E34 525td values

[millerfamilyjj]

I have a buddy that just ran across a random score for an 89 525td.
Manual, cloth seats, crank windows, good condition

He is trying to figure out the value so that he can pass it on to someone that will enjoy it.
I have tried to help by searching the internet but have only been able to find European values.

I know its a rare find in this country, but does anyone have any insight as to value or where I can find the value?

Thanks!

[Layne]

It does not have an established value in the US. A few people are very interested in diesels, but most are concerned by the lack of available parts. If it's very clean it would sell easily to these diesel fans. If it's in average E34 condition, no one is going to want the headache.

There was a diesel touring on eBay a while back. It was pretty rusty and the price was astronomical. Pretty sure it never sold. Remember in the 'unique' category, a touring is worth at least 50% more than a sedan.

[moroza]

Ditto. It's not only vanishingly rare in this country, but it's also not famous/popular. If it's in good condition, I'd say price it about at an equivalent M50 525i, and sell it on its fuel economy and/or to someone who's simultaneously into diesels and E34s. That would be me, for example, though I'm in no position to buy.

As for parts, they'll be a bit of a hassle but not too bad; motors.ebay.co.uk and motors.ebay.de (and .fr, and others) will be your friend. I've been getting a lot of parts for my German cars from sellers in the Baltic countries, for some reason. Good prices, surprisingly cheap and fast shipping. Be advised that BMW dealers will no longer sell Euro-spec parts for US-spec cars without seeing proof of registration; this may or may not make parts sourcing from the dealer a headache.

Most of the parts will interchange with other E34s anyway.

Depending on how it's pre-wired, you might make out better selling the windows and seats to enthusiasts who want them, and switching in powered US equivalents.