Re: Longevity of E28 M5? (archive)

Doesn't matter what he says. Have it checked by a competent shop, and not the one that he uses. Check compression, leakdown, suspension, everything electrical. Drive it. Check the shifting action. The Getrag 280 is known pop out of 4th gear when coasting. If it does, you need a $2500 transmission rebuild. If the engine fails compression or leakdown, an aftermarket rebuild (such as Korman or Metric Mechanic) costs about $7000 just for the engine. Shipping and installation are extra. You can do a whole rebuild yourself with the right tools and measuring equipment. Parts from places like Turner Motorsport, bimmerworld, Top End Performance, et al will run about $2-3k, tools, maybe $500-1000 if you buy certain special tools, head work costs about $700-1000.

How's the leather, dash, AC, seat frames, paint, window operation, insturmentation, and power brake system? Parts and labor for these common E28 failure points are pretty expensive. How does the front suspension feel? Shaky? Have the calipers ever been rebuilt? If not, they may have broken boots and seized pistons. My M5 calipers had 1 seized piston. Bimmerworld had a bitch of a time getting it out to rebuild.

If everything is in pristine condition, everything works (AC blows cold), no worn-out leather, trans shifts smoothly without grinding or popping out of gear, then I'd offer $7000. The car will need a new transmission and engine too soon to spend a whole lot of money.

James

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