93 525i Touring: Is it worth it?

[Casual Days]

We need another automatic car and we have found a 525i Touring for sale for $4K.

It has over 200K miles on the original auto tranny. And, it's also hellrot.

I guess the question of the day is: Will it be an inevitable money pit?

Should I low ball him at $2.5K even though that seems pretty fair for the mileage?

Thanks!

[mrsharp]

If it's in good cosmetic and mechanical condition than I'd say it's fair. But either way it never hurts to make an offer. I'm not sure I'd go that low but wtever

[nmp411]

4K is a lot I think. The tanny may be running on its last leg at 200K. Is it in really good condition inside/outside?

[TouringDan]

Well, with that kind of mileage - the thing better in super shape to get $4k or anywhere close. If the seller does bite on the $2.5k, then you'll have money left over for the inevitable transmission rebuild or conversion to a stick.

[Binjammin]

I don't know that money pit is a fair term on a car that's gone 200+k. You'll probably need struts and a front end rebuilt in the near future if that hasn't been done recently. Cooling system will probably need an overhaul at some point, expect at the very least a water pump and thermostat, and budget for a radiator too.

Did the m50 tourings get SLS? Someone school me on that. If it did, expect to spend some money to repair or replace it.

The big thing is the tranny. I'm one of the few guys around here that thinks the transmissions in our cars are not failbombs waiting to go off, but even so 200k is a lot of miles. If it fails you're looking at either replacing it, or (better) converting it to a manual transmission.

$4k is a lot for an e34, especially one without records of stuff like the above. You'll fall in love with the car if you get it, and you'll understand why things like all that won't deter you from driving it.

[ShapeShifter]

More than likely you will need to replace the front end on any E34 you buy.
$4k seems steep, it is buyers market and the car has some miles on it.

I picked up 95 with 130k miles, pretty good cosmetics, needed about $1k in parts for $1300.

Without any pics or detailed information, I'd offer him $1500 and go from there.

[doglegleft]

$4K for 200K original feels high for a touring... make sure the car passes the sniff test (car fax / service records)… make sure there is room to negotiate… then get a pre-sale inspection to be sure all is as it should be. Spend the $150 to have an independent BMW mechanic look it over... worst case you are out $150 and you get to walk away from a money pit. Best case you get a good deal and know exactly what you need to get after and fix.

I would want good service records... w/o more information I think your offer of $2,500 is fair and shouldn't offend the buyer… you might start a bit lower. I wouldn't go up much higher unless this touring is rock solid. I have seen near perfect 5 speed tourings go for $5K - $7K.

Expect to spend $1500/yr anyway.... hopefully for upgrades... +1 on a manual conversion if / when the time comes.

[ElSupremo]

Did the m50 tourings get SLS? Someone school me on that. If it did, expect to spend some money to repair or replace it.


My '92 had SLS, and it's pretty expensive to repair if it's leaking, or going bad. Probably easier to replace with coilovers, or standard suspension, just a bit of work.

Be prepared to replace the rear wiring harness. It's probably one of the biggest things that go wrong on Tourings. If it's got the dual sunroof that can have some problems ocassionally, also.

[4500 RPM]

Lowball him at $2.5k? Sounds like a reasonable price to me, and I hate lowballers.

[flipwils11]

I think $4k is way out of line for an auto tranny E34 Touring with 200K miles.

I would offer $1500 and walk away if he doesn't take it.

[sfgearhead]

I think $4k is way out of line for an auto tranny E34 Touring with 200K miles.

I would offer $1500 and walk away if he doesn't take it.

+1. especially if none of the stuff mentioned has been done.

For reference, we paid $5700 2 years ago for ours. Only 105k miles with a rebuilt tranny and all new cooling system. I later discovered relatively new front suspension pieces.

I just had to do the hatch wiring fix, and we have a slight bit of twist in the seats.

[CAPEBOY]

I paid $5000 for mine 5 years ago with 140k on it with ALL service records since new. I think $4000 in way high for an auto with 200,000 miles.I will sell you mine for $8000!