Looking to get my First BMW

[foregottensoul]

Hi, I'm looking into getting my first BMW. I have found one that seems interesting to me and was wondering what you guys thought of it.

1994 BMW 540I, 138K mi, abs, ac, ps, lthr, p/seats, p/windows, stereo, pdl, sunroof, pw, dual climate, $4,500

Pics of the car look good, no damage that can be seen and the inside looks great. If you could help me out with your opinions it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Firegod]

Is it an auto tranny? If so you may encounter a little trouble with that. Also, make sure your engine has had the Nikasil engine issued addressed. Otherwise, go for it!

[foregottensoul]

Yes it's and auto, what kind of problems would that bring up? I will have to ask the guy about the engine.

[Whackamac]

That sounds a bit cheap for a 540i though. Hope it is just a good deal for you and not a headache. I would recommend a PPI just in case :)

[BMVV4Life]

With 138 on the clock it won't matter about the Nikasil problem. If it hasn't broken yet you should be fine. As for the tranny. If it's an auto and hasn't been changed out then you could encounter some big problems pretty soon. That being said if anything does happen to the slushbox replace it with a 6speed manual gearbox:devillook. Oh and post the web address so we can all enjoy! Welcome to the addiction:alrightbmw

[foregottensoul]

About how soon could I be lookin at problems with the tranny and about how much to put in a 6? which sounds like a hell of a lot more fun to me anyways. Also, sorry but whats a PPI?

Oh and I tried to post the link but it said I can't do that with my account yet.

[foregottensoul]

But if this helps, found it on autotrader 87114 zip code

Also just got off of the phone with the guy to set up a meeting he said that there had been an issue with radiator fan clutch which caused the fan to go out and cause some damage to the hood??? for some reason. You can kinda see it in the pictures at first i thought it was just the refelction. He said that the fan, clutch, pulley had been replaced and that there was no other damage, water pump was fine and that he would be willing to make an allowance in the price for the hood. any ideas how much to replace a hood or any other questions i should ask him when i meet him tomorrow? oh and his reason for selling is his wife, since he doesnt drive it she wants him to sell it.

[boone.msi]

sounds like a great deal, what color combo? Im a bit skeptical about the waterpump, i would have it replaced for one without the plastic impeller just to be safe. I would have assumed the cause of the wobbling fan would be from worn bearings in the pump.

The best thing to do would ask when the intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets and PCV plate was replaced, those are all things that will need to be replaced at 100k miles no matter what. If the owner is unsure, take the plastic valve covers off(covers the ignition coils, two small bolts) and check for oil around the ignition boots. Chances are, if there is no oil, the car has been properly maintained.

Check EVERY electrical switch including the seats, headrest is motorized and should work(a common failure) when checking the engine, feel the coolant hoses, make sure they are firm.

Nikasil isn't as common anymore, but it will give you peace of mind if it has been replaced, plus it is also a positive to have a lower millage engine. Good luck and report back to us.

[foregottensoul]

All I have to say is RUST! car looked good and ran ok, idle was a little rough, but there was rust around the bottom of the doors and other problems that didn't show up in the picture. Thanks everyone for your info and help.