1985 e28?

[Robert Adams]

Don't see many of theses in this shape.
1972 BMW Bavaria

[Otter74]

Originally Posted by Robert Adams

Don't see many of theses in this shape.
1972 BMW Bavaria

Dangit, I don't need temptation like that!!

[jyl]

Originally Posted by Robert Adams

Don't see many of theses in this shape.
1972 BMW Bavaria

Stunning!

Would you be turned off by it being something of a Frankenbeemer, or at least not stock? Like, how well was that wiring harness documented.

[Robert Adams]

In this case, having an updated engine & drive train, etc might be a +, especially for a DD. Just be concerned all the proper docs are there and know what you're getting. Definitely a PPI is in order.

[eddie914]

Pavulon,

Yes the VWporsche and the M5 are both mine ...

[Robert Adams]

another shinny object!

1985 Bmw 635csi

[Heel n Toe]

If you can't find an older 5-series that you like, drive at least one E39... recently posted in technical section...

...the best car ever featured on Top Gear also happens to be the car I’d put forward as the best car ever made. In the world.

::: snip :::

You see, I used to own a 528i myself – a saloon which I bought in 2011, with 120,000 miles on the clock and finished in a dubious shade of pale metallic green known by BMW as Glacier Green.

It had a difficult task on its hand when it arrived. A lifelong BMW sceptic, I’d been persuaded into buying one by some BMW-loving colleagues who’d touted its various merits and described the E39 as “the best car in the world”.

Well, blow me down if they weren’t right. Even with its considerable mileage, my 528i still felt tight as a button. It was spacious, comfortable, fast, smooth, rode beautifully, handled deftly, and looked great. It even managed deeply respectable fuel economy, bettering a friend’s 1.6-litre Volkswagen Golf on a long run.

I drove it everywhere. I put 30,000 miles on it in the two years I had it, and those miles included a trip across to Austria in the depths of January, shod with winter tyres. It crossed a mountain pass in a blizzard; the temperature outside was -20C, but the BMW pressed on without breaking stride, all the while warming our posteriors with its heated seats.

More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/top-gear/why-top-gears-greatest-ever-car-was-a-1500-bmw-banger/

Also: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-5-series-e28-e34-e39-e60-f10-gt/916058-5-series-bmw-any-high-mileage-users-here.html#post9143456

[jyl]

Is there a big step down in desirability from E28 to E34?

A decent looking E34 M5 just sold in Portland for $16K. Isn't this well below what a similar condition E28 M5 would go for?. Why is that?
1991 BMW M5 | Bring a Trailer

[Adam]

I currently have one of each - an '85 E28 and an '89 E34.

The E28 is a lowly Euro/Aus market only 520i (M20, 2.0 inline six) and the E34 is a 535i 5-speed with LSD, factory Recaro/Sport seats and a few other interesting options. I picked them both up for a song and have been stockpiling conversion parts. The E28 is a gem, a true survivor, yet the E34 is a bit scruffy and a great organ donor.

In August, I will be removing the drivetrain from both cars and fitting the M30B35 (and the Motronic 1.3) to the E28, along with the 5-speed and swapping the LSD into the E28's 3.9:1 R&P. I have a genuine M-Technik bodykit waiting for it and will be re-trimming the interior. I have a set of coilovers to go in, too. Will part out the E34 as I go. So many parts are interchangable. I'm harvesting brakes, trailing arms, cooling system, everything. Tempted to try to retro-fit the E34's ABS to the E28 also...

This will be my 3rd E28 - I simply love these cars.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by jyl

Is there a big step down in desirability from E28 to E34?

A decent looking E34 M5 just sold in Portland for $16K. Isn't this well below what a similar condition E28 M5 would go for?. Why is that?
1991 BMW M5 | Bring a Trailer

That's the one that Eric's friend is selling.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I would consider this M5.

https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/5617000376.html

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by jyl

Is there a big step down in desirability from E28 to E34?

A decent looking E34 M5 just sold in Portland for $16K. Isn't this well below what a similar condition E28 M5 would go for?. Why is that?
1991 BMW M5 | Bring a Trailer

Are you talking strictly M's or overall?

For the M's, the E28 is raw. Communicative. Visceral. The E34 is heftier and more isolated...compared to the E28. Compared to modern cars, it still makes for a desirable enthusiastic experience. Though not as "desirable" as an E28 in collector circles, I presume values will go up eventually.

For non-Ms, its the same thought, just at a slower pace. E28s are fairly small by today's standards and their interior materials (and ergonomics) feel dated. E34s are quite robust (if you can find one without 200K+ miles) and like many early 90s cars, bridge that gap between vintage experience with modern drive-ability. Styling on both by Ercole Spada/Claus Luthe, but the E34 has held up well to these eyes.

I was fortunate to grow up with an E28 M5 (12 years/220K miles) and a E34 540i/6 (10 years/180K miles) in the family. Both great cars.

Same sausage, but a little larger are E23 and E32 7 series. We had a couple of those too. A different story for another day....

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

I would consider this M5.

https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/5617000376.html

You have got to be kidding...an east coast/Canadian POS that has sat outside for several years by the seller's admission and has a badly cracked dash and other wear for $27k??

Life is too short for POS cars. The only intelligent way to buy a car like this is to buy the best possible example you can find. And I'm not even sure that is very intelligent but any alternative is just moron time.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Lol!

[speeder]

An e34 was a huge evolutionary step for BMW at the time and a much nicer car by any objective measure. They are a lot better looking to my eye and also on the right side of the value:quality curve.

And I am someone who likes e28s and has owned several. Also, either car in an M5 is not a driver or usable car for transportation purposes. It would be cheaper to lease a new M5.

[greglepore]

That Providence car was either posted as s joke or I'm way out of touch on values.
Aa to the various generations each got heavier and added features and power. Nothing has the perfect balance of the e28 but it is long in the tooth now. Still would drive one daily though. Great seats, visibility like nothing else and reasonable a/c.


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[speeder]

I'd daily drive a nice e28 as well but not an M5. But I'm a serious DIY guy who is addicted to projects and fixing/perfecting things. For the checkbook owner, the math probably doesn't work.

[Shifter]

Are e21's off the radar?

https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/5619380447.html

[sammyg2]

When I am looking for a DD car, these are the things I consider:

1) RELIABILITY. need to get there, every time, don't want to work on it ever, don't want it in the shop ever.
2) comfort. It has to be comfortable for that hour long drive home every day.
3) lasts a long time. Ir has to be trouble-free and still comfortable for 100,000 miles or more.
4) reasonably priced /good value.


a 30 year old beemer falls into exactly NONE of those categories.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by Shifter

Are e21's off the radar?

https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/5619380447.html

Yeah, I'm all over that one