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I agree 100% (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E12) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Bill W on January 21, 2002 at 22:55:00:

In Reply to: Look for an 80-81 model. posted by Lars BendOr e12z on January 20, 2002 at 21:20:38:


Better car all the way around. Better injection, better mileage, Standard trans is 5 speed overdrive, instead of 1:1 output 4 speed. Difference of 500-600 RPM at highway speeds. More 5 speed models than auto trans. Do Not Buy the auto trans. It's a $2000 Rebuild. The 76-77 had a goofy exhaust system called "Thermal Reactors" that ran hot to burn off excess fuel as car was set to run rich. The thermal reactors sometimes caused the poorly cast head to crack. These problems were all resolved by 1980, and the 80-81 cars were considered by many the best BMW built. Hold out for the 5 speed in any event. Lots of these cars still on the road and available. Also do not buy a rusty one. Check the shock towers all the way around, including rockers and door bottoms. Reject any rust buckets.

For all this, they are fantastic cars. My 81 gets 24 MPG and runs like a dream, at 223K. I paid $1000 for the car. Does need paint however, but have complete certified service records up to 190K.




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