Re: Looking at buying an '88 M5 - Need Help (long) (archive)

I'd get a compression test at the least. The newest Bimmer Magazine has a horror story of a blown S88 engine that cost very large dollars because he didn't check it out mechanicly. The engine gave up like 2 days after he bought it. I guess the engine remanufacture was $8k-$10k. This was in a M635csi though.

RussC

I have been looking at purchasing an '88 M5 and have a few questions. My knowledge of the E28 M5 is very limited. I currently own an '88 M3.

- what are the main problems I should lookout for
- I noticed the needles on the instruments are white (rather than red like on the E30 M3s)
- the car I looked at had an oil leak from the timing chain area, and there is also a coolant leak somewhere (it drips towards the center passenger side), are these known problems or areas of concern
- when idling the rmps pulses between 700-800
- the driver's side seat controls all work except for the up and down controls (motor problem rather than switch as the rest of the controls on the same panel works)
- the owner has replaced the ECU, disc brakes and clutch
- the car has approximately 102,000 miles
- the interior and body looks to be in excellent condition, leather is pristine with no visible wear, the paint is sharp and all the panels have the original VIN numbers.
- the engine compartment also looks very clean and has all the original decals.
- what would be a fair price for this car (I know this is a very subjective question, so be nice)

thanks in advance for your help.

pete

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