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Buying a used 5 Series

179 messages,  Last post on Aug 28, 2008 at 1:25 PM

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#8 of 179 Vintage 5 Series Purchase Options by djjay Jun 08, 2006 (8:17 pm)
I am looking at 3 different older 5 Series cars to purchase and would like some wisdom to narrow it down (& negotiating info). Mileage is approx. & price is asking.   1988 535iT, $3,500, 80k on new eng/trans 1990 535i, $2,500, 207k 1991 525i, $4,500, 120k plus   The 88 & 91 both come from an auto shop specializing in BMW repairs/restoration and so will be thoroughly tuned in and out with a 6 month warranty.   On the other hand, the 90 is a cash as is sale. The only problems I've noticed in a brief inspection are power lock issues (looks like the trunk lock was broken into at some point causing a lock/unlock action or just staying locked, the rear pass lock isn't activated by power it seems) and the cabin heat/cool fan doesn't engage. One more thing, when I opened the coolant resvoir it looked like there was some "glitter" in the fluid, is this anything to be concerned over?   Any wisdom is greatly appreciated. Having owned old 5 Series' (86, 87, & 88 525e) I know they are dependable joys to drive so just want to get a car to last 3 to 5 years with little maintenance at a good price.   Thanks.
#9 of 179 528i by bigbiz1 Aug 15, 2006 (7:39 pm)
I am thinking of purchasing 1996-1999 528. I have no previous experience with these cars so I am wondering if anyone who owns one can give me some info.....reliability, problems, etc. Thanks Frank G NJ Replies to this message: manybmws (Sep 04, 2006 6:12 pm) bigbiz1 (Sep 06, 2006 8:09 pm) manybmws (Sep 15, 2006 11:21 am) pearl (Sep 20, 2006 5:51 pm)
#10 of 179 Re: 528i [bigbiz1] by manybmws Sep 04, 2006 (6:12 pm)
Replying to: bigbiz1 (Aug 15, 2006 7:39 pm) I owned a '99 for 4 years and 72K miles. Only out-of-pocket expenses were front brakes at 60K miles for $750. Replies to this message: bigbiz1 (Sep 06, 2006 8:09 pm) manybmws (Sep 15, 2006 11:21 am)
#11 of 179 Re: 528i [manybmws] by bigbiz1 Sep 06, 2006 (8:09 pm)
Replying to: manybmws (Sep 04, 2006 6:12 pm) Thanks........just looking at finances as I heard these cars can be quite expensive Frank Replies to this message: manybmws (Sep 15, 2006 11:21 am)
#12 of 179 Re: 528i [bigbiz1] by manybmws Sep 15, 2006 (11:21 am)
Replying to: bigbiz1 (Sep 06, 2006 8:09 pm) Get a car that has reasonable or is under mileage for its age - but more importantly has been nurtured by a "car guy"
#13 of 179 Re: 528i [bigbiz1] by pearl Sep 20, 2006 (5:51 pm)
Replying to: bigbiz1 (Aug 15, 2006 7:39 pm) I have one of the first E39s (528)delivered in the U.S. (June 96 as a 1997 model). The car has premium pkg and manual transmission and has just crossed 150K miles. I get about 24mpg in town and nearly 30 in highway cruising and the car has never burned a drop of oil. Other than "normal" replacement items (belts, hoses, brake pads, coolant, oil, filters, tune-up items, etc), the only trouble I have had with the car is a leaking power steering hose/fittings, a broken fan-belt tensioner, a leaking transmission seal, and a bad front strut (replaced both front struts). The clutch is a little weak at this stage and my remote key fob won't lock the doors any more (but will open them). I have taken good care of this car and would say this is the best car I have ever owned. In early 06 I had the new car bug and drove many LPS models (GS, RL, M, new E60, STS, etc) but did not find any of them that made me want to trade my E39 - for example, none were as quiet as mine and only the E60 handled as well. No doubt others have had similar experiences with this model BMW as me, and no doubt others have had worse. I think you need to see if you can get the history on the cars you are looking at, but overall, I have loved my car and wish you success if you buy one.
#14 of 179 Question About The Wisdom Of Buying A Brand New 1998 528I by gkg680 Sep 29, 2006 (4:37 pm)
If anyone would care to share their thoughts with me, I'd be grateful. I have an opportunity to buy a 1998 528i with 2200 miles on it. It's showroom new, been sitting for years in a heated, secure garage. Recently, all the fluids were replaced, I'm not sure about the hoses and belts, and the battery needs a charge, but it's new also.     Blue Book trade-in value is $13,000, private party trade value is $15K, and dealership retail is $17,000.     It's out of warranty, of course, but it's literally a new car, and I've known the owner long before she bought it new in 1998.     Does anyone have any thoughts as to what might be a fair offer for such a car? Even though it's out of warranty, it seems like a great opportunity, however, I've never owned a BMW and have heard countless horror stories about the cost of maintenance and repairs.     If anyone wanted to go to the trouble of sharing helpful comments, I'd welcome them. Sincere thanks. Replies to this message: div2 (Sep 29, 2006 8:02 pm)
#15 of 179 Re: Question About The Wisdom Of Buying A Brand New 1998 528I [gkg680] by div2 Sep 29, 2006 (8:02 pm)
Replying to: gkg680 (Sep 29, 2006 4:37 pm) Recently, all the fluids were replaced   I'm assuming that includes brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and final drive oil- using BMW approved fluids/lubricants?   Blue Book trade-in value is $13,000, private party trade value is $15K, and dealership retail is $17,000.   I wouldn't pay over $15K; why pay silly money for very low miles on a car you are going to drive? It's not like an E39 528i is collectable.   I've never owned a BMW and have heard countless horror stories about the cost of maintenance and repairs.   Mostly false and passed on second or third hand by the misinformed, the jealous, or just plain fools. I ran a 1997 5er to over 130K and the maintenance/repair costs averaged $80/month. The upkeep costs on my 1995 3er track rat average $40/month. Join BMW CCA, find a good independent BMW tech(or better yet, buy the Bentley E39 Manual and learn to do the simple maintenance yourself), and you'll be fine.
#16 of 179 87 528e Automatic.... any solutions? by joyrider147 Dec 21, 2006 (12:29 am)
I have an 87 528e. All the instrumentation on the gauge cluster doesn't work, nor does the power seats. No tach, speedometer, fuel gauge, heat temp, or SI level, but the cluster gear selector for the automatic trans. lights up. It doesn't look like these items were touched or disassembled, but the car is so original that it still has the original factory crappy plastic mini-fuses in the car's fuse box. Would all of these items work if the fuses were changed out with new metal ones? Can anyone tell me the most common problems with this model BMW?   Also, I am looking for several body parts, exterior parts, and interior parts for this car.   If anyone has an e28 parts car available and can give me a good deal on these parts, can they email me with prices for these parts:   * Both fog lights and front yellow turn signals * Lower front metal valence for 528e and/or front spoiler for 533i or 535i or M5. * Driver's side front seat, black leather in excellent condition and rear magazine holding net. * fully functioning overhead BMW lights diagnostic computer with "check" button that doesn't fall out. * black leather automatic gear shifter * excellent condition black body trim and brackets mounted on body by rear driver side passenger door * black dashboard trim grill holding cigarette lighter and other accesssories in excellent condition. * headlight/ foglight switch mounting trim * original 528e BMW car phone with mounting brackets and connecting phone cable running to trunk, in excellent condition. * black trim surrounding radio on dashboard in excellent condition. * black trim holding e-brake and seat switches, in excellent condition. * floor mats with "BMW" etched on them in black, excellent condition.   Also, i have an 86 325es. When the fan belt slips, does that affect the timing for the valves, essentially damaging the engine and making it burn oil?
#17 of 179 2003; 525 or 530 by bfletch Dec 21, 2006 (7:55 pm)
Hi, I'm currently in research mode, however I plan to buy one soon. A few questions:   Sports package: I'm a mellow driver and looking more for comfort than race car performance. I heard the seats, and even the suspension is fairly ridgid with the sports package? Accurate?   Premium package; still not sure what you get with this. Can anyone shed some light on this for me.   Blue exterior; I have been cruising web sites and do not recall seeing this color. Does it exist in the 525 or 30?   Are 16 in wheels standard?   Roof rack; I will be carrying around surfboards periodically. Has anyone used the 725 tower from Thule with these? Secure fit?   Regards, Bill in So-Cal

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