I didn't even want one

[TheIntrepid]

But due to my grandfather passing away, I inherited his car.

It currently sits in a heated storage garage in Montreal, and has been there since April 1999. It has been immaculately maintained by a friend of my grandfather's... so it's not dusty at all. It's polished and gleaming, or so I hear.

Information..

1996 BMW 325i Convertible (2.5L I6 - 189hp)
5-speed manual
Black with black leather interior

Mileage is 42359 kilometers at last registration in March 99. Maximum it has on it now is 42,500. Almost all highway miles, and it's been maintained perfectly, exclusively serviced by BMW.

and it's his baby.

Whenever I do go pick it up, it will be exclusively a summer car and won't be allowed to touch the Canadian roads in the winter. Garaged 100%.


I don't have any pictures of it, but I searched eBay to grab a couple pictures of a similar car:





I believe it has a black or dark grey leather interior. At this point I'm not too sure.

[Raza]

My uncle had a similar car. 

If I were in your position, I'd ride out there this weekend, check the battery and the fluids, and get it running again.  Then I'd bring it home and put it in the garage for storage.

[TheIntrepid]

That's just the thing. I currently don't have the heart to see the car. I know I'm going to break down emotionally when I do. Too many memories, man. Maybe in a couple months when the pain of this has diminished a bit. Plus, I'm sure a 7 hour road trip in this car would be better when it's warm enough to keep the top down, and there's no salt on the road.

[Vinsanity]

Wow. First of all, sorry about your granddad.

Secondly, it's ridiculous how many cars you have.

Thirdly, congrats on having a non-boring car Those E36 convertibles bring me back to the days of my own teenagehood when it was *the* car for all the rich kids to have. My aunt in NYC gave her red 325 convertible to my cousin for college here in LA and they had it transported down here. It's a sweet little ride

[the Teuton]

While I'm almost ready to say that you should bring the 3er to the Beaver, I can't do it in good faith.  Plus, it's a convertible.

[TheIntrepid]

What's wrong with a convertible?

[CALL_911]

What's wrong with a convertible?

First of all, they aren't as structurally rigid as hardtops. Secondly, they roll. They aren't the best idea for racing. And I'm not speaking about roadsters.

[the Teuton]

What's wrong with a convertible?

It might not be allowed on the track without a roll hoop of some kind.

[TheIntrepid]

It might not be allowed on the track without a roll hoop of some kind.

Dude this thing has 42k original km on it. I'm not going to take it on a road trip, or track it.

[CALL_911]

Trep, I have one question, and don't interpret it as me calling you out.

Didn't your grandfather live in India?

[TheIntrepid]

Trep, I have one question, and don't interpret it as me calling you out.

Didn't your grandfather live in India?

Yes he did. He was a Canadian citizen and went back to India in 1999, and lived his final 7-8 years there.

[CALL_911]

Yes he did. He was a Canadian citizen and went back to India in 1999, and lived his final 7-8 years there.

And he stored his E36? Wow. Why did he do that?

[TheIntrepid]

And he stored his E36? Wow. Why did he do that?

They had plans to come back, my grandparents.

[2o6]

No offense, but If you don't want to have this around and his memory, and you don't want it making you sad, I'd wait until summer, then sell it.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Wow, man, you sure have a lot on your plate. I do not envy you right now.
I'm sure your grandfather would not only wanted you to take care of his car, but enjoy it as well, so please let it out of its cage once in a while

[Raza]

Dude this thing has 42k original km on it. I'm not going to take it on a road trip, or track it.

Actually, a car like that is perfect for road trips.  Decent luggage space, good highway manners, and top down driving.  Plus, when you go out for a ride at night, it really allows you to think through things. 

[TheIntrepid]

Actually, a car like that is perfect for road trips.  Decent luggage space, good highway manners, and top down driving.  Plus, when you go out for a ride at night, it really allows you to think through things. 

The Trep's amazing for road trips.

[Raza]

The Trep's amazing for road trips.

Different kind of road trip. 

Give it a shot.  Nick's right; your grandfather would want you to enjoy this car.

[Eye of the Tiger]

The Trep's amazing for road trips.

does not even compare

[the Teuton]

If you still have the old diesel Mercedes, I'd be more than happy to drive up to Canuckistan and take it from you if you're willing to donate it.

[Cookie Monster]

Just have fun with it.
And don't let any salt even touch the car.

[JYODER240]

Different kind of road trip. 

Give it a shot.  Nick's right; your grandfather would want you to enjoy this car.

What he's saying. Take this thing out on clear summer nights and just cruise for a few hours. There's something very relaxing about just going out by yourself and just cruising with no other cars around.

[cawimmer430]

What's wrong with a convertible?

G I R L Y

[ChrisV]

What he's saying. Take this thing out on clear summer nights and just cruise for a few hours. There's something very relaxing about just going out by yourself and just cruising with no other cars around.

Definitely.

[Soup DeVille]

What's wrong with a convertible?

Mst trackrules forbid convertibles unless they have a roll bar added to them.

Some will allow them if they're relatively modern and completely stock.

I'd call them and ask about your particular car.

[Soup DeVille]

The Trep's amazing for road trips.

So's a bus, but you're kind of missing the point.

[TheIntrepid]

Mst trackrules forbid convertibles unless they have a roll bar added to them.

Some will allow them if they're relatively modern and completely stock.

I'd call them and ask about your particular car.

I am not tracking this car, no matter what.

[sportyaccordy]

This is like the sequel to Ferris Beuller...

[Vinsanity]

This is like the sequel to Ferris Beuller...

or Rain Man

except that Trep would be the quirky character who has the irrational need to wear Kmart briefs and watch Judge Wapner

[Eye of the Tiger]

or Rain Man

except that Trep would be the quirky character who has the irrational need to wear Kmart briefs and watch Judge Wapner

Can I be Tom Cruise!?