I have a love for all things automotive and have owned some weird cars. I have however fallen in love with all things bmw. I however have no mechanical skills at all. (Thank God for the Little Car Shop in Milw) My first (not wifes) bmw was a 89 525i which was lowered ~1" and was great! Sold this one and purchased a 85 325e 5sp (divorce forced sale of 89) and put about 1k into timing belt/alt/waterpump/service II and various little crap. (all with in past month). The car is great with typical bottom door rust but very presentable. I was just offered from a guy I know his 94 530i touring. From everything I have read (since yesterday when I found out it was available) this car has a v8. It is in great condition with new aircon front brakes and, Oh boy...some new elect work. I guess the sunroof leaked and water setteled in behind the back seats and power windows, locks and sunrf went out. These were all fixed at a BMW dealer for ~3k. The car is an auto w/ ~135k mi. What is a fair price to pay and what should be worried about? Does this have a v8? And does any one want an awsome 325e with basket wheels for summer and standard alloys with blizzacks for winter, or should I keep both? All help will be greatly appreciated.
Am I making a mistake?
- Thread starter Milwaukee
- Start date
I just had the car looked at and these were the issues....
Traction control light goes on at times and then goes off (few secs to 10-15min)
Door locks do not open the back hatch
passenger door lock only locks/unlocks passenger door.
speedo works somtimes not others(odo works).
body is not great ...very presentable from 6'.
Now the good....
New front brakes.
new compresser and ac components.
All bad wireing replaced and sunroof will NOT be opened.
Full power inc 6disc.
engine was replaced.
Now here is the reason With 128k and the history I can get the car for $4000.00
Traction control light goes on at times and then goes off (few secs to 10-15min)
Door locks do not open the back hatch
passenger door lock only locks/unlocks passenger door.
speedo works somtimes not others(odo works).
body is not great ...very presentable from 6'.
Now the good....
New front brakes.
new compresser and ac components.
All bad wireing replaced and sunroof will NOT be opened.
Full power inc 6disc.
engine was replaced.
Now here is the reason With 128k and the history I can get the car for $4000.00
Yeah i would definitely have the car well and truly sorted before you even think about buying it... We all know how viscious BMW's can get when big things go wrong with them. I'd still be very concerned about the water leakage you mentioned in your first post. It's ALWAYS worth the effort in waiting for just the right car to pop up because if you get a lemon then you love of BMW will surely diminish...
Let us know though. Pete
Let us know though. Pete
were not sure when but yes it was nikasil and now its not. One small development..... I found a 92 325i conv. I am going to see if the dealer might not think it would be eaiser to sell a touring rather than a conv in a Wisc winter. one can dream........ Ill keep you posted.
PS I was told the nikasil problem was a lining in the cylinders that failed quite often.
PS I was told the nikasil problem was a lining in the cylinders that failed quite often.
IMO Pass On it...it sounds like a little too much trouble for an "average" owner.
If you were some part time BMW specialist or had access and time and money to a professional...then maybe....buy the junker and have fun fixing her up. Otherwise...just walk away, do not get in over your head...on the car.
If you were some part time BMW specialist or had access and time and money to a professional...then maybe....buy the junker and have fun fixing her up. Otherwise...just walk away, do not get in over your head...on the car.
