1997 528I - How are they?

[vping]

Found online a 1997 528I. 160K highway miles, really good condition. Owner just dumped a ton of money into his last service.

Daughter might be having troubles with the 1990 535i (anyone in while plains NY can lend a hand :-)

How are the 1997 528i's?

Reliability?
Service?
Gas milage?
Major problems that might not have happened yet?

Pricing for a car of this vintage and condition?

Please let me know.

Vince

[genphreak]

e34 well maintained is cheap to run.

e39 well maintained is starting to see all the problems that cost half as much to fix on an e34. And are harder to resolve. However the condition is often better. As usual; depends on the candidate- with an old Bimmer, that is very much the Art of the right choice, as it is seldom the one w all the cool gear as they tend to be more an exiting hoon's ride.

[Russell]

Not sure what you mean? is an e39 twice as expensive to fix or half as much?

[genphreak]

e34 of course. BUT, in a few years time, e34 parts will start to get rare perhaps. Cheap insurance is to buy a shed full of them. LOL!

[vping]

Well I got it and it really drives great. Always serviced from day 1 at the dealer. I've 200 miles since yesterday when I picked it up and it a lot of fun.

[genphreak]

Well I got it and it really drives great. Always serviced from day 1 at the dealer. I've 200 miles since yesterday when I picked it up and it a lot of fun. Welcome to the fold! Now soon it'll be time to buy a few more! Make sure you check to see if the coolant and brake fluid needs changing, and check the air filter, pollen filter. Certainly all 5ers are great car- e39 is superior to e34 engineering wise, but there is more to go wrong. The suspension is nicer, with only a few more rubber bushings that wear. If its your first BMW, make sure you don't substitute fluids and components without knowing if it is a proven combo, many end up in tears with broken radiators etc. due to coolant diffs