73 220 should I buy?

[732002]

I am looking at a 73 220 auto. What can I expect
for parts cost and reliability? It sounds like a good one,
what is the price range? This would be my 1st MB.

Thanks Dave
bmw 73 2002 Malaga

[gmask]

Well you have to give us more info about the car like how many miles are on it.

Generally speaking the first thing you may wish to do are replace the brake pads and if you have a shop do it it will probably cost at least $300. A tune up will probably be around the same. You should get an oil change and then again every 2000 miles and that will cost $20-30. If the cylinder head is in bad shape or the car smokes alot you may need engine work which can go anywhere from $1000-$3500+. Body work is outrageous so if they car has rust damage it will be costly to repair.

If the car is in pretty good shape it should only cast a couple thousand dollars or less. Since this is not a collectable model then any more for it may not be worth it.

[Mark V]

Or save your money and trade me straight up for the '02. I prefer Inka but Malaga is my second pick.

Mark
'69 230/8

[1967250s]

For prices go there http://www.vmrintl.com/cctm/coll_frame.htm menu on left.

DAN

[732002]

I have only seen pictures but the car is advertised
as nearly perfect. New transmision/rebuilt engine
and carb. Newer paint/ clean interior. Working air
etc. Sounds like a good 220 would be $2K and a
near perfect car not much more than that. We have
been looking at early-mid 90's cars with miles.
The newer cars scare me with power seats, windows
climate control etc. Seems like a lot of stuff that may
stop working and be hard to fix someday.

Thanks for the help. Dave

[gmask]

It sounds pretty good.. I know what you mean about newer cars though . it seems all those fancy computerized doohickeys won't last 30's years for sure but you will also be spending some money on this car over time.

However if you are into maintaining the car yourself and do regular maintenace such as change the oil and learn how to inspect the car and do your own tuneups then the car will last alot longer. Keeping fresh oil in the car and making sure that the valave clearance is set correctly will prevent the wear and tear that will occur to the engine in a short amount of time. This goes along with all other fluids as well.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

the 'new trans/rebuilt engine' might be a bonus if the work was done properly and everything put back correcly during installation.
The 'new paint' might make me wonder if it's covering rust/bondo.
Having owned a '72 220, I can say that most routine maintenance is fairly simple for an experienced DIY. Some repairs (waterpump, alternator, air filter) are a real pain on the 220 due to the AC installation on that 4 cylinder engine. Make sure the heater fan works as it can be a 2 day job to replace the fan motor if it needs one.
My 220-automatic was OK for most driving but around town was a bit of a slug going uphill, when the AC was on. It was a fine highway cruiser. Don't expect great gas mileage from that 4 cylinder pulling a 3000 pound car - about 14-16 city to about 18-22 highway. (My 220 got about 12 MPG on its' first highway trip due to misadjusted carb and timing!) After a year, I replaced my 220 with a '72 250 6 cylinder, which was smoother, more powerfull, somewhat easier to work on and averaged only about 1 MPG less than the 4 cylinder.

Happy Motoring, Mark