Consider Buying - What Should I be Aware of?

[stal023]

I'd add Oil filter housing/cooler area and valvetronic motor, check for leaks (you'll need remove the 'vanity' cover on top of the rocker cover to check the valvetronic.

Is this easy to do right there before you buy? Once the cover is removed you are just looking for oil?

 

[stal023]

Where to start?

On E85s, from more critical to least critical:
DISA Valve - can destroy your engine
Coolant reservoir crack - can overheat your engine
CCV valve (mine is fine, so far)
Shock absorbers are 100% sure to be done for if they are original
VANOS Seals
Door lock failure
Convertible top hinges failure / leak
Convertible top pump needs to be relocated
Prolly a good idea to change the transmission fluid - mine was gross at 90k, got much better shift quality after replacing.

Once you do these things, it's a very nice and reliable car. No one does any of that stuff, so when you buy it, be ready... :rofl:

DISA Valve - can destroy your engine - looks like an easy DIY job
CCV valve - looks like you need to remove stuff before you can see this. What are symptoms of it being bad?
Transmission fluid - does it have a plug to easily drain?