Re: Looking at a '91 535i.. need advice before bu (archive)

the car. 130k, 5spd, clean ext/int, stock whls, owner (BWM mechanic,had it for a few years) asking $9,900 but will sell for $9,400. Any advice? Car drives good but rides a little soft for my taste. What are the E34 years to avoid and how well does the OBC last? TIA
Doug

There aren't really any years to avoid. I have an '89 and very little has gone awry with the car. I have had no electronic or dash problems. My crankshaft position sensor worked loose at 96K and a passenger door spring for the central locking went bad. That's about it. I do have a great mechanic, and all regular repair/maintainance is done with upgrades in mind when possible. Most owners upgrade the suspension when replacing shocks and get a spring/shock combo. I used Dinan but many others use various combos of Eibach,RD, Bilstein,Boge, etc.
Everybody seems to have a performance chip. I personally like Autothority but most go with Conforti. The AC on these cars is very powerful but uses a lot of Freon. A conversion to R134
would be a real plus. Front suspension bushings are a problem and everybody upgrades these as well. The guibo would almost certainly be a candidate for replacement at 130K. Check the archives and you will find so much advice on this board that you will choke. When I think
things seem a little pricey I remember that in 1989 my car cost about $50K brand new. I picked it up for 25% of that and it's still the best car I've ever owned. If you can duplicate the performance /luxury combo of this car anywhere else for that kind of money I haven't heard about it.
Karl

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E34) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.