Should I buy this BMW?

ILoveMPower · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2005, 09:06 AM

Hey all. I've been looking for an E34 3.5L 5-spd for a few months now, and I just stumbled into one. It's a 1991 535i 5-speed, 162K miles, Green (boston?) on beige leather.

I took a look at it, noticed flawless paint. By this I mean did not see any scratches or blemishes, although it could have used a nice cleaning. No cracks in the plastic, no rust under the car other than a rotted out muffler.

Owner says he is 2nd owner, first was older rich lady who maintained the car well, until it needed brake and suspension replacement. Current owner is DTM freak, he said he also owns an Audi for the winter as well as a Porsche.

When owner purchased car, he replaced brakes with cross-drilled rotors, as well as new suspension (i believe oem). He said this cost about $3000. He used the car for his long-distance drives, due to it's luxury. Apparently his kids live up in Canada (I'm in CT).

Haven't looked under the hood yet, but I'm inclined to buy if everything looks good and clean. Should I buy this car? Is there anything else I should look for? Is the mileage a bit too high?

Please let me know, I'm supposed to be checking it out later today.

Thanks to all,
- Jeremy

EDIT: Forgot to list price, $5300

LSDRider · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2005, 09:36 AM

If it cost 3k for a brake system and suspension, I doubt he bought OEM suspension. Not coil-overs but most likely Bilstein.

delatlanta1281 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2005, 04:28 PM

I thought bilsteins were oem.... at least they were on my car. Did they skimp on newer ones? If he put x drilled on it, it may be an aftermarket susp. Take pics and post, if u cant how many fingers can you get between the top of the tire and the fender, what color are the springs? how do the seats look, those should be electric seats, do they work? If not could be pretty expensive to repair... how is the exhaust? If all that checks out, then buy that sucker, but I wanna see it in pics!!!

ILoveMPower · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 06:07 AM

I wish I could take pics, but unfortunately my younger brother stole the digital cam when he went up to NY, and he won't be back for a few days. I'm going to check the car out in a few hours, hopefully all is well.

If everything goes well, it will be sitting on M-Parallels as soon as I get it.

Thanks,
-Jeremy