Another whats it worth thread

[topcarbon]

I am looking at a 1991 M5 in Dark blue over black. THere are 160K miles on the odo.

Mechanical(I haven't had them checked yet) are stated to be 8/10
Exterior is 8/10
Interior is 8/10(some driver bolster wear)

Only mod is a Dinan chip and car makes 350 hp.

Car is stated to need nothing and rides on 18 inch e39 m5 staggered wheels.

Is it worth the $12K?

Thanks for your input.

[EuroPartConnect]

Not worth $12k imo. Id say $8k range, but it all really depends how healthy the motor is and such. Need more info and pics of the car to give a better estimate but i dont think in the description you described would it be worth close to $12k

[ross1]

8/10? This is as worthless as tits on a bull and contradicts the "needs nothing" statement. You can be burned badly with a bad example of an M. The engine and suspension are both very expensive to repair.
If there was ever a car deserving a thorough pre-purchase inspection an M is it.
Value? Depends on condition and both vary widely regarding these cars.

I'll defer to the experts now.

[topcarbon]

what should I look for and tell the mechanic to look for in a ppi?

If we were talking Lamborghinis(Diablo) I would know but for this let just say I am Helen Keller.

What should have been performed already under a good owner?

[T444E]

Over 350hp just on a chip? Sounds fishy :dunno

[topcarbon]

Over 350hp just on a chip? Sounds fishy :dunno

not over, just 350hp.

Dinans site says 342 with chip. I can let this slide for rounding

[T444E]

I mean to say almost 40HP from a chip. When that motor had 0 miles on it it made 311hp to the wheels. Now with 160k and a magic chip it makes 350? Still sounds fishy

[topcarbon]

I mean to say almost 40HP from a chip. When that motor had 0 miles on it it made 311hp to the wheels. Now with 160k and a magic chip it makes 350? Still sounds fishy

I don't want to derail this thread to early, but it is Dinan

[zubbie]

dinan figures (like all of them) are overstated

[Meeve]

have it inspected. If it's in good condition it's worth that price. If it needs lots of work, it's not.

[K Fox]

Well, for starters you can search here in the forum for 'PPI' and you'll find a nice one drawn up specifically for our cars. Become very familiar with it, and find a good mechanic who already knows about BMW's - specifically M5's. Having the PPI done by a professional who's knowledgeable about the specific needs of these cars will save you heartache.

Also, going by your location, you should be somewhere near Nik, and I have a feeling he'll jump in here eventually as he just re-acquired his old M5, and is very knowledgeable (and enthusiastic) about them. He'll have good advice, and maybe can be persuaded to help check out the car - his experience would be invaluable. But check out that PPI, it's good info to have. Good luck, and keep us updated.

Fox

[jehu]

Not to thread jack but.. lol does it seem excessivly paranoid to have a $130 PPI done on a 95 540/6 with 205,000 on the clock asking $3,695?

[K Fox]

Not to thread jack but.. lol does it seem excessivly paranoid to have a $130 PPI done on a 95 540/6 with 205,000 on the clock asking $3,695?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Can you afford to, or fix yourself, any surprise repairs needed that may be overlooked during a once over and test drive? (I know your situation, so it's kinda rhetorical) But it just depends - for the bunch of us that have space to work on the cars, and have backup cars for when one breaks, we can roll with the punches easier. But in your situation, I wouldn't risk it - it's cheap insurance.

Fox

[jehu]

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Can you afford to, or fix yourself, any surprise repairs needed that may be overlooked during a once over and test drive? (I know your situation, so it's kinda rhetorical) But it just depends - for the bunch of us that have space to work on the cars, and have backup cars for when one breaks, we can roll with the punches easier. But in your situation, I wouldn't risk it - it's cheap insurance.

Fox


I see it as buying some measure of peace of mind. The seller has stated he will repair anything that goes wrong if I buy the parts. This is decent enough.. I like the idea of experienced Bimmer techs pouring over the thing probing and prodding to give me experirnced feedback.
First fixes would be get OE or equivalant springs and a UUC SSK.. the shifter is hella sloppy even with new bushings.. and if the muffler is rattling causing a vibration get that firmed up or replaced altogether..

Good news on the nik recall too...

Okay you can punch me for pooping on your thread now :)

[topcarbon]

:bash

[ross1]

what should I look for and tell the mechanic to look for in a ppi?

If we were talking Lamborghinis(Diablo) I would know but for this let just say I am Helen Keller.

What should have been performed already under a good owner?

You shouldn't need to tell whoever inspects what to look for.
Investigate your local BMW club chapter and get a recommendation for servicers, then get an expert to look it over.
If you spend time looking around this forum you'll see the usual E34 foibles posted over and over. Little "M" content in this sub forum.