Realted topic, wanna know my most recent notty thought? I'm hoping to have $10k or so to play with for a new car, and keep kicking around what to get. I was thinking of getting something reliable and Japanese, but the dark side keeps calling to me. I've ALWAYS wanted an E34 M5...........must..........resist................

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...emecropped.jpg

Sorry to hijack the thread but I spotted this BMW 5 series.

What do you think?
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/674537387.html

95 530i with 5-speed

Read this: http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/article-m60v8.asp

The 530 has a 3.0L version of the M60, which was prone to the same cylinder wear issues as the 4.0L. Best case, the Nikasil has been replaced with an Alusil, in which case all is well. If it's still Nikasil, a leakdown test is in order to be on the safe side. If it's Nikasil and it's ok now, it should be fine forever. The cylinder wear was caused by sulfur in the fuel back in the '90s, which has been legislated out years ago.

Otherwise it looks to be a very nice car, but a bit overpriced for a 530/5. 100k is about time for a water pump, radiator, thrust arms, and possibly a full suspension refresh. If there's not records of it, plan on spending some cash. The E34 also suffers from seats that twist when reclining, so check that. Also look for rust, especially along the bottom of the doors (inside and out). Check for a rough idle, it can be a sign of a leaking PCV valve, intake gaskets, or Nikasil issues. The E34 is a great car when well taken care of.

530 is a bit of an oddball, because it's a V8, but without the power of the 4.0. The 3.0 has about the same power as the legendary M30 powered 535, which makes it the red-headed step child of the E34 family. The 3.5L straight six is smoother, simpler, and very reliable. If it were me, I would skip the 530 and find a 535/5. You can find nearly perfect ones for $5k. Unless you really dig that V8 sound.

Matt,

Thank you very much !

I'll aim for the 535's.

Now I spotted this

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/661931460.html

87 535 is

Seems nice for the price if all the service is up todate.

Nice car, really good price. Nice E28s are hard to find, and seem to hold their value well.