should i buy an m5

[bimmerboy86]

I have a line on a 88 m5 with a little over 100k on it. It needs a good detail but other than that its prime. the guy is asking 5k and im wondering if its worth borrowing the money(im poor) and paying 215 a month liability only. i want it so bad but im lost on what to do?

[Tahoe M3]

Frankly, poor and a well used M5 are not a good combination. If you can do some work yourself go for it.

[mottati]

one big problem will cost more than $5k to fix, potentially. Probably not worth it if you cant afford the maintenance.
Mike

[Mblaster]

Look at the maint. history. See if the valves have been replaced. Radiator and whole cooling system should be done. A/C converted? Suspension, brakes. Tranny? This is all expensive stuff. The bottoms of the motor are pretty solid. Have it checked out by a good //M mechanic. Seems like 5K is on the cheap. E28 M5's are going for 11+K. If it's not a beater you could be buying right.
PS, I love E28 M5's :D

[bimmerboy86]

other than needing to be buffed it is perfect. and i work on all my own cars and can get wholesale prices on parts so that is not an issue

[jimmyz2]

Mblaster is right $5k is a great deal IF the car is in good condition otherwise you will be lokking at $$$ to fix.

[stuntride]

that is a very cheap price for such a rare car, if it is truley in good condition. i would assume he is trying to hide something about it but i might be wrong. i would def have it looked at and if it is truley good and u can afford to maintain it which can get expensive quickly and u are willing to put the time in to work on it im all for it

[KCLARK]

If you're not sure about the maint. history, and cash poor, you better be on the safe side and borrow more than $5grand to cover MORE than just getting the car. I bought my 325 and only had enough cash just to buy it. Drove it for 3 days, and the timing belt popped on me, and i had to let the car sit for 3 weeks cause i had no cash to fix it. Lesson learned for me.

[Cacatfish]

At 100k, it's right about the time to think about replacing timing components (rails and tensioner). That's a pretty good price if it has no major problems and a very good price if it also has had the timing gear work and maybe even valves done (though not as critical). A timing gear crisis would be big bucks.

I wouldnt worry too much about other components as long as you can afford maintenence on any older, semi-high-mile BMW, though little stuff like front calipers, steering box, seats will cost more if you replace with genuine M parts....

Wish a deal like that popped up where I am...... :cool

[Mblaster]

other than needing to be buffed it is perfect. and i work on all my own cars and can get wholesale prices on parts so that is not an issue
Sometimes it's not about wholesale prices, its just GETTING the parts.
I'm down now and have been down before just waiting for parts from Germany.
waiting and waiting...
Thats the price you pay to drive a rare car.
Make sure it's not your only vehicle...

[jimmyz2]

I only like my steaks rare.J/K! :D

[Mblaster]

Anyone got a line on a throttle sensor for an S38 this side of the Atlantic? :help