Re: Newbie - Thinking of buying a 1988 M5 (archive)

It looks like she'll take about $10,000 to $10,500 for it. I'm comfortable with what my mechanic has told me regarding the engine, etc. I'm guessing it'll cost me a grand or so to get the interior looking good.
I already have a decent performance car (although not in this class) for my daily driver, so I'm really looking at this one for two things. One, it's just such a great car to drive on occaision, and two, I'm hoping to clean it up, keep the mileage faily low, and turn it over in a few years. Does this make sense?
Thanks for all the info!

Hi Matt,

You'd sell an M5 to drive a Volvo? No soup for you!!! :-)

I haven't seen the interior so I don't know what you plan to do to it, but be aware that if the dash and carpet need replacing due to cracking or wear you will easily spend more than your $1k budgeted. It is very easy to spend money on these cars.

Before you buy it be sure you have your mechanic pressure test the radiator - they are made of gold plated platinum and priced to match. :-)) Also check the front rotors, which are pretty pricey also. If the car shimmys under breaking ask the mechanic if the previous owner had heavy duty thrust rod bushings installed. It is a common fix.

Lastly, find out if the cam chain has been serviced or replaced yet. If not I think that service (a major service) is due at 120,000. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.

Good luck Matt. Sell that Volvo and you can have more fun with the //M!

Jeff

P.S.
Let us know where the car is if you don't buy it.

Follow Ups:

Re: Newbie - Thinking of buying a 1988 M5 MattR 11:31 12/17/2001 (2)
- Re: Newbie - Thinking of buying a 1988 M5 Neil Deshpande 22:39 12/17/2001 (1)
  - Thanks - great information! MattR 07:35 12/18/2001 (0)

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