thoughts on 1990 535i purchase

[brick8]

Thinking of getting back into an e34 after several Saabs. There is a nice 1990 535i for sale in my neighborhood with 120k for $4k. Looks and runs great. One concern that I have is the lack of the safety equipment that comes with a newer vehicle. I love the look and handling of the e34. What are your thoughts on this.

[Mitch90535im]

I bought my '90 535i 5-speed in 2001 with 185K on the clock. Best vehicle I've ever owned. To date I have other than normal maintenance replaced: Radiator, starter, and water pump, all DIY, and last year had to replace a front wheel bearing/hub and ignition lock mechanism. Those would have been DIY too if it hadn't been so cold at the time with no inside heated space to do the work. I need new struts now which probably will not be a DIY job. The m30 is rock solid as far as I can tell but I would highly recommend a 5-speed vs. automatic. I'm closing in on 250K and it barely burns a drop of oil between 3k changes. I'm personally not concerned about the lack of safety features. The e34 is built like a tank. I plan on keeping and driving this car until it won't go any further.

Hope that helps.

[Kibokojoe]

Go for it. I got mine for free from a friend, four years later I have spent about 7 grand bringing it up to speed. Best car I have ever owned. Anyone who has every driven or ridden in my 5 can't beleive the way it performs. Amazing cornering. It also doesn't hurt that I love to wrench on these cars.