Love the Internet! Great web site!
Found a 1986 535i with a 5 speed manual transmission and 148,000 miles within my price range (less than 2k). Took it for a test drive the other day and it seemed to run out well, no shakes or shimmies, good acceleration. All the electrical stuff works (windows, seats, mirrors). Never having driven a BMW before, it's all new and exciting to me. I’m going back to take a closer look at it and am looking for some advise to diagnose what I found on my first visit? Or should I forget this one and keep looking?
The exhaust sounds a little louder than what it should.
The “Check” light between the turn signals is flashing (can I get the codes without spending any money?).
ABS light is on.
The brake light is on (above the rear view mirror).
Radio is showing “CODE” on the display panel.
I’m putting it up on ramps to check the under side (exhaust, ect.) and will go through all the fluid checks looking for signs of trouble with the engine, radiator. Also, checking to see if the blower fan brings in the sweet smell of anti-freeze. I’m willing to put time and money into getting another 150k on the odometer, but I don’t want to spend more time under the hood than behind the wheel. It appears from what I’ve read here that these automobiles have that potential.
Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Sprinks
Found a 1986 535i with a 5 speed manual transmission and 148,000 miles within my price range (less than 2k). Took it for a test drive the other day and it seemed to run out well, no shakes or shimmies, good acceleration. All the electrical stuff works (windows, seats, mirrors). Never having driven a BMW before, it's all new and exciting to me. I’m going back to take a closer look at it and am looking for some advise to diagnose what I found on my first visit? Or should I forget this one and keep looking?
The exhaust sounds a little louder than what it should.
The “Check” light between the turn signals is flashing (can I get the codes without spending any money?).
ABS light is on.
The brake light is on (above the rear view mirror).
Radio is showing “CODE” on the display panel.
I’m putting it up on ramps to check the under side (exhaust, ect.) and will go through all the fluid checks looking for signs of trouble with the engine, radiator. Also, checking to see if the blower fan brings in the sweet smell of anti-freeze. I’m willing to put time and money into getting another 150k on the odometer, but I don’t want to spend more time under the hood than behind the wheel. It appears from what I’ve read here that these automobiles have that potential.
Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Sprinks