PDA

View Full Version : Please help, is this worth my time?



IRocka528e
11-21-2007, 05:35 PM
Hey everybody,

Traditionally, I've been a big e28 fan, but I've recently expanded my horizons and have gotten interested in the e34.

I was wondering if you guys think I should take a look at this car.

It's a 1991 535i, automatic (I know, I really would prefer manual), 174,000 miles. Black with a gray interior. The owner says the car is mechanically sound (I have not seen the car). He says it has a scratch on the hood and the passenger window doesn't go down, but that's about it. He says he just needs space for another car. Located in Queens, NY. The Kicker: his asking price is "$999".

I am a college student, and I am by no means a wealthy one. I have owned 2 BMWs before (a honda civic wrecked my 528e while parked, and my 735 had a problem in the 6th cylinder that I didn't find out about until after I bought the car). I know the expense in maintaining one (parts alone, I can do much of the mechanic work myself, or with the help of some friends), but my fear is that the guy says it runs fine, and then after owning it for a week I find it's got some big problem(s). I really can't deal with big problems right now, I simply don't have the time or money.

So I was wondering if you think it would be worth my time to go check this out, as e34 owners who know the types of things that typically go wrong with these cars. Thanks a lot in advance.

attack eagle
11-21-2007, 05:50 PM
For 1000, I would expect problems.

slocar
11-21-2007, 06:38 PM
For 1000, I would expect problems.
Yes and a lot of them.

We had a 1800 dollar 535im last year ... mechanically it was perfect, but everything else ... eh ... it felt like driving some rat rod.

teufel530
11-21-2007, 08:12 PM
Definitely problems. People from just dont give cars away like that.

Have a pro take a look at it.

moroza
11-21-2007, 08:24 PM
Even a slushbox 535i is worth a lot more than that.

Then again, weird shit does happen. Didn't Whackamac have some crazy story involving 750 dollars, a seller in jail, and an S50?

Blitzkrieg Bob
11-21-2007, 08:26 PM
Aaaah, go check it out, can't hurt to see what it really is.

But at $999, I'd be wary of the trans, headgasket, rearend.

Look it over real good and expect to spend $999 on parts over the next few months.

Binjammin
11-21-2007, 08:31 PM
my fear is that the guy says it runs fine, and then after owning it for a week I find it's got some big problem(s).

I wish I could go a week without finding something new and expensive to fix on my car. :(

If you're looking for a reason to not buy a car, do it because you can't afford to work on it. Give it a thorough checking out, take it to an independent garage and pay them an hour's labor to check it out. Any honest seller will have no problem with this, and anybody that won't let you do it isn't worth buying a car from.

David325e
11-22-2007, 09:26 AM
Yea I paid $1995 for mine. Timing belt snapped 30days later, right front speakers don't work, air didn't work, covered in cat hair, back right door doesn't open...

If you need a DD, I wouldn't get it.

eightynine535
11-22-2007, 01:22 PM
yo contact me I can hook you up with a mech that will fully inspect the car to tell exactly what's what with it BEFORE you buy!

Dave V
11-22-2007, 01:33 PM
Have it compression tested and get a pro to look at it! if anything you may see something to look out for the next time you go to look at an e34!

CWB
11-22-2007, 02:10 PM
Parts Car??????????