Here's a copy of Scotties list posted previously.. (archive)

Non-obvious expensive E28 Items
Auto tranny (tend to fail at 120-160k), driveshaft ujoints (vibration when accelerating through 25mph, wobble at high speed), steering box (looseness at center even after adjusted), front control arms (shimmy on deceleration), worn springs/shocks (oily shock shafts indicate worn shocks), torn half shaft boots, rear subframe bushings, front subframe cracks at steering box, wheel bearings front or rear, frozen front calipers, oil sprayer loose, oil consumption/poor compression (perform a leakdown), a/c not working (convert to r134 - $$$), sunroof cable broken, door hinges worn (sqeaks over bumps), ABS not working (slam brakes hard over slick surface to check), rusty exhaust (if aftermarket, check brand. Some people use cheap parts when they know they are going to sell their car), brake cylinder/booster bad/leaking (on big sixes � check brake fluid replacement history), TRX wheels w/ worn tires (metric tires are expensive � figure $750 for new trx tires or about a grand for new 16� wheels and tires), timing belt on baby six (should be replaced every 60k).

I'm looking at purchasing a 1983 528E for my daughter (want a larger and safer car than my 2002). I am not familiar with the 5 series. This car has 220,000 with no rebuild...looks cosmetically perfect. Compression good, burns a quart of oil every 1,500 miles. Original owner, and well maintained. This is not an expensive car, but am I looking at a lot of trouble down the road? Will the engine last for several more years, or will it need an expensive total rebuild? Is this model known to have any weak points...transmissions, rearends, etcetera. I know these are hard questions to answer. Thanks in advance for whatever guidance you can give.

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