Ross
11-19-2006, 09:30 AM
A week ago Pawswish posted here about an '89 535/5 with an apparent head gasket failure that was offered for sale.
So now it sits in my driveway awaiting repairs.
With 300k miles I was reluctant at any price, but the 5 spd was attractive and the seller impressed me as honest. So for the cost of a lumberjack breakfast en route, a friend who always encourages these things made the 80 mile trip with me to see it.
Pawswish is a consumate car guy with a bent towards British. Two Lotus Elans and the nicest Mini I've seen. A Cooper S with all the best factory bits.
His decision to offload the 535 was made easy by the silver 540/6 in his garage.
The car is exactly as represented(rare) and hopefully the gasket is all she'll need, I don't wish to invest in a fresh head bolted to 300k shortblock.
An amazing 300k this car is though! It was advertised as all long trip mileage and certainly must have been. In the reams of documented dealer service there is no evidence of clutch replacement and it still feels fine!
The records are a textbook case of all the usual E34 foibles, about a zillion thrust rod bushings(even the OEM are crap apparently) and front end parts, a couple of radiators and water pumps, rear susp. bushings and the odd climate control issue. But not a single issue regarding the driveline! Dino oil BTW.
The original owner loved this car and spent five figures maintaining it over the years, Pawswish was right, she's too young to die.
With the exception of needing 6 gallons of coolant the only issue iI noticed on the way home was a growling wheel bearing.
Wish me luck with the motor. But if perhaps it requires an overhaul the M30 and 5 spd. may find there way into the wifes touring ala Mr. Project.
So now it sits in my driveway awaiting repairs.
With 300k miles I was reluctant at any price, but the 5 spd was attractive and the seller impressed me as honest. So for the cost of a lumberjack breakfast en route, a friend who always encourages these things made the 80 mile trip with me to see it.
Pawswish is a consumate car guy with a bent towards British. Two Lotus Elans and the nicest Mini I've seen. A Cooper S with all the best factory bits.
His decision to offload the 535 was made easy by the silver 540/6 in his garage.
The car is exactly as represented(rare) and hopefully the gasket is all she'll need, I don't wish to invest in a fresh head bolted to 300k shortblock.
An amazing 300k this car is though! It was advertised as all long trip mileage and certainly must have been. In the reams of documented dealer service there is no evidence of clutch replacement and it still feels fine!
The records are a textbook case of all the usual E34 foibles, about a zillion thrust rod bushings(even the OEM are crap apparently) and front end parts, a couple of radiators and water pumps, rear susp. bushings and the odd climate control issue. But not a single issue regarding the driveline! Dino oil BTW.
The original owner loved this car and spent five figures maintaining it over the years, Pawswish was right, she's too young to die.
With the exception of needing 6 gallons of coolant the only issue iI noticed on the way home was a growling wheel bearing.
Wish me luck with the motor. But if perhaps it requires an overhaul the M30 and 5 spd. may find there way into the wifes touring ala Mr. Project.