Thread: 1989 BMW 535i ?????

Quote: Originally Posted by Cowboyjr I've been lookin at buying a BMW I found what looks like a nice deal but, I don't know too much about BMWs. So, I thought I'd see what you guys think. I looking at a 1989 BMW 535i about 180,000 miles auto transmission. Their asking 1,300 for the car and from the photos it looks to be in good condition there's a dent in the hood about the size of a softball but no rust. So, What do you...

Quote: Originally Posted by BMWCCA Having sold BMW, Porsche, and Audi for over twenty years, I agree with blanket statement but it pertains to the Audi and Porsche much more than the BMW. I generally agree with this statement having owned all three, both in the U.S. and in Germany. I don't have the best of experience with dealerships for these brands in the U.S. With some exceptions, dealerships for German cars in the mid-Atlantic region...

I think as a general proposition the same can be said of most European cars as to service in the US. Drive in with a Saab, Volvo, Fiat, Jag, Rover and even a Caddy Catera and watch the responses. The only salvation has been that I've been lucky with dealerships that generally are not that much more than independents and know the cars. The killer is captive parts as regardless of who does the work the part is sourcable only from the car...

If you want to use a dealer to service your BMW, buy a new one and you'll get free maintenance for the warranty period. If you buy a used BMW that's out of warranty DON'T take it to a dealership for service. In the DC area there are myriad independent BMW shops, mostly populated by techs who escaped from dealerships, and many really know their stuff. But they're still expensive, even if they happen to be honest. The reality...

I've been lookin at buying a BMW I found what looks like a nice deal but, I don't know too much about BMWs. So, I thought I'd see what you guys think. I looking at a 1989 BMW 535i about 180,000 miles auto transmission. Their asking 1,300 for the car and from the photos it looks to be in good condition there's a dent in the hood about the size of a softball but no rust. So, What do you guys think? Sound like a good deal?...

Those cars are nice, and the engines are reputed to be indestructable. I think they lack hydraulic lifters though and will require valve adjustments. Make sure there is no vibration coming from the driveshaft, that could be a costly repair. Also, make sure the coolant looks good and the car doesn't run hot. Just remember, it's cheaper to buy a well maintained car than one that's been neglected. Does the owner have service records?

Quote: Originally Posted by hypertone Those cars are nice, and the engines are reputed to be indestructable. I think they lack hydraulic lifters though and will require valve adjustments. Make sure there is no vibration coming from the driveshaft, that could be a costly repair. Also, make sure the coolant looks good and the car doesn't run hot. Just remember, it's cheaper to buy a well maintained car than one that's been...

Joe, not to throw water on you but a BMW is not a good 1st time buyer's car. While sexy and in, they come with high overhead. Maintenance, not even repairs, is not inexpensive and repairs can be out of sight. With most European cars the key to reliability and long life is the maintenance schedule and keeping to it religiously. If not, they seem to start with nitpicking little problems that continue to grow and when you finally go to...

I've owned numerous vintage BMW's and I once drove a 1972 Mercedes 250/8 more than 5 hours each way to the SCCA nationals at Hallett... Parts are extremely expensive and often dealer only items. Don't buy a high mileage BMW for your first car. You will regret it.

Two issues come to mind. One, you can get a bad Toyota, Honda, etc in the used market just as easily as a bad Euro car. Two, I have an 86 5 Series and I just buy parts at Autozone. IF you want to maintain exact BMW specs, parts are expensive. But with 180K on the clock, who cares. It's a daily driver. It's now a nice German Buick. The new is worn off and it ain't going to see any track days? There are lots of parts work arounds....