E36 328i for LeMons and Chump??

ColinOConnell · **Posted:** Thu Oct 06, 2011 11:59 pm

A couple of weeks ago my beloved (okay pampered) '97 328i was hit from behind at a stoplight in Wilmington. The car is more than just derivable, it's still perfect with the exception of the rear right corner but the guys insurance company has totaled the car and told me I can buy it for the salvage value of $500. Now I immediately went to 'that's LeMons territory!'. I can't picture a scenario where this car would break down, falter, sputter, talk back or otherwise leave a team sitting in the paddock considering an overnight engine swap (at least for a couple of seasons). Even if that were the case, between the three of us we've got four E36 cars to donate needed parts. I'm seriously considering turning it into a 2012 LeMons and Chump crumple car, knowing full well that the 'theme' will have to be amazing to satisfy the 'court'. (I'm thinking about covering it in check engine lights and LED's, but I don't know how much weight VK carries with the judges). :mrgreen:

Your thoughts?

Jason Tower · **Joined:** Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:31 pm **Posts:** 1173

the fact that you bought it for $500 is largely irrelevant, what matters is whether or not the judges consider it a $500 car. and a late model e36 probably doesn't clear that hurdle, at least not easily. can you search craigslist or ebay and find multiple examples of the same car in running/driving condition for $500 or less? i kinda doubt it.

i'm not saying don't use the car, but be prepared to be hit with penalty laps if you do.

TomFreeman · **Posted:** Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:04 am

You will get BOMBED with laps. It will also be a LOT of fun on track. Kendt and I have a few theme ideas we've been sitting on for a while. Do it.

Bernie Baake · **Posted:** Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:09 am

Bombed with laps is a fact, but if the car provides enough fun that winning doesn't matter go for it !!!

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:11 am

Jason Tower wrote:

the fact that you bought it for $500 is largely irrelevant, what matters is whether or not the judges consider it a $500 car.

Bingo. What if someone sold you a totalled Z06 for $500? Same scenario...minus the CEL of course.

KendtEklund · **Joined:** Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:29 pm **Posts:** 1204

TomFreeman wrote:

You will get BOMBED with laps. It will also be a LOT of fun on track. Kendt and I have a few theme ideas we've been sitting on for a while. Do it.

And crazy-ass theme ideas will lessen the lap-blasting.

If you're looking for a driver in 2012... Or even just build help - it'd be nice to help on a car close by.

ColinOConnell · **Posted:** Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:39 pm

Still kicking it around, but it seems like the way to go with this thing. Sean and I just passed comp school today with Mid Atlantic, so we'll have to see where this project falls into the priority list this winter. I don't see the logistics being an issue, but the $$'s will be. The real question is just how many race cars Debbie will let me have at one time.

Gwen Habenicht · **Posted:** Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:58 am

ColinOConnell wrote:

The real question is just how many race cars Debbie will let me have at one time.

Tell Debbie we need to talk. It appears that I lost control on that issue a long time ago. Apparently I need some pointers. :wink:

ColinOConnell · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2011 9:17 pm

Gwen Baake wrote:

ColinOConnell wrote:

The real question is just how many race cars Debbie will let me have at one time.

Tell Debbie we need to talk. It appears that I lost control on that issue a long time ago. Apparently I need some pointers. :wink:

You and Debbie are no longer allowed to get together. I don't want your experiences to be taught.... :stick:

Bernie, you gotta help me on this one. :mrgreen:

Jason Tower · **Joined:** Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:31 pm **Posts:** 1173

ColinOConnell wrote:

Gwen Baake wrote:

ColinOConnell wrote:

The real question is just how many race cars Debbie will let me have at one time.

Tell Debbie we need to talk. It appears that I lost control on that issue a long time ago. Apparently I need some pointers. :wink:

You and Debbie are no longer allowed to get together. I don't want your experiences to be taught.... :stick:

Bernie, you gotta help me on this one. :mrgreen:

it'll be fine, just have them meet at anne keller's place

Bernie Baake · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2011 9:57 pm

Jason Tower wrote:

it'll be fine, just have them meet at anne keller's place

Jason is SPOT ON. :thumbsup:

After Debbie sees the 109 cars Kent had, another race car will seem like small potatoes...a drop in the bucket..a grain of sand on the beach.

If you google (twin creeks trail rougemont nc) and select satellite you'll see thirty of them plus three boats. the rest are in the trees and garages

ColinOConnell · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2011 10:35 pm

Bernie Baake wrote:

After Debbie sees the 109 cars Kent had, another race car will seem like small potatoes...a drop in the bucket..a grain of sand on the beach.

If you google (twin creeks trail rougemont nc) and select satellite you'll see thirty of them plus three boats. the rest are in the trees and garages

Bernie! I knew you'd have my back on this. I'm closing in on the goal. Debbie crewed for Sean and I ........ (yeah two cars and drivers at one time) at comp school this weekend; taking care of fluids, tire pressures, windows and hooking us up with drinks, breakfast, snacks, lunches and dinners. She even camped in and woke up to 40F temps to take care of Sean (and since I was there too, me) and make sure we were ready.

I'm just not sure exactly where the line is..... do I push further or be satisfied with the perfect wife? :?:

Bernie Baake · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2011 11:27 pm

you might already be over the line!!!!

THSCC Forums

E36 328i for LeMons and Chump??

Who is online