Purchasing 1997 5281

travlm

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VA
#1
I'm thinking of purchasing a 1997 528i. It has been maintained very well but has 119,000 miles on it. Are there any reliability issues with this particular year or any other things that I should be concerned about? I have always had 3 series in the past and have been very pleased with them.

Thanks,

Travis
 
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Florida
#2
I just bought my car here. Similar situation. The most LIKELY things to ask about for the 5's are these:

Radiator replaced? If not you WILL be replacing it. Most fail in first 75K miles. About $450+ labor. Water pump may also have been replaced. Check the hoses too. They can wear out and bubble/crack in as little as 2 years.

Catalytic converters are notorious for breaking up eventually? These are originally warrantied to 80k miles and will probably need replacing soon if not already done. Listen underneath for rattling indicating breakup of the ceramic material inside. ABout $850+labor EACH if you have 2. I'm at 92k miles and about to replace #2 of the 2. DO NOT BUY AFTERMARKET cats. They are CRAP. Go to www.cheapexhaust.com and order OEM!!

AC systems are usually pretty robust but should be checked.

Check maintenance records. You'll want to change differential and transmission fuilds if not done by previous owner at that mileage.

Other than that there are usually some minor electrical problems (check prev. owner) but these cars are rock solid otherwise! Good luck.
 


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