Can you guys tell me about this car?

[mbogosia]

My wife and I are sick of her 98 altima. It is so boring. I would be willing to give her my e34, just b/c I know I'll still drive it a lot also. How is this 5er? HP,Maintenance, performance,etc... http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...3&aff=national

[Paul in NZ]

they are getting old now and look old inside....however they are a good deal simpler than the e34 and the e motor is a high tourque low revving engine

[John in CT]

The "E" from that era was the economy model, ie lowest hp for the bunch, still a good car in the day, might be worth a look if maintenance is up-to-the-minute. And only if......at that price.

[willobmw]

Motors will last forever if properly taken care of. Not quite sure what year the "Super" Eta was available. I think only 1988. That would be the most desireable. it was ETA motor with the m20 head. Sort of a test mule for the early E34 525s.
They have other issues such as the "Bomb" brake booster accumulator and a few other minor ones, but overall a very fun car to drive with great gas mileage. I wouldl buy one or a e30 if I ever lose my company car.
As previously stated maintenance is the key. The timing belt should be changed every 60k.
Good Luck on your search,
Willobmw, I love old Bimmers (more character)
1990 535i
1981 528i
1975 2002

[Kalevera]

Mbo,

If you buy that car, have it gone over (or go over it yourself) very carefully.

They're not bad cars, especially with the 5 speed (I wouldn't personally consider an automatic). But it'll have some get up and go with the manual. The ETA is all torque, little horsepower. So the rev limit is a low ~ 5500, but you're controlling the shifting, so the car can still move.

Determine the age of the timing belt. If it's unknown or > 60k miles/6 years since last replaced, don't drive the car until a new TB is on it. Tow it off the lot if need be, I'm not messing around here (in fact, whenever we end up with an unknown mileage TB, it gets replaced before the engine is even cranked). These belts snap easily, and it'll need a head job thereafter, whereas a timing belt is a 20 minute job on the ETA cars.

Any oil leaks on the front of the engine or oil pan are relatively easy to fix.

Given that it drives well, doesn't have evidence of any serious mechanical mishaps, and that the fuel/brake lines and fuel tank aren't rusted out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. If it's clean, it's probably only worth a grand or 1500, though. 2Gs, max.

best, whit

[willobmw]

Agree on price too. You can get a E28 535i for the price he is asking. Looks nice though.

[mbogosia]

I called him tonight and he said he wouldn't go lower than $2200. I might hold off b/c I have my eyes on a 92 325i also. I still might go test drive it tommorow to see how it feels. Thanks for the help.

[Alexlind123]

You might also try an e30 325is, they are fast and can look very nice.

[mbogosia]

Yeah I am now leaning towards an e30. What do you guys think about this. He has a stack of maintenance reciepts done at a reputable indy here in town. He said timing,water pump, radiator, control arms have all been done recently. Needs new tires also. No A/C though which would have to be fixed! He said he would take $1700. I offered him $1000. LOL

http://nashville.craigslist.org/car/117864263.html

[Kalevera]

We have an '86 325e/4 automatic as one of our loaners. It's slow, but it gets the job done. Good fuel economy. I had it die on me a few weeks back -- voltage regulator. But then again, it does get a lot of abuse.

You'll miss your E34 when driving it. I'd take the 528e/5 over a 325e/A.

The ~ '87 325iS manual does 0-60 in around 7.4 seconds. Much faster car.


best, whit