Should I even Consider?

[iNvrLrn]

I've found a 1994 540i for 7k. It has a clean title and 150k miles. I haven't checked it in person yet, just wondering what you guys think. Should I consider buying it?

 

[iNvrLrn]

oh and i have a 1990 325is. so should i keep the e30 or go for the e34??

 

[Big Daddy]

You should keep in mind the Nikasil Block issue:

Nikasil Block

 

[iNvrLrn]

that sucks. so all 540i in the mid-ninties were affected?

 

[CosmosBlack]

At 150k miles, I think the shortblock should have been replaced if it's affected. When you checkout the car, you'll know coz' it will idle rough.

 

[iNvrLrn]

i asked the dealer, and he doesn't know a thing about the short block... sorta sketchy

 

[CosmosBlack]

Is it a BMW dealer? or just a used car dealer? If it's a BMW dealer, and the engine was replaced under warranty, they should be able to trace records on their system.

What did you mean by "the dealer doesn't know a thing..." was it a sales rep, or someone in service? Assuming you were at a BMW dealership, and they don't know a thing about the Nikasil issue, they are obviously trying to avoid the question.

 

[CosmosBlack]

I say, if you have doubts and are unsure, you should not buy the car. To replace the engine without warranty would probably cost you about $4000-$5000. BMWNA gave me a 50% deal out of warranty (which is 100k) and I paid close to $2000. And I know, anything done on warranty, the prices on the invoice are always much lower than if they were to charge you for jobs without warranty.

 

[Big Daddy]

And some Nikasil blocks were replaced with Nikasil blocks, that is why mileage really is not a good measure. According to the article and my dealer you need to check service records and the block number.

 

[iNvrLrn]

thanks for the help guys, the car is three hours away, so i'm a bit lazy to go check it out. if its a nikasil block i'd have wasted a tank of gas. i guess i could ask the dealer to check the block for me, if he refuses that'll just show how much he wants me as a customer...