Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Looking to buy an e23. Would like some guidance............

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Herndon
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    1984 BMW 533i

    Looking to buy an e23. Would like some guidance............

    I'm looking to buy a 1984 745i from a local buyer in the Washington DC area. He has posted pics, only of the exterior, from which the exterior looks clean. He has not posted any pictures of the interior nor do I know the mileage.

    My questions are what should I be looking for? Based on mileage what should he have done? What are some of the high priced ticket items that should be working? How do I check if the turbo is safe mode?

    Will look for rust, around wheel wells, trunk/spare tire area along with rockers and floor boards.

    I'm assuming the rubbers and seals need to be replaced, how much would that run me?

    Does the engine need a value adjustment, I'm figuring yes but no difference from a e28?

    Overall, how costly and accessible are parts?

    I have a 1984 533i, the engine is bullet proof and the rest of the parts I can get together without much pain at a decent price. Will this car break the bank for simple repairs?

    Appreciate all constructive comments and thanks in advance for your help and knowledge.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    465
    My Cars
    E21/early e23/e34
    Search is going to be you friend here, do lots of research- Unless this car is fully baselined, I mean everything has been done and everything works (you're going to pay for this car big$$$) otherwise expect to spend $4k + to do it all. Do some research first, then make an educated decision but in the end, buy the best example you can afford up front, it'll save you $1000s in the end.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    California
    Posts
    122
    My Cars
    84 733, 90 535i
    M30 motor same as your 5 so valve adjustment should be similar. Rust will take a long time to set in; I'm personally at the point where I will build around the rust and deal with that shit at a way later time. Check the usual, under doors, under carriage, floor boards, also e23 specific with e28 I've spotted rust from the rear vent slits that let interior air flow out near the "kink". I sprayed the "rust to primer" type of stuff; I wonder if it really works or if it mask/weakens the rusted metal?

    HVAC could be a problem.
    Last edited by Furreals; 11-05-2017 at 11:04 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
    Posts
    935
    My Cars
    87 535i/84 €735i/8
    HVAC is the common headache item, but as HitmanX has shown us, is completely servicable.
    Turbo items can be costly to repair, the turbo itself is very outdated in design and size, and if you live in states like Kalifornia, emissions can be a nightmare depending on the cars history.
    Bottom line, i fyou are willing & able to get in there yourself, search and read the forum, and ask cogent questions, there is no reason your ownership shouldn't be successfull.
    --Jay3->Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc
    84 €735i manual, 88 528e/i
    Motronic 1 and 1.3 wiring
    Transmission & Diff gearing sheet

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    TX
    Posts
    4,487
    My Cars
    1983/84/85 745i
    This car that khaki one? I know ALL about it.
    I make E23 parts.
    09/1983 745i (stolen spring '13 around Houston, TX Achatgruen on nutria buffalo. 8481080)
    10/1984 745i
    11/1984 745i
    11/1984 735i (10:1-265/6)
    Ford, MB, and GM round out the pack.



  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    7
    My Cars
    1988 535i, 2001 m5
    Quote Originally Posted by Hit Man X View Post
    This car that khaki one? I know ALL about it.
    Do tell, if you dont mind. Aside from the wonky stance this car looks really nice; tempted me to wade into e23 ownership. I would love to know more.

    What was curious is that this car, assuming we are talking about the same car which I believe is true, shows up in an old listing in Cali for around $12k, several times what it is listed for now. Otherwise looks legit - some of the pics from the current add were taken in Cali with Cali plates so same car for sure.

    This car had me fired up enough to do a little research into cost to own: it looks somewhat more involved and costly than e28 ownership, enough so that I will stay on the sidelines for now.

    I appreciate your time, Hit Man X.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Omaha NE
    Posts
    200
    My Cars
    84' 533i Turbo
    They can be a rock solid car if maintained by the previous owner. The turbo & tranny are key items. It's impossible to know if the turbo has any end play without visual inspection. As for the tranny, smooth quick shifts can be common for a stock unit. One that has had updates installed will be firmer. With that said, due diligence inspection is advised with this (or any 745i). Without proper maintenance, be prepared to baseline & fix/correct things that may pop up.

    Does this one have any upgrades?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    1,903
    My Cars
    E24, E34 x2, E36
    Yes the vacuum based hvac can be troublesome and if u have a heater core leak its a massive job to replace it as the e23 in update form has lots of hidden screws etc taking lots of time.

    The only other issue is there are lots of e23 specific parts that don’t interchange with the e24/e28 cousins. Probably less of an issue in the USA than here in Australia. It’s one of my fave cars to drive cos it’s unnasuming an really comfortable and the high end buffalo leather makes it feel a little special.
    BMW’s
    90 E34 M5
    84 E24 M635csi standalone ecu with coil on plug
    94 E34 540i/6 SC 5-17psi Flex fuel/standalone ecu
    97 Z3 2.8
    97 E36 M3 euro SC still u/c


    OTHERS
    11 Audi S5 APR stg2
    19 Volkswagen Amarok V6


Similar Threads

  1. looking to buy an 82 320i need some info
    By CourtX in forum 1975 - 1983 (E21)
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 10-30-2009, 07:57 PM
  2. Looking to buy a Z3, would like to know some stuff.
    By t3hlulzkiller in forum 1996 - 2002 Z3 (E36/7, E36/8)
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 06-02-2008, 12:24 PM
  3. Looking to buy an 06 530i, have some questions
    By Perryo in forum 2004-2010 (E60,E61)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-02-2007, 09:15 PM
  4. NEWB: Looking to buy an 85' 318i need some help
    By tryme96Z in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 08-31-2003, 08:40 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •