Thanks for the advice(EOM) (archive)

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: Yes the 840 had the same engine block as the 5 series. Have the leak down test done by a dealer if you have a concern. My 95 does not show any indications of the corrosion problem.Having purchased a high mileage 1995 840Ci (104K miles)I would advise checking in particular the seat drives in all directions, the computer display for dark areas,intake manifold and throttle body leaks, oil leakage past the valve cover gaskets into the sparkplug area, windshield washer tank leakage, engine and other fluid leaks of any kind (immediately after driving hard and after setting for an extended period. The brake booster was leaking on my 840 but it did not leak till the pressure was down. Pump the brakes 20 times and check for leaks and for correct fluid level). In comparing the 840 to my 1993 Bonneville SSEi with about the same mileage I would say the BMW does not age as well as the Bonneville in the areas of rubber mounts, plastic trim parts, headlight units(take the covers off and look at the adjustments), plastic radiator tanks, drive belt idler pulleys, and trim fastners. Service records should be a good indication of the care of the car. They are made to be driven hard but abuse should show up in the general appearance. But from my observation they do wear out with mileage and the parts are expensive. Consider that in what you pay for it. As I tell my wife the goal is to get all the worn parts replaced with new parts before the cost crosses the low blue book price level. The 840Ci is relatively easy to work on if you are a do-it yourselfer. Get the manual and parts list CD and find a good source for parts. I have been quoted prices at a dealer that are three to 10 times what I finally paid for a component. Good luck.

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: : I'm looking at a 95 840. What are some of the things I should inspect careful before purchasing the car?
: : How can I tell if the car was abused. Also, are there any know problems with the 840 CIA. I have heard about engine block problems on the 530, would this be an issue with the 840?

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