Re: (HELP)I have the chance to buy a 528i (more) (archive)

: Five grand is a lot for one of these. They don't go as high as a good 2002. If you are willing to spend this much, have the car checked very thoroughly by a competent mechanic. Anything the mechanic finds, deduct parts and labor expenses from the car's price. 528is are supposed to be great cars, altough the 80 and 81 are considered to be the better examples, primarily for having a 5-speed instead of the 4 and for having a better cylinder head (I think). You might use this consideration to negotiate as well. If this car is an automatic I would definitely not pay this much, as nice automatic 528is are a dime a dozen.
: Good luck,
: John

John is correct in that typically a 80 or 81 year car is a better buy. These came stock w/5 spd trannys and the slightly better cylinder head. That is to say a nice 79' is not worth buying as you can always upgrade the tranny etc. He's also right about the auto tranny cars, they totally change the feel (sluggish) of the early 5 series and loose 1 sec 0-60 to boot. (US 528i's were rated about 0-60 in 8 sec)

If this is a totally original, well kept US car the seller "might" get slightly over $4-4.5K for it but it would take some time to find the right buyer as E12's are not as big a cult car as the 2002. $5900 is a premium price. I have payed anywhere between $100 for a parts car to over $8K for an E12. With my first E12 being bought for $4500 about 5 years ago (81' w/120K km & Alpina 16" wheels).

I used to drive 2002's daily but was seduced away from the 4 cylinder by that silky six. Although I still have 3 2002's....

WH
67 1600
68 2002
72 Korman Stage II
75 530i
79 euro 528i
79 & 81 Alpina's
81 M535i

Follow Ups:

Thanks guys for the advice(MORE) Miguel 13:04 4/09/2000 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 2002 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.