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jeb.
04-30-2006, 08:27 AM
Hi all I'm new to the forums and I am in need of an opinion. I have my eyes set on an '89 E34 535iA. I just test drove it and I fell in love with it. It has 104k miles on it and it has LSD listed as an option on the dealer report. (I work for a dealership.) The guy is asking for $4500 but I think that if I show up with $3800-$4000 cash he'll bite. The car has clear corners in the front and euro tail lights in the rear. It's rolling on E39 540i wheels. Check out some of the pics. Do you think it's a good buy? The body is in mint condition with minor dings for a 17 year old car. I took some pics with my phone.

Speeder 553
04-30-2006, 08:38 AM
That's really low mi. for an 89'. Any service records? Is the dealer offering a warranty? Did you check the basic stuff; rotors, oil leaks, AC blowing cold air, etc. Any other mods than what you listed? If it's tight then $3,800 would be a good deal.

Rustam
04-30-2006, 09:23 AM
Hi all I'm new to the forums and I am in need of an opinion. I have my eyes set on an '89 E34 535iA. I just test drove it and I fell in love with it. It has 104k miles on it and it has LSD listed as an option on the dealer report. (I work for a dealership.) The guy is asking for $4500 but I think that if I show up with $3800-$4000 cash he'll bite. The car has clear corners in the front and euro tail lights in the rear. It's rolling on E39 540i wheels. Check out some of the pics. Do you think it's a good buy? The body is in mint condition with minor dings for a 17 year old car. I took some pics with my phone.

You've essentially missed to provide vital info on the car. What repairs has it had made? Documentation for repairs? Engine compression/leak down tests good?

I can't tell whether this is a good deal or not without positive response to these points...

SchnellE34
04-30-2006, 10:07 AM
Great car, I had one for a while before buying my '95 525 (a little regret for loss of HP.) I would make sure the trans shifts smooth. See if a PO had replaced the water pump. Also check for shimmy in the suspension (upper/lower control arms.) Any thing leaking from then engine? Any rust? Errors on the OBC?

What is your position at the dealership?

BTW you phone has a nice camera, mine doesn't take pictures that nice.
If it all checks out that is a great buy!

EDIT: If this is a quick question, what do you condsider a long question?

Don
04-30-2006, 10:30 AM
Make sure the Cam Shaft has not worn, a problem with that engine

jeb.
05-01-2006, 04:05 AM
He has service records for all major repairs. Just changed front control arms and bushings, water pump, t-stat, pads and rotors all around and front shocks. He also recently replaced the valve cover gasket. I checked the trans fluid and it's not too bad. I did a leak down and compression myself yesterday and the engine checks out. The AC blows real cold. Over all the car handles real tight with no vibrations over 70mph. The only thing I noticed was a small rattle from the exhaust. One of the hangers is loose.

And sorry for the long "quick" question.

Alexlind123
05-01-2006, 05:12 AM
It sounds like a good price.

Speeder 553
05-01-2006, 07:51 AM
He has service records for all major repairs. Just changed front control arms and bushings, water pump, t-stat, pads and rotors all around and front shocks. He also recently replaced the valve cover gasket. I checked the trans fluid and it's not too bad. I did a leak down and compression myself yesterday and the engine checks out. The AC blows real cold. Over all the car handles real tight with no vibrations over 70mph. The only thing I noticed was a small rattle from the exhaust. One of the hangers is loose.

And sorry for the long "quick" question.

What are you waiting for? It's cherry. Go get it! :D

Rustam
05-01-2006, 09:08 AM
He has service records for all major repairs. Just changed front control arms and bushings, water pump, t-stat, pads and rotors all around and front shocks. He also recently replaced the valve cover gasket. I checked the trans fluid and it's not too bad. I did a leak down and compression myself yesterday and the engine checks out. The AC blows real cold. Over all the car handles real tight with no vibrations over 70mph. The only thing I noticed was a small rattle from the exhaust. One of the hangers is loose.

And sorry for the long "quick" question.

compression test? leakdown test? why is he selling the car?

mamilapon
05-01-2006, 06:07 PM
Id be getting money out of the bank by now.Sounds like its been well looked after.Loose hanger? Take it down 500 bucks..lol!!

ILoveMPower
05-02-2006, 05:14 AM
WTF ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!

LOL, this sounds like one awesome deal... with all the money you're saving it's time for a 5-spd swap!