BlueMonday
10-08-2004, 09:50 AM
Hi all,
I'm a brand new member, but if I buy the 525i I'm about to view, I'll be back often. :D
The car is a 1989 525i manual, with the M20 engine. Mileage has 100k, full service history, one owner, black on black. New timing belt and water pump at 75k. Garaged, 4 new tyres, original spare used once.
Located in MD, private seller wants $5k, while the KBB value is listed as $3,800. I might be able to negotiate to $4,500, but it depends on the results of the test drive and pre-purchase inspection that I would have done if the car looks and drives as well as the seller claims.
I had been researching E30s, so don't have much knowledge of the E34s. With a baby on the way, the extra room in the 5er is a big plus.
I'd appreciate as much advice on buying, running, and maintaining an early E34 as you can all provide.
Is the M20 engine strong and bullet proof? Can I expect a 200k+ life?
Does the car handle well? What kinds of issues should I be on the look out for, especially if there's anything the inspection might not pick up on.
What kinds of maintenance issues can I expect?
The car would be a daily driver, although perhaps not every day at first.
Performance is less important than reliability, but I would look at adding a chip and exhaust in the future.
Would I be better spending a little more on a slightly younger E34 with the M50 24v?
If you need more info, please let me know. Hoping for as much info as you can all provide.
Many thanks,
Neil. :)
I'm a brand new member, but if I buy the 525i I'm about to view, I'll be back often. :D
The car is a 1989 525i manual, with the M20 engine. Mileage has 100k, full service history, one owner, black on black. New timing belt and water pump at 75k. Garaged, 4 new tyres, original spare used once.
Located in MD, private seller wants $5k, while the KBB value is listed as $3,800. I might be able to negotiate to $4,500, but it depends on the results of the test drive and pre-purchase inspection that I would have done if the car looks and drives as well as the seller claims.
I had been researching E30s, so don't have much knowledge of the E34s. With a baby on the way, the extra room in the 5er is a big plus.
I'd appreciate as much advice on buying, running, and maintaining an early E34 as you can all provide.
Is the M20 engine strong and bullet proof? Can I expect a 200k+ life?
Does the car handle well? What kinds of issues should I be on the look out for, especially if there's anything the inspection might not pick up on.
What kinds of maintenance issues can I expect?
The car would be a daily driver, although perhaps not every day at first.
Performance is less important than reliability, but I would look at adding a chip and exhaust in the future.
Would I be better spending a little more on a slightly younger E34 with the M50 24v?
If you need more info, please let me know. Hoping for as much info as you can all provide.
Many thanks,
Neil. :)