the price down)
Mileage: 159,000
Con's: Needs Air Bag Clock Spring Replaced (Air Bag light on), Air Conditioning Needs Re-Charged and High Mileage.
Pro's: It runs great, clean car, it's black with tan interior and has new tires.

Is the clock spring, a/c re-charge and high mileage a HUGE problem since it's an M3? What problems would I run into in the near future, or do you think this sounds like a good deal to buy? If so, what should I do right away when I buy it?

Thanks

[fredjacksonsan]

I'd make sure it HAS an airbag, and include that repair in the purchase negotiation as it will be expensive. AC shouldn't be too bad, although BMW repairs will be more expensive than many other brands.

[danielsatur]

Check both the KBB & NADA for car valve minus the BMW parts + service.
1) A DIY Air cond service canbe bought at Big Lots for $8.00 (134a)can, also buy two new schrader valves for the Low/high pressure side of AC.

BMW Air cond service could be anywhere fron $150-$1500!

Do you really need a Air Bag?

Don't forget the price of Catalytic converters, if one was togo bad.

[speediva]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

Check both the KBB & NADA for car valve minus the BMW parts + service.

Do you really need a Air Bag?

I'd be wary of thinking like this... in a lot of states that require safety inspections, the vehicle won't pass if all "stock" parts are not in 100% full working order. When I lived in Pennsylvania, a car with special wiper blades for the headlights could fail safety inspection because it was a non-functioning factory part of the vehicle - and yes, I did see it happen before first-hand.

Something that's a huge safety measure like an airbag isn't something you want to hedge bets on...

[danielsatur]

SRS Air bags could be ?
Newer SRS systems are alot smarter, the older ones would trigger on less impact.

I would rather take a chance with a dive with Mike Tyson in the boxing ring, than be strapped to a seat with an air bag blown up in my face.