What to look for in a used 5 series

[forrer13]

Hi BMW freaks.
I have been a huge Honda fan for many years but have now got the urge to move onto serious German metal.
My dad has owned 3 BM's starting with his first new car in 1982, a 528i. It was one of the first 200 of the new body style imported into Australia so he got a numbered silver keychain with the car. When I turned 18 in 1986 Dad still had this car and let me drive it on occasion, I guess thats how it all started. My first love as a young adult was the 635csi.
He sold the 528i in 2000 and bought a 325i, most of the family get sick of his BMW rants. Since then he bought an X5 diesel to tow his camper and absolutely loves it. (then again there is no BMW Dad does not like) He has the 3 series also.
So onto me, I am in the process of selling my Acura CLS and Yamaha sport bike to buy an older 5 series and pay for it outright (no more car payments is the goal) This should give me about $6000 to spend.
As a newbee to BMW (sort of) I am wondering what to look for in a used Beemer. Is there a model to avoid? certian troubles to look for? What would you buy with $6000, oh and I want a manual tranny.
Rock on Beemer freaks.
;)

[peks]

for 6k i think you can get a pretty good 535.. not exactly sure how that relates to aussie dollars or prices..

read the sticky for newbies and try bmwe34.net

[Torque]

Read this: http://bmw4life.com/buyingE34.htm

[kyleN20]

look for somthing called a "m5" those or decent ones, haha. personally i would take my 6 grand and look for a post 95 525i with a 5speed, very nice setup.

[pundit]

$6K AUD ($4.5K USD) is at the bottom end of the market for an E34 in Oz.
You may fluke it and get something usable at that price but not likely unless the previous owner got scared of a problem that was smaller than he thought and sold it cheap thinking it was going to cost big $$$'s to rectify. This happens occasionally with cars like these but you have to be in the right place at the right time.

Basically you either spend extra up front and less down the track or less up front and more down the track.
My philosophy is buy the best one you can afford and then maintain it. (If you can only afford a shitheap then BMW ownership is not for you!)

I would think somewhere between $10 to $15k AUD should get something good, BUT, you need to do your homework and look at plenty before you hand over your cash.
The problem is that older prestige cars can often become neglected because their owners can't afford proper maintenance and if that is the case walk away and keep looking.
Never buy a Euro car on an impulse, not unless you have plenty of cash to burn! - Good Luck!! :)

BTW I paid just under $15k AUD for mine 12 months ago. With the increase in fuel prices car values have dropped so mine is probably worth close to $12k now. But after looking at many E34's since I bought it, I can say that it probably ranks in the top 10% condition wise of those I've seen. So basically you get what you pay for! ;)

[kev535i]

i agree with Pundit 6k may be a bit short but have a good look around i got mine for 7.5k at auction- one owner, low klms, very good condition the previous owner just wanted to move on to something else and wasnt too concerned about price, so they are out there and as pundit said with the price of petrol going up more have appeared on the market - good luck

[mattyb]

recently in unique cars at a non bm dealer i saw a 535i manual for $7500 and an auto 530 for about 6500. both in sydney. They are out there but not many at that price. If u r mechanically minded then its not so much a problem as long as the engine and box are ok. Basics for most of our cars at this age are tranny and engine mounts, rotors,radiators. ur gonna have to get under it before u buy it. Check for leaks amongst master cylinder, abs unit etc. these are killers to replace$$$$$$. check driveline. I cant say Ive ever seen a neglected example. There is much I do not know and what ive mentioned is only what i have had to do myself so im sure there is an endless list that others more qailified to comment on could suggest. If I had to buy again i would make it an oz wide search and consider vehicles in every state. This car is either going to be a joy for many years and cost u a bit of money or a pian in the ass and cost u heaps and if u dont get the right one ull regret it for years to come. What year and model are you hoping for? good luck

[Cactuar]

Can we trade dads?

[mattyb]

also get the vin of any potential vehicle and call the local bm dealer. they can give a history of any bm dealer work and servicng history available for the vehicle. Get to know your local stealer ur gonna need em sooner or later

[pundit]

Owning a older BMW on a budget requires you to be able to carry out most of the general maintenance work yourself. That's one of the reasons forums like these are useful. The cost of a 'cheap' car can blow out exponentially by thousands of $$$'s in a very short time if major problems surface after you've bought it and you put yourself at the mercy of a 'stealer' (derogoratory term for dealer). The main thing is not to buy a lemon no matter how cheap it is.

[rob101]

yeah you won't be able to get a manual e28 535i (because only the M535i seem to be manual) as for an e34 i think you'd be struggling to find one for that price, I'd look in the direction of either a 528i or save your money and buy an e34 i'd probably say after owning both an e34 and an e28 save your money...
although i am intending on doing an engine swap of a e34 m30b35 into my 82 528i as mine and rebuilding the suspension to a higher spec. it is in good body condition but the mechanics are a bit stuffed i can most likely keep the driveline and will be able to use a couple of engine parts (sump oil pump etc.) for the engine swap (maybe even the exhaust as well) :p miraculously i somehow managed to have 2 bmws 10 years apart but neither of them have catalytic converters.
Still all up you are still talking at least a 8k investment overall for the car and a swap like that. mind you m535i's sell for 10k+ so its not unreasonable. that said a manual e28 528i is a bloody good car, if the shocks and gearbox were in slightly better condition i would much prefer it over my e34 525i ;) you would be looking about 4-6k for a 528i in good condition, also there are some 528i's with M options around also

edit Note i am talking about the australian market, i just read your profile and your from the states i assumed that since e28 528i's are euro you would have been from aust. my bad:(

[forrer13]

Gents,

Firstly thank you all for your replies.

I must quickly help you guys understand my situation.

I am Australian born (Melbourne) and lived there till Dad decided to move to the US to get his Doctorate in Education in 1984. That took 2 years then we moved back to Aus (Yarragon Victoria, in Gippsland).

3 years later I moved back to the US (Cincinnati Ohio) where I have lived ever since as a permanent resident.

So the $6000 will be UD$, which will definately get me more here than in Aus.

What is the general consensus on the 3 liter V8 as compared to the 3.5 liter 6?

Ideally and realistically I will be able to afford a 525 or a 535, probably 120 000 miles. and will travel to get it if need be.

Is the 525 underpowered at only 180HP? thats not much power to weight ratio.

I am an Engineer by trade, and have been a gear head since I was born, so I will be working on the car myself, as I have aklways done (what a great resource this forum will be)

Cheers Mates.

[bfd]

Rob101 states:

<yeah you won't be able to get a manual e28 535i (because only the M535i seem to be manual)>

What am I missing? Sorry, but BMW sold way more E28 535i with manual transmissions than E34 535i. I know of 2 individuals with 5 speed manuals, neither of which are M535i.

In contrast, the E34 535i with 5 speed manual is relatively rare. Something like only 5% or less of all 535is made had stick shift.

[Zeuk in Oz]

Welcome !

If you insist on a manual trasmission you will probably be looking at '88-91 models, and at that price range probably an M20 525i or M30 535i.

The problem with these cars is 2 fold - they are older and so have done more kms, and they do not have airbags as do the newer cars.

Both can be had for that sort of money but may I suggest that you take your time and be very careful. Many are rubbish but there is the odd gem out there if you search carefully.

Be aware that the 535i will use more fuel than the M20 525i, but will perform much better. Your choice will depend on what sort of driving you wish to do.

If this is a sensible purchase or not will depend on a number of things, not least of which is how mechanically minded you are. If you can do most repairs and maintenance yourself then buying an E34 in this price range might be worth considering. Get a Bentley manual - I got mine from Amazon in the US in 4 days ! If you are not mechnically minded or inclined and you will be using a mechanic to do most things, either buy something else or save up for a bit longer and buy a better car.

Parts can be sourced from the US (BMA is favoured by many on this forum - do a search) much cheaper than from dealers here in Oz.

I presume that your father must know something about BMW parts and repairs and so seek his guidance as well.

The M20 has a timing belt that must be replaced regularly.

Both engines need preventative maintenance so if you can find a car that has been owned by an enthusiast rather than serviced by the local Holden or Ford mechanic, so much the better. Preventative maintenance applies to the rest of the car as well, particularly suspension components, water pumps, coolant etc. Blown head gaskets are a not uncommon problem.

Be aware that if the car is modified with respect to wheels and tyres, suspension components will wear out faster.

Whatever you do, when you find a serious contender, seek expert advice and have the vehicle inspected. Given its age, you will get more for your dollar from an independent BMW specialist than a motoring organisation.

Good luck and don't underestimate the value of this forum - ask any questions you have and therefore learn from others having been there before you. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Just a small point of correction by the way, you will find that more people call it bimmer than beemer..... :p

[pundit]

Gents,

Firstly thank you all for your replies.

I must quickly help you guys understand my situation.

I am Australian born (Melbourne) and lived there till Dad decided to move to the US to get his Doctorate in Education in 1984. That took 2 years then we moved back to Aus (Yarragon Victoria, in Gippsland).

3 years later I moved back to the US (Cincinnati Ohio) where I have lived ever since as a permanent resident.

So the $6000 will be UD$, which will definately get me more here than in Aus.

What is the general consensus on the 3 liter V8 as compared to the 3.5 liter 6?

Ideally and realistically I will be able to afford a 525 or a 535, probably 120 000 miles. and will travel to get it if need be.

Is the 525 underpowered at only 180HP? thats not much power to weight ratio.

I am an Engineer by trade, and have been a gear head since I was born, so I will be working on the car myself, as I have aklways done (what a great resource this forum will be)

Cheers Mates.
Okay then $6k USD will get you something decent.
I thought we were talking Aussie dollars!

Between the 530 (M60/3.0/V8) and the 535i (M30/3.5/6cyl), definately go with the M30 six. Similar power but the M30 is cheaper to maintain and easier to work on.

If you're considering a V8 then forget the 530 and go with a 540, same motor (M60) as the 530 but much more grunt factor. A 540 6 speed manual is the pick, but more dollars both upfront, and for maintenance.

Bang for buck (with grin factor) I think a 535i with a manual trans is the best option. 525's are more conservative (unless we're talking Jon K's) but all in all you probably won't go wrong with a good 535i manual. :)

[Zeuk in Oz]

Gents,

Firstly thank you all for your replies.

I must quickly help you guys understand my situation.

I am Australian born (Melbourne) and lived there till Dad decided to move to the US to get his Doctorate in Education in 1984. That took 2 years then we moved back to Aus (Yarragon Victoria, in Gippsland).

3 years later I moved back to the US (Cincinnati Ohio) where I have lived ever since as a permanent resident.

So the $6000 will be UD$, which will definately get me more here than in Aus.

What is the general consensus on the 3 liter V8 as compared to the 3.5 liter 6?

Ideally and realistically I will be able to afford a 525 or a 535, probably 120 000 miles. and will travel to get it if need be.

Is the 525 underpowered at only 180HP? thats not much power to weight ratio.

I am an Engineer by trade, and have been a gear head since I was born, so I will be working on the car myself, as I have aklways done (what a great resource this forum will be)

Cheers Mates.

Sorry, I also thought from you initial post that you were in Oz.

Just out of interest though, is your father in the US or Oz - I didn't think the X5 diesel was sold in the States.

[rob101]

What am I missing? Sorry, but BMW sold way more E28 535i with manual transmissions than E34 535i. I know of 2 individuals with 5 speed manuals, neither of which are M535i.

In contrast, the E34 535i with 5 speed manual is relatively rare. Something like only 5% or less of all 535is made had stick shift.


in australia........ i assumed that there aren't many around as i have never seen one for sale and the redbook doesn't even have a e28 535i manual listed. whereas i have seen manual M535i's and manual e34 535i's perhaps that is because the manuals only came as 535is i am not sure but in my experience in Aust. thats the way it looks. I can only go based on my experience because there aren't 200000000000 webpages about the australian model range of bmw's unlike the model ranges in the USA

[forrer13]

Ok, so it looks like I am going to focus on a E34 535i 5 speed.

bmw4life is a cool site, thanks for the link, they have a lot of good info.

I suppose my Dads old 528i was an E28, an it was a 5 speed (its the car i learned to drive manual in). He sold it aout 5 years ago in melbourne, wouldnt it be cool if I could find whoever has it now (just for shits and giggles) It was a sky blue colo(u)r, 5 speed, tan cloth interior, tow bar, he took real good care of it so I am sure its still out there somewhere.

According to the Dad (the Oracle, Matrix flashbacks) the Diesel X5 is not sold in the US.

I am now going to figure out how to post pics

Word out homies..

[rob101]

and 82 528i is an e28 i have a 2/82 528i and its an e28

[Alexlind123]

My car is a 1990 535i Automatic, and it has a drivers side airbag. If and when my transmission fails, i plan to do a manual swap. I would have preferred a manual when looking for my car, but i knew there was a very small chance that i would find one, so i decided to look for an e34 535i manual or automatic. I think if youre set on a manual transmission, you will be looking a long time.

[632 Regal]

Post some pics of the dents and crease Whit.

[Gayle]

All right--I'll pimp Kent Carlson's car--a goregous red 353 manual owned by an enthusiast. It is in Utah, has 188 miles , and now he wants $5k for it. This thread is long and old but the car is still for sale.

Edit: Never mind. I got a private email that someone we know is buying it.


I am undetered by geography--live in San Diego and bought my car in New Jersey. I would go anywhere to get a really nice car that has been well maintained. Plane tickets are cheap and what better way to bond with a car than a road trip home.


My theory is you get the best body you can and you pay money for good maintainence. Paint jobs are obcenely expensive. Maintenence is everything in these cars. Sh#t breaks but everything but the paint you can do yourself.

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=6070&highlight=utah

[dacoyote]

Trade my 95 525 outright for it......

we can dream....