528e - What Should I Know Before Buying

[bluebuddhist]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had any pointers or general advice for someone looking to purchase a used 528e? I love the 1986 528e but it seems it is rare to find a solid one for sale with that year on Craigslist. I recently came across this (https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/6065091194.html) listing for a 1983 528e and I have been edging to contact the poster (I live close by). Though, is 2500 USD a bit too high of a price for the car since it has 300k+ miles on it?

A brief background: I currently drive a 2002 Honda Civic HX (Coupe). It's gas efficient and it's an overall solid car. It has about 103k miles on it, and I think a long way to go. I have been edging to purchase a 1982 through 1988 e28 because I love the look and it would surely make excited to drive everyday (especially if it's manual - I do not know how to drive manual but I would like to). Another reason I would like to get one is because I would like to learn how to fix a car, etc. Otherwise, I am college student and can only afford a car that is less than 2000 USD at the moment. My dad insists I ought to wait till I graduate to get one but I sort of one at this moment for some odd reason - you all might understand my strong desire for one.

Above all, my apologies for rambling - I would just like to know what there is to know before I dive into the world of e28's (in terms of maintenance, etc).

Cheers!

[jclausen]

Stick with the Honda the BMW has way to many miles on it

[XAlt]

300k is fine if the car has been maintained. But the fact of the matter is that you will be putting money in to keep it on the road.


If you can only afford $2000 all in, please don't buy the car.

MyE28.com

[anpk05]

OP, BMWs do require more attention and replacing parts more often compared to your 2002 civic, that's well known. But don't get discouraged. You can find a a decent shaped e28 for less than 2k.
I bought mine for $600 with 157k on the clock. But interior and paint are shot. Bought it as a project to build it up.

I only looked for rust and drive ability of the car when buying my 528e.