Guys/Gals I need your help!

[Lennyz525i]

3 year warranty? If it's bumper to bumper from the DEALER, it sounds too good to be true!

That does sound really good for a 17y/o car. An 89 525i definitely has the M20 engine. It's a relatively easy to work on engine that had been around for ages. It has a timing belt (just mentioning it before someone else does ) that needs replacement every 50K miles or so, do the waterpump as well while you're at it or you'll be facing my current mess. In early/mid 90 (build year) the 525i received a much updated M50 engine.

[Bill R.]

countries the m50 was around in 89

That does sound really good for a 17y/o car. An 89 525i definitely has the M20 engine. It's a relatively easy to work on engine that had been around for ages. It has a timing belt (just mentioning it before someone else does ) that needs replacement every 50K miles or so, do the waterpump as well while you're at it or you'll be facing my current mess. In early/mid 90 (build year) the 525i received a much updated M50 engine.

[Torque]

Bill, that's for a m50b20. I am curious to see if the m50b25 was around in 89 anywhere ... I'd love it if you cold check and post a screenshot of that.

You learn something new every day.

Edit: disregard, I found it myself. I never knew m50 was around that early. wow.

[Bill R.]

Bill, that's for a m50b20. I am curious to see if the m50b25 was around in 89 anywhere ... I'd love it if you cold check and post a screenshot of that.

You learn something new every day.

Edit: disregard, I found it myself. I never knew m50 was around that early. wow.

[Lennyz525i]

Damn, I had no idea either. I thought 525i's were equipped no ealier then early-mid 90 with M50s. AH well, learnt something new today

[Bill R.]

.

Damn, I had no idea either. I thought 525i's were equipped no ealier then early-mid 90 with M50s. AH well, learnt something new today

[wingman]

It's a lot of money for the k's and also for a manual. Be aware that selling a manual in OZ is VERY hard. Most 5s in this country were auto and people who buy 5s usually want autos. Manuals might be attractive for enthusiasts but they are not for the general populus and as a result sell for less. In OZ the Executive pack is the one you want. Extras such as cruise/leather/sunroof/rear blind/auto added as much as $11,000 to the new car price. This one appears to be an exec. My advice is to keep looking. www.carsales.com.au has some good 525i for sale at much lower k's and price. The M20 is just fine if you keep the revs to it. It gets a little asthmatic at around 5000rpm in top but at that stage you are well over the legal speed limit anyway. You'll find that your Fords just wont compare with the BMW. They may have more power than the M20 but it's the way it's delivered.

[Iwantae34525i]

thanks for the advice wingman!

if I can get him down to 9k do you think its still a good price? The guy is greek and the like cash up front!...lol

I dont think I quite agree though with your manual statement. I know with falcons atleast, there is about 2% of the total made that are manuals, hence making them more expensive to buy as they are harder to find. That is one of the reasons XR's hold there value well.

Id presume that would be the same for the BMW's. I could be wrong though.

[Zeuk in Oz]

Given that these are often enthusiasts' cars, I would prefer to buy one from an enthusiast who has maintained the car well rather than a caryard - I doubt if the warranty has any real value!
IMHO the M20 engine is perfect, especially in manual form - delivering good performance with fantastic fuel economy.
I wouldn't worry too much about the kilometers, but factor in a head rebuild in the purchase price - you can even do it yourself !
You will also need to factor in suspension component replacement etc.
I would suggest getting an independent BMW specialist to look at the car to give you an honest opinion.

[wingman]

thanks for the advice wingman!

if I can get him down to 9k do you think its still a good price? The guy is greek and the like cash up front!...lol

I dont think I quite agree though with your manual statement. I know with falcons atleast, there is about 2% of the total made that are manuals, hence making them more expensive to buy as they are harder to find. That is one of the reasons XR's hold there value well.

Id presume that would be the same for the BMW's. I could be wrong though.

BMW buyers and Ford buyers are chalk and cheese. They rarely have anything in common. 'BMW Car' an independant English magazine recently published an article about which features help your BMW maintain its resale value. They stated that buying a manual 5 series is committing financial suicide...