help with Getting a '95 540i, at 17 years old

[joshuan0el]

hey guys, I'm new here and I have questions. I'm 17 and im looking to buy this '95 540i E34 automatic with 8 cylinders sedan (141,000). it needs new tires, radio and the interior needs some work. the guy wants around $2000 for it. he's changed (Front control arms, and shocks, water pump, belts, transmission has been serviced and replaced battery) can anybody else help like explain what I should look for to make sure I can make this car last? I'm still in high school so obviously this would be my daily and id work on it as time goes. thanks in advance to anyyone who held.

[moroza]

Welcome!

Not to rain on your parade, but these should not be considered in the same light as the usual choices for a car to own in high school. Like all European cars, they don't fare well in ownership where money or DIY time is tight. Especially at this age, it's not a fill-it-n-forget-it deal. They're not quite as bad as a VW or Audi, but I'd say they're 70% of the extent of this chart:



How long have you been driving? Have you owned a car before? What car work have you done? What are your resources as far as maintenance - loaded enough to pay mechanics? Is there a mechanic among friends or family? Do you have a workspace? Tools? A job?

Recommend perusing bmwe34.net, and this forum (including the long-winded but informative FAQ) for PPI (pre-purchase inspection) checklists. For the 540i, there's a Nikasil issue that's probably moot by now but still worth knowing about; do a Search for details.

[Neel]

See previous post. Just an FYI. I purchased my car about 3 years ago, its a 535i not a v8. This would be my 4th or 5th bmw, and this car throws me some curve balls once in while that takes me some time to figure out.