Help me establish my car's real value...

[horseheadnebula]

I think I'm going to parting with my beloved E34 since I'm starting a new job in the city and I won't have anywhere to park her.... So, it is going to be up for sale shortly. I need you guys to give me a ballpark of what it's worth to an average enthusiast, or someone looking for a reliable and nicely kept BMW.

The car is a 1992 525i 5-speed with the M50 engine. It has a clear title, and it was maintained all its life at the same BMW dealer where it was purchased since it was brand new and I have records [from day one, up to about 2 months ago]..... A really, really, thick book of BMW dealer receipts.

Here are the specs:

1992 BMW 525i 5-speed
-230,000 highway miles
-Alpine White II
-Black Leather (mint condition interior)
-5-speed transmission (shifts smoothly, clutch has plenty of life left)
-Power everything, windows, sunroof, etc.
-Premium Sound w/ 6-disc CD changer
-BMW Security System/Alarm/Keyless Entry
-BMW Car Phone
-15" BMW Style 5 Wheels w/ full size matching spare (all have center caps, though not shown in photos)

Everything on the car works, there are no alert lights on the dash, and it drives nice and tight, like a new car. Suspension is tight. Engine pulls like a freight train and does not have any flat spots. Cooling system is recent, engine is clean, and there are no leaks on the floor when parked overnight. Oil is nice and clear and so is the coolant.

The only modifications are:
- 6 BavAuto Performance Coil Packs
- Bosch Platinum+2 Spark plugs
- Clear front indicators
- Body-color matched bumpers and skirts
- Hella OEM smoked projector fog lights (not shown in pictures)
- Rear sunshade
- AC Schnitzer style manual pedals
- Oval chrome exhaust tips
- L.L. Bean signature floor mats

And of course, the photos...

[horseheadnebula]

[horseheadnebula]

[horseheadnebula]

[angrypancake]

starting a new job in the city, NYC?


with all those reciepts and service you could do pretty well with that car. depends on who the buyer will be though. if you want it moved really quickly, you'll lose a couple dollars. I'd ask $5500, maybe a little more. The real question is what do you want to get for it, ideally?

[brosher]

Thats pretty high milage but it looks clean and 5 speed. I'd say $4k.

[Thayne]

$5000

[horseheadnebula]

Thanks guys... so basically, advertise it for $6K OBO to leave some bargaining room?

[Thayne]

Thanks guys... so basically, advertise it for $6K OBO to leave some bargaining room?

Sounds like a good idea.

[Qube]

I'd offer $5000, if the paint is in good condition, and the leather is all right