1990 525i (Pics, Videos) - Should I buy it?

[Jesda]

I'm thinking about buying this as a second car. 1990 BMW 525i, manual transmission.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0140.jpg
Door panel.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0127.jpg
Scratches.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0128.jpg
Fairly decent seat.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0126.jpg
The paint is actually pretty good. The car has a thick layer of dust on
it and lots of handprints. It all looks easily cleaned up.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0130.jpg
The rear passenger side door has a trim piece that came off. Needs glue
or complete removal.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0133.jpg

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0129.jpg

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0143.jpg
Nifty arm rests.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0142.jpg
All power windows work.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0131.jpg
All options work.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0141.jpg

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0139.jpg
More scratches. The lower part of the door is just really dirty.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0132.jpg
Headliner drooping a bit in the rear.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0137.jpg
The spots I wiped the dirt off of look pretty good.

http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0138.jpg

Video clips of the engine and such:
http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0134.MOV
http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0135.MOV
http://q.spilky.com/90-525/100_0136.MOV

Asking price $2000. I got him down to $1800. All accessories work fine. No error messages. No leaks. No suspension noises. Drives great. Needs a wash, claybar, buff, and wax. Has 200k, new clutch and timing chain. There's a ticking at startup that goes away after it warms up. I assume its just HLAs. There's also a small exhaust leak. Should I go for it?

[onewhippedpuppy]

For $1800, could you get anything better? I seriously doubt it, go for it.

[SRR2]

I wouldn't offer more than $700-$800 for that car, and then only if I were prepared to put a lot of parts into it, which it likely will require. It won't take much in the way of mechanical work to raise your investment to considerably more than the car's book value.

The car has been seriously disrespected physically, there's no reason to think that it hasn't been similarly disrespected mechanically.

If I had only $2K to spend on a car, I'd look for a mid-90s Toyota or Nissan that will be cheaper to maintain and run.

[mystical_wings]

for the price why not ,alittle fixing up is half the fun .I just paid nearly triple that for my wifes ,and am thinking now about getting my self one to wrench on.

[mystical_wings]

If your buying a bimmer then your buying it for the performance witch you wont get from a toyota .,but if your means are limited then I would think twice.

[kyleN20]

no, the m20 should have never found its way into the e34, to me its the schilies heel of the e34, its only tragic flaw in the engine department, it makes the 5 series terribaly underpowered

kyle

[632 Regal]

your going to probably spend $5000.00 in maintenance and repairs, you prepared for that?

[kyleN20]

5 k????? on what, another car? iv had my car for two years,and after a week or so ill only have invested like 4500, and i bought the car for 4

[pundit]

The overall appearence indicates the owner hasn't really cared about it very much which also makes me questions it's mechanical condition. There's no such thing as a cheap BMW because if you don't spend the money upfront you will definately be spending it later.

IMO buying a 'cheap fixer-upper' is not a good idea unless you have the expertise, equipment, time and cash available. Then it has to be cheap enough to even consider it... and I suspect $2k is not 'cheap enough' for this car. $1k might be, but I somehow doubt it. Aside from that the M20 engine is the least desireable powerplant to be had in an E34 (apart from the 1.8 4cyl).

I think you're better off spending at least $4-$5k on a later 525i (M50) that has at least been looked after.
If you expect the total cost of owning an E34 (excluding V8's and M5's) to be in the vicinity of $10kUSD in the first 2-3 years of ownership (including initial purchasing costs) you should be somewhere in the ball park.

[632 Regal]

10k - 3k for paint is 7k so he will be spending about 5k on repairs. there are variences to the basic rule but they are few and far in between. so he will have a scratched up 7k car with 200k + miles.

The overall appearence indicates the owner hasn't really cared about it very much which also makes me questions it's mechanical condition. There's no such thing as a cheap BMW because if you don't spend the money upfront you will definately be spending it later.

IMO buying a 'cheap fixer-upper' is not a good idea unless you have the expertise, equipment, time and cash available. Then it has to be cheap enough to even consider it... and I suspect $2k is not 'cheap enough' for this car. $1k might be, but I somehow doubt it. Aside from that the M20 engine is the least desireable powerplant to be had in an E34 (apart from the 1.8 4cyl).

I think you're better off spending at least $4-$5k on a later 525i (M50) that has at least been looked after.
If you expect the total cost of owning an E34 (excluding V8's and M5's) to be in the vicinity of $10kUSD in the first 2-3 years of ownership (including initial purchasing costs) you should be somewhere in the ball park.

[zuzuk212]

It all depends on what needs replaced ... I got hosed with my second gear synchro going ~ $1700, AC pump/drier/condenser I conveniently forgot that dollar amount "including install", front suspension parts, dead cat $600+, because the previous owner didn't maintain the diff oil ... I think that was 700 ... Just a reminder CHANGE YOUR DIFF OIL ... it's no different than motor oil changes.

So, the point is ... it adds up and up and up. But I'm still happy and glad that it's not a piece of crap audi. Know of anyone who wants an `00 a4?
Ken

[kyleN20]

selling a a4? how much, specs?

[zuzuk212]

Are you serious?
I'm trying ... my fiance doesn't want to sell it, yet.
I'll let you know when I get the leaf to turn.
Ken

[Alexlind123]

Considering what other e34s cost and what else you might get for 1800, thats an incredibly good deal, even if it were just for a parts car.

[Kobe Diesel]

I purchased my 89 525 in August for a steal. Granted it needs work, but before I did anything to it, it was fast. Since Ive been home (late Dec), Ive been playing and spending. It handles better, the throttle repsonds better, the rear running lights work now. The list of improvements grows, as well as the list of "things to do" grows.

Fortunately the body and paint on mine are still good after 17 years.

I can honestly say that Im close to having spent for parts about equal what I paid for the thing. When Im done with it, Im estimating that I will have spent less altogether than what I would have paid if it were in cherry condition.

Granted I do the work myself and good parts are cheap. For me, I consider this a project and I cant wait to pat myself on the back when Im finished.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[mystical_wings]

5 k????? on what, another car? iv had my car for two years,and after a week or so ill only have invested like 4500, and i bought the car for 42346245673673673567658745784567845784673473567437 37473576356745676573657654565367566745676774

[mystical_wings]

I dont agree ,my grandparents have a 4 year old mercedes That looks 15 yrs old ,but is very well maintained just because they dont have the time or energy to wash and wax the car ,doesnt mean they dont take it in for regular powertrain service.witch they do .

[Kalevera]

Listen to what the people who've been here the longest are saying on the subject.

I know you can find a much better deal if your intention is in finding a clean E34. If you just want a second car, then you should probably buy this one.

I own a project, one that was originally in much worse condition than the car you're considering. I paid $900, granted -- it's a 535. I should've paid about $300. I've spent about 5 grand on the car, doing the majority of the work, and I should spend another ~ 4 grand on paint and body work for "perfection". Hence, I hit the magical number.

If you're looking for more than just "a second car": if you're lucky, you'll be able to find a good interior for a few hundred bucks, the car doesn't have any hidden mechanical issues (and there can be plenty, especially to those unfamiliar with them), and the paint will clear up fine. But, it's still an M20 powered 5 speed, and I can practically guarantee that you'll want something more exciting in a few months.

So, if you want an E34: start searching on eBay, craigslist, local ads. I saw a '95 525 touring go for two grand earlier this morning (!). I occasionally see 535/5speeds go for about the same (just wait until ~ May). They all usually need work, and those that don't come from people who know what they're worth and hope to get good money for them.

If you're looking for a second car: buy it and drive it, fix what needs fixing as it breaks.

best, whit

[632 Regal]

this sounds fun...not!

If you're looking for a second car: buy it and drive it, fix what needs fixing as it breaks. best, whit

[Jesda]

Thanks guys for all your input. I brought over a wad of cash and took it home. Love it! So far no major issues (valve cover leak), but I know some will come up in time. For now, I have a reliable daily driver to put grocery and commuting miles on (Nissan Maxima) and the 5 will be driven just on occasion. I have some learning to do!

Thanks again.

[Andryuha]

IDK, I bought my '92 525im for that price - $1800 with 225k miles. It's now at 240k and I spent about $1500 on repairs and mods in a course of the year (probably more, since I didn'y factor in the oil and other fluid changes).

[632 Regal]

cool

[wingman]

The M20 525i was raved about on introduction. After owning one for a number of months now I wish for only one thing with my car. An M50! I prefer the feel of the 525 over the 535 (have never driven a 530/540) but I'd definately go with an M50 24valve.

[wingman]

Can you give me the address of the owner so I can go around and beat them into a stupor for the abuse of a fine motor car.