1991 BMW 535i Barge
Discussion
My daughter is looking for a cash car to begin a new job. My friend owns a German Auto sales and service facility and has for sale a 1991 535i with 182K on the clock. It has the 3.4l inline 6. New tires, new suspension, just about everything has been replaced over the years by the dealership (they owned it themselves). All of the "little things" still work. I drove it and must say, it is very tight and drives on rails. I can have it for $2,700. That is above book value here but considering all of the new parts, it seems fair. What are the opinions here.?
Having no idea what standard market prices are over your side of the pond I can't comment on that.
As a car though, they're absolutely fantastic. They can be quite thirsty, but I assume it'll be mostly 'Highway' miles so shouldn't be too much of a problem.
182k isn't as much as it sounds as long as it's been looked after properly.
As a car though, they're absolutely fantastic. They can be quite thirsty, but I assume it'll be mostly 'Highway' miles so shouldn't be too much of a problem.
182k isn't as much as it sounds as long as it's been looked after properly.
You might be better off asking a US based forum.
Our car values are way out of whack with the rest of the world.
However, if its a minter it would be quite reasonable to pay over book price.
Here the mileage would REALLY hurt the value tho, would expect to pay around £1000 for it (in the UK)
Our car values are way out of whack with the rest of the world.
However, if its a minter it would be quite reasonable to pay over book price.
Here the mileage would REALLY hurt the value tho, would expect to pay around £1000 for it (in the UK)
Crusoe said:
Sounds nice but don't think I would let a younger daughter drive one as daily transport. Tank like old merc with a smaller engine maybe?
The only issue might be a bit of oversteer if she is really rubbish at driving.I lent mine out to several people (including girls) who drive normal cars normally and none of them had an issue with it. It's a big lazy car, not some twitchy evil ditch-seaking missile.
Captain Muppet said:
The only issue might be a bit of oversteer if she is really rubbish at driving.
I lent mine out to several people (including girls) who drive normal cars normally and none of them had an issue with it. It's a big lazy car, not some twitchy evil ditch-seaking missile.
Especially with an Auto, which I assume the car OP is talking about has.I lent mine out to several people (including girls) who drive normal cars normally and none of them had an issue with it. It's a big lazy car, not some twitchy evil ditch-seaking missile.
Even in an M5 of the same vintage, if you drive them like a normal car on a normal commute they're soft as a kitten.
Being able to pull away in 5th provided you're doing no less than 10mph is a bonus too. Only really need 1st and 5th around town.
Jimbeaux said:
My daughter is looking for a cash car to begin a new job. My friend owns a German Auto sales and service facility and has for sale a 1991 535i with 182K on the clock. It has the 3.4l inline 6. New tires, new suspension, just about everything has been replaced over the years by the dealership (they owned it themselves). All of the "little things" still work. I drove it and must say, it is very tight and drives on rails. I can have it for $2,700. That is above book value here but considering all of the new parts, it seems fair. What are the opinions here.?
You'll be doing your daughter a big favour- quality motor. I'm guessing fuel isn't so much of an issue as Europe otherwise you can't go wrong.'Gas Mileage' not good (by 21st century western Europe standards!) but an all-round superb car. I have the later 24v 525i and I love it.
The M30 engine can blow gaskets- this isn't assisted by a very well-used cooling system. It's worth getting the cooling system checked. Also ensure that you test drive it on the freeway- all E34 BMWs eventually develop suspension wobbles caused by worn out bushes, this usually manifests itself as a steering wobble at 50-60mph.
The M30 engine can blow gaskets- this isn't assisted by a very well-used cooling system. It's worth getting the cooling system checked. Also ensure that you test drive it on the freeway- all E34 BMWs eventually develop suspension wobbles caused by worn out bushes, this usually manifests itself as a steering wobble at 50-60mph.
truck71 said:
Jimbeaux said:
My daughter is looking for a cash car to begin a new job. My friend owns a German Auto sales and service facility and has for sale a 1991 535i with 182K on the clock. It has the 3.4l inline 6. New tires, new suspension, just about everything has been replaced over the years by the dealership (they owned it themselves). All of the "little things" still work. I drove it and must say, it is very tight and drives on rails. I can have it for $2,700. That is above book value here but considering all of the new parts, it seems fair. What are the opinions here.?
You'll be doing your daughter a big favour- quality motor. I'm guessing fuel isn't so much of an issue as Europe otherwise you can't go wrong.HustleRussell said:
'Gas Mileage' not good (by 21st century western Europe standards!) but an all-round superb car. I have the later 24v 525i and I love it.
The M30 engine can blow gaskets- this isn't assisted by a very well-used cooling system. It's worth getting the cooling system checked. Also ensure that you test drive it on the freeway- all E34 BMWs eventually develop suspension wobbles caused by worn out bushes, this usually manifests itself as a steering wobble at 50-60mph.
Thanks for the pointers, I will check the cooling system. Thankfully, the suspension has all been reworked.The M30 engine can blow gaskets- this isn't assisted by a very well-used cooling system. It's worth getting the cooling system checked. Also ensure that you test drive it on the freeway- all E34 BMWs eventually develop suspension wobbles caused by worn out bushes, this usually manifests itself as a steering wobble at 50-60mph.
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