General Car Related Discussion. To discuss anything that is related to cars and automotive technology that doesnt naturally fit into another forum catagory.

Found an abandoned M3 last week (not in UK)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 26-08-2015, 05:40 PM
  #1  
rog
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
rog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 8,258
Received 67 Likes on 50 Posts
Default Found an abandoned M3 last week (not in UK)


I was walking to find a shop last week, and by chance went around the back of where we were staying, only to see something that looked odd in the distance, so I decided with lots of time on my hands to go and check it out, glad I did

Not sure how long its been there, but a long very time obviously, the doors were ajar and its sitting in the sand all by itself where there is literally nothing else. I had a good look over it and its mint, clearly not an environment for corrosion, although its extremely dusty now. Massive waste of a car, but at least it won't be consumed by rust.













Old 26-08-2015, 05:50 PM
  #2  
Caddyshack
10K+ Poster!!

 
Caddyshack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Guildford
Posts: 10,841
Received 1,031 Likes on 944 Posts
Default

What a shame, perfect spec too. My mate paid £56k for a convertible in that colour when brand new
Old 26-08-2015, 06:17 PM
  #3  
jameswrx
PassionFord Post Troll
 
jameswrx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,537
Received 21 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Wow. Guessing it's a rich chap who's just forgotten he had it or something?

Did you shut the doors?
Old 26-08-2015, 06:25 PM
  #4  
rog
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
rog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 8,258
Received 67 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

Yeah its still a really nice car, if I had half a clue how to trace the owner and get it, i'd give it a go.

Yes I shut the doors, but I'm sure someone will be at it again soonn, there's lots of finger prints on the dusty bits, I assume I'm probably the 50th person to have a look inside it. Apart from the dust, the car is impeccably clean, it's almost unbelievable to see a set of original wheels as they left the factory that aren't pitted or corroded in any way.
Old 26-08-2015, 06:28 PM
  #5  
andy130
PassionFord Post Whore!!
iTrader: (2)
 
andy130's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ireland
Posts: 5,511
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

seen pics that on facebook, shame, most are rotten now
Old 26-08-2015, 06:30 PM
  #6  
RichieST
15K+ Super Poster!!
iTrader: (2)
 
RichieST's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 18,732
Received 449 Likes on 397 Posts
Default

Nice find! Seats look mint too, bet it's not done many miles.
Old 26-08-2015, 06:33 PM
  #7  
ajamesc
cossie fan (unluckerly)
 
ajamesc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: hampshire
Posts: 9,791
Received 435 Likes on 393 Posts
Default

That's crazy best spec as well nice colour black leather and the best wheels. I'd even have that as a lhd
Old 26-08-2015, 06:36 PM
  #8  
Fullflush
Advanced PassionFord User
 
Fullflush's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mars
Posts: 1,723
Received 93 Likes on 79 Posts
Default

So, not only did they forget they owned it, they forgot to lock it!
Old 26-08-2015, 06:38 PM
  #9  
rog
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
rog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 8,258
Received 67 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

I posted this on fb, possibly someone nicked the pics or has seen it at some point too.

Agreed about lhd, would rather have a nice lhd example from a dry climate as opposed to a rotten rhd car. I miss my E36 although it was only a 328 manual, but was a really mint example.
Old 26-08-2015, 06:41 PM
  #10  
costina
Live long and prosper!!
iTrader: (1)
 
costina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: area 51
Posts: 9,158
Received 371 Likes on 346 Posts
Default

It has a vanos issue lol
The following users liked this post:
rog (26-08-2015)
Old 26-08-2015, 06:41 PM
  #11  
rog
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
rog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 8,258
Received 67 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Fullflush
So, not only did they forget they owned it, they forgot to lock it!
I forgot to check the odometer, will have a look if i get another chance. I never did rummage through it for the keys, but I suspect someone else has already thought of that and it wouldn't still be there if keys were in it.
Old 26-08-2015, 06:42 PM
  #12  
Staffi
20K+ Super Poster.
iTrader: (1)
 
Staffi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Don't be nosey
Posts: 21,194
Received 107 Likes on 96 Posts
Default

Owned a couple of these, cracking cars, that interior looks fantastic Argo, no scratches or sags, milage must be quite low I'd say??
Old 26-08-2015, 06:43 PM
  #13  
rog
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
rog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 8,258
Received 67 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by costina
It has a vanos issue lol
Haha I guess there could be all kinds of stories to it. I never even checked if it had an engine, but with the height and condition of the car, it looks complete

Originally Posted by RedMak
Owned a couple of these, cracking cars, that interior looks fantastic Argo, no scratches or sags, milage must be quite low I'd say??

Yup, seats were mint, whole car looks in great shape tbh. It just shows you how badly our weather takes its toll on any vehicle really, whether its in use or not.

Last edited by rog; 26-08-2015 at 06:46 PM.
Old 26-08-2015, 06:49 PM
  #14  
costina
Live long and prosper!!
iTrader: (1)
 
costina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: area 51
Posts: 9,158
Received 371 Likes on 346 Posts
Default

Its a shame Rog eh some people have more money than sense.

U reckon u can get it?
Old 26-08-2015, 06:49 PM
  #15  
st220kyle
Advanced PassionFord User
 
st220kyle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: somerset
Posts: 1,817
Received 61 Likes on 56 Posts
Default

Seems odd doesn't it. Looks like somebodys taken the stereo. Where was it anyway, Dubai?
Old 26-08-2015, 06:57 PM
  #16  
rog
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
rog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 8,258
Received 67 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

Not sure, I tried a quick registration check on a government site there, but it didn't show up anything, which tbh was pointless as they don't have online systems to snoop and check things like the DVLA sites in the UK, but it was worth a try. No idea what to do now, I can speak to some people and see what they advise. Car is registered in Abu Dhabi according to the plate.
Old 26-08-2015, 07:04 PM
  #17  
maxest
PassionFord Post Whore!!
iTrader: (1)
 
maxest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Blackpool
Posts: 6,408
Received 18 Likes on 18 Posts
Default

There's lots of abandoned cars in Abu Dhabi and the likes.. Something along the lines of when buying a car on finance they have to forward date cheques.. And if one bounces they can go to jail. Hence why their left and the owners flee the country..
Old 26-08-2015, 07:11 PM
  #18  
jason_nike
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
jason_nike's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: East Sussex
Posts: 3,833
Received 98 Likes on 92 Posts
Default

Lovely car.
Wouldn't say no to one
Old 26-08-2015, 07:14 PM
  #19  
smiley
PassionFord Post Troll
 
smiley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: england
Posts: 3,028
Received 327 Likes on 306 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by maxest
There's lots of abandoned cars in Abu Dhabi and the likes.. Something along the lines of when buying a car on finance they have to forward date cheques.. And if one bounces they can go to jail. Hence why their left and the owners flee the country..

Bang on! Go and find a better one rog and have a play

http://www.viralnova.com/dubai-sports-cars/
Old 26-08-2015, 07:21 PM
  #20  
rog
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
rog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 8,258
Received 67 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

Its in Dubai Investment Park btw.
Old 26-08-2015, 07:22 PM
  #21  
PAUL S
PassionFord Post Troll
iTrader: (8)
 
PAUL S's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: sunny wales
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 0
Received 48 Likes on 34 Posts
Default

I used to work in Abu Dhabi, there is stuff abandoned everywhere, trucks, earthmovers, concrete pumps all sorts, all just sat covered in sand and dust for years. Its a no go to try and remove them though apparently, they get very funny about it, and no chance of getting anything out of the country.
Old 26-08-2015, 07:43 PM
  #22  
smiley
PassionFord Post Troll
 
smiley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: england
Posts: 3,028
Received 327 Likes on 306 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by PAUL S
I used to work in Abu Dhabi, there is stuff abandoned everywhere, trucks, earthmovers, concrete pumps all sorts, all just sat covered in sand and dust for years. Its a no go to try and remove them though apparently, they get very funny about it, and no chance of getting anything out of the country.
Seems weird they don't just repo and sell on to recoup aye
Old 26-08-2015, 07:59 PM
  #23  
visa_broke
Advanced PassionFord User
 
visa_broke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Hertsfordshire
Posts: 2,439
Received 329 Likes on 308 Posts
Default

nice find
Old 27-08-2015, 01:00 PM
  #24  
furry
DECODING JIBBA JABBA!!
 
furry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Swindon
Posts: 1,380
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

my dad lives in Al Ain and I'm over there in November so might go on a hunt for a few gems lol
Old 28-08-2015, 01:22 PM
  #25  
RB26DETT
Regular Contributor
 
RB26DETT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ireland.
Posts: 235
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Pretty sad to see that.
I love E36s (Probably had about 10+, Although never an M3)


If you can get the last 7 digits of the VIN, Go onto BMWVin.com (Works on any BMW) to get the factory spec. Be interesting to see what options it has compared to a UK model.

It has a Pre-Facelift nosecome (Pre 96) and facelift wings/wheels.
Also unusual to see Black leather on grey plastics, Normally black on black.
Twin Airbag dash too, Which is sorta rare.


I really really want those Sunflower Wheels for my E36.

Last edited by RB26DETT; 28-08-2015 at 01:34 PM.
Old 28-08-2015, 03:53 PM
  #26  
Fullflush
Advanced PassionFord User
 
Fullflush's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mars
Posts: 1,723
Received 93 Likes on 79 Posts
Default

Just looked at the pics again, doesn't the back passenger wheel look a bit odd?
Old 28-08-2015, 07:04 PM
  #27  
STAFFY OWNER
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
STAFFY OWNER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NORTHANTS
Posts: 4,868
Received 48 Likes on 37 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Fullflush
Just looked at the pics again, doesn't the back passenger wheel look a bit odd?
Think the rear wheel just looks odd because it's sitting in a dip in the ground.

If that was left in this country for more than a couple of weeks it would be stripped, proof that having your hands cut off if you steal does work as a deterrent.
Old 28-08-2015, 07:31 PM
  #28  
jameswrx
PassionFord Post Troll
 
jameswrx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,537
Received 21 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RB26DETT
Pretty sad to see that.
I love E36s (Probably had about 10+, Although never an M3)


If you can get the last 7 digits of the VIN, Go onto BMWVin.com (Works on any BMW) to get the factory spec. Be interesting to see what options it has compared to a UK model.

It has a Pre-Facelift nosecome (Pre 96) and facelift wings/wheels.
Also unusual to see Black leather on grey plastics, Normally black on black.
Twin Airbag dash too, Which is sorta rare.


I really really want those Sunflower Wheels for my E36.
Looks like it's had a re-trim of the seats to me, I've had a couple and the leather doesn't look like that. Plus there's no M badge leather stripes on the seat backs either.
Old 29-08-2015, 08:03 AM
  #29  
gingeRS
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
gingeRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: london baby!
Posts: 7,443
Received 26 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jameswrx
Looks like it's had a re-trim of the seats to me, I've had a couple and the leather doesn't look like that. Plus there's no M badge leather stripes on the seat backs either.
correct there should be a stripe of light blue navy blue and red on each seat
Old 29-08-2015, 08:31 AM
  #30  
Ebonycossie4x4
PassionFord Post Whore!!
iTrader: (4)
 
Ebonycossie4x4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Essex
Posts: 7,853
Received 23 Likes on 23 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by gingeRS
correct there should be a stripe of light blue navy blue and red on each seat
Damn beat me to it.

those seats are definitely not right
Old 29-08-2015, 11:16 AM
  #31  
RB26DETT
Regular Contributor
 
RB26DETT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ireland.
Posts: 235
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Maybe it was an individual option?
Or more than likely seats recovered, I'v never seen black on grey plastics.

My Vaders don't have the ///M logo from factory, They are cloth though.


OP get the last 7 digits of the VIN so we can check.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
S3an
Pictures, video & Photoshop Forum
4
26-09-2015 11:39 PM
oilman
Trader Parts for Sale.
10
23-09-2015 07:32 PM
S3an
General Car Related Discussion.
13
13-09-2015 10:01 AM
Adam Graham
Restorations, Rebuilds & Projects.
7
06-09-2015 06:04 AM
hopper350
Garage / Workshop & Tools Section.
2
04-09-2015 12:53 AM



Quick Reply: Found an abandoned M3 last week (not in UK)



All times are GMT. The time now is 11:40 PM.