Hey everyone, I just got innundated into the E34 world today when I noticed an ad as I searched through Autotrader for a 95 525i with only 126k mi for $6000. Now mind you I was just looking for a good sedan in the $4-9000 range, to replace the Honda I lost in Katrina, and I didn't really expect a bimmer to pop up. The (rather drab, used-car only) dealership it is at was just a few miles down the road, so I figured I'd go take a gander. I didn't take too long (as it was a bit of a whim at the time), but I did give the car a good look, here's what I found:

The windshield had a rather extensive crack, going from about halfway up the driver's side A-pillar at a 45 degree angle until it met the roof.

No other immediately noticeable exterior damage, other than some paint coming off the (stock) rims.

Interior leather was in good shape all around, but the driver's side armrest was broken (flopped down).

The car started and idled nicely, though the display was saying something about coolant. I revved her up to about 5k, and she went nicely and smoothly.

I didn't look under the hood, take a test drive, etc. because I was pressed for time. However, in my short time with the car, I was quite taken by the comfort and quality as compared to the cars I've used before, enough to consider taking on the possibly maintenance-heavy bimmer over a more possibly reliable make. Since this afternoon I have done some research, and of course come upon this great webiste.

I already called a few places for quotes on replacing the windshield, and the average was about $250. I also located a good shop to have it checked out with in my area (Central Texas), from the iaibmwsp website.

As a noob, I am open to all the advice you guys and gals can heap upon me. I am a relative noob in general, only having owned 1 prior vehicle, and being a law student out of school thanks to that damned hurricane, so don't feel bad to point out something you might think is obvious, because it probably wouldn't be to me.

thanks!