BennyM
07-31-2012, 06:34 PM
I'm just thinking/lamenting out-loud here:
I love my 525i, but I often hesitate to add new parts to something that I know is slowly rusting away. Every once in a while I come across new evidence of a hidden cancer. For example, the other day I replaced the passenger-side mirror because the mirror itself was clouding over with a layer of oxidation. When I pulled it off, I found that the metal mounting points were also completely corroded.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h132/bennyboym/8ed9b8f0.jpg
Now, I could take hours soaking parts like this in vinegar, scraping, and coating with rust converter, but it's clear that I'm on the losing side of an uphill battle with a frustratingly vague deadline of defeat. Mechanically speaking, i'd say, this car is half as old as it looks.
I should also say that, while I could get another E34 from a warmer/drier climate, my current climate would still destroy it at an accelerated pace.
Currently, the her could benefit from rear springs/shocks/mounts, front rotors/pads/hoses, a re-man'ed alternator, a new oil filter seal, and a couple of back-seat wiring repairs. That's about $900 by my estimations. And then, probably another $1500 at least to have someone grind out and repaint the emerging rust spots on the doors, trunk lid, and rear fender...which might last 3 years if I'm lucky. None of the above is currently necessary, but will be in the near future. I also struggle with the growing sense that cars have evolved significantly since the early 90s, and it wouldn't hurt for me to try something new(er). So, I have a couple options I think:
1. Throw another $2500 at my current 525i (which is about what I paid for it in 2008) in order to keep it in fully operational condition (for "a while") and maybe improve the enjoyment factor a bit.
2. Find another more-unique E34 from TX, GA, CA....maybe an M5 or something that needs a little work, but would put a bigger smile on my face.
2. Upgrade to a newer BMW, like a 2001 325xi (5 speed) or 2001 740i Sport (convert to a stick) and hope to offset a lot of maintenance costs and rust issues for 5-7 years. ~$10,000
What have you guys done when your car begins to show its age?
I love my 525i, but I often hesitate to add new parts to something that I know is slowly rusting away. Every once in a while I come across new evidence of a hidden cancer. For example, the other day I replaced the passenger-side mirror because the mirror itself was clouding over with a layer of oxidation. When I pulled it off, I found that the metal mounting points were also completely corroded.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h132/bennyboym/8ed9b8f0.jpg
Now, I could take hours soaking parts like this in vinegar, scraping, and coating with rust converter, but it's clear that I'm on the losing side of an uphill battle with a frustratingly vague deadline of defeat. Mechanically speaking, i'd say, this car is half as old as it looks.
I should also say that, while I could get another E34 from a warmer/drier climate, my current climate would still destroy it at an accelerated pace.
Currently, the her could benefit from rear springs/shocks/mounts, front rotors/pads/hoses, a re-man'ed alternator, a new oil filter seal, and a couple of back-seat wiring repairs. That's about $900 by my estimations. And then, probably another $1500 at least to have someone grind out and repaint the emerging rust spots on the doors, trunk lid, and rear fender...which might last 3 years if I'm lucky. None of the above is currently necessary, but will be in the near future. I also struggle with the growing sense that cars have evolved significantly since the early 90s, and it wouldn't hurt for me to try something new(er). So, I have a couple options I think:
1. Throw another $2500 at my current 525i (which is about what I paid for it in 2008) in order to keep it in fully operational condition (for "a while") and maybe improve the enjoyment factor a bit.
2. Find another more-unique E34 from TX, GA, CA....maybe an M5 or something that needs a little work, but would put a bigger smile on my face.
2. Upgrade to a newer BMW, like a 2001 325xi (5 speed) or 2001 740i Sport (convert to a stick) and hope to offset a lot of maintenance costs and rust issues for 5-7 years. ~$10,000
What have you guys done when your car begins to show its age?