Opinions

[Lee 30]

I test drove an '89 535iA this morning. I really liked the car, but I wanted the boards' opinion.

The good:
Engine started immediately from stone cold, idled good, had no smoke or vapor, no exhaust leaks. Drove well, braked OK (see Bad).

The bad:
I saw some oil mist on the cam cover. Owner says it uses about 3/4 quart between oil changes. No drips on ground or hanging from the engine. What is normal consumption for a 200k engine?

Instrument cluster is flakey. Temp and gas don't work until it warms up. I'm thinking, SI board batteries?

If you hit the brakes at 60mph, the front end gets a shake and shimmy, but only while the brakes are on.

Bumper paint has some bubbled paint.

My plan:
I like doing my own work, but I'll get my Indy mechanic to check out the car first. KBB.com shows a value of 3700, edmonds.com shows 3100 for good/fair condition.

Should I walk away, or is this an OK car?

[winfred]

ok on the oil
m5 thrust arm bushings and front brake rotors for the shimmy, and look for other worn parts in the steering and suspension
as long as it looks and drives ok 3+k is ok for a 535