Considering a 1995 530i....

[alexd]

The CEO of my company is selling his 1995 530ia, it has 138K on it and is completely loaded. Factory alarm/keyless, cd-changer, heated power seats, power telescopic wheel, etc. He put $4000 in repairs in the last year, all current service is done, wheels are all perfect, wood trim is perfect. The car is sitting in his garage because he is driving his new A6.

This is his description of it.....Excellent condition BMW 530i automatic in beautiful Champagne Beige Metallic with perfect beige leather interior and flawless European burlwood trim, 138,000 miles. Service interval just completed. Truly outstanding condition. Powerful and smooth 3.0 liter V8 engine. Traction control. Power: windows, door locks, and mirrors. Pushbutton keyless entry with central locking and the factory security system. Power sunroof. Premium am/fm/6 disc CD changer stereo. 10-way power heated seats. Dual zone climate control air-conditioning system with separate controls for driver and passenger, Power telescopic steering wheel. Full function trip computer. Factory fog lights. Perfect never curbed 15" alloy wheels with excellent tires. Dual airbags and ABS brakes. Driver Air Bag; Anti-Lock Brakes; Air Conditioning; Alloy Wheels; Cruise Control; Passenger Air Bag; Rear Window Defroster; Power Seats; Leather Seats; Power Door Locks; Power Mirrors; Power Windows; Power Steering; Sunroof; Tilt Wheel Pic is below......

He said he wants $8000 for it. What do you guys think?? This will be a daily driver for my fiancee.

[shragon]

a few sites to check out...

www.bmwe34.net (good e34 site)

www.530i.org (info regarding nikasil blocks (sulfar in gas issues). ask your ceo if the block has been replaced or not)

[Black Magic]

I sold my 530iA a year ago, same colors, same options etc. It was in pristine shape and had 85,000 miles. Sold mine for $13k.

You're getting a good price on it but, based on that low price, I assume that it has the original block. These bocks will fail at some point no-one knows when. Mine still ran perfectly, I had it tested, all was OK, but they will eventually fail. It sounds like you are getting a reasonable price refflecting the need for a new block.

Other items that this car may need:
- front thrust arms - the bushings tear and cause shimmy on braking.
- headrests fail to raise/lower

Positives:
Excellent OEM stereo
Very quite on highway
Very good hiway mileage
Very comfortable seats


Besides these issues it's a very rewarding car to drive. My reco however after having moved up to an E39, is to pass up the E34 and get into an E39, '97 and newer. There is no comparison as far as the responsiveness, ride and handling. You'll certainly pay more than 8k, but they are worth much more.

[alexd]

thanks for the input guys!!