boru
02-17-2009, 10:15 AM
So I've started working from home and I'm looking to sell my E34. It's a '95 540i, dark green/beige, with a six-speed manual and 138,500 miles. I must say, it's an awesome car ... with a few issues.
Let's start with some maintenance items my mechanic (a local indy who specializes in BMW, Porsche, etc.) suggests:
- left and right outer tie rod ends, center tie rod assembly and alignment
- camber bushings
- rear subframe mount bushings
- clutch grabs high, but is not slipping
- exhaust rusty and both cat elements rattle
- rear transmission seal leaking fluid
- rear sway bar links are noisy
If you care about looks, you'll probably also want to replace the front bumper and give her a fresh coat of paint. I chose not to repaint because a slightly dinged-up BMW attracts less attention when parked in questionable urban neighborhoods.
That said, there is lots to love about this car, starting with the engine. Sumptuous, sexy power that purrs at low RPM then comes rushing on as you get higher into the revs. With all that power on tap, the car had better handle, and it does. Not edgy like a sports car, just balanced and communicative, with the big V8 ready to ease the tail out at your command.
Anyway, I think this would be the perfect car for someone who can do the maintenance themselves. It's a sexy beast with relatively low miles for its age. I have service records for everything I've done on it, and a good idea of what it needs (see above), but I don't have records from the previous owner.
I won't let this car go for nothing, but I'm looking to get a deal done and will consider reasonable offers.
I'm sure any prospective buyer will have more questions than I could possibly answer here. So if you're interested, send me a PM and we can take it from there. I'm in the Boston area.
Thanks for looking!
Brian
Let's start with some maintenance items my mechanic (a local indy who specializes in BMW, Porsche, etc.) suggests:
- left and right outer tie rod ends, center tie rod assembly and alignment
- camber bushings
- rear subframe mount bushings
- clutch grabs high, but is not slipping
- exhaust rusty and both cat elements rattle
- rear transmission seal leaking fluid
- rear sway bar links are noisy
If you care about looks, you'll probably also want to replace the front bumper and give her a fresh coat of paint. I chose not to repaint because a slightly dinged-up BMW attracts less attention when parked in questionable urban neighborhoods.
That said, there is lots to love about this car, starting with the engine. Sumptuous, sexy power that purrs at low RPM then comes rushing on as you get higher into the revs. With all that power on tap, the car had better handle, and it does. Not edgy like a sports car, just balanced and communicative, with the big V8 ready to ease the tail out at your command.
Anyway, I think this would be the perfect car for someone who can do the maintenance themselves. It's a sexy beast with relatively low miles for its age. I have service records for everything I've done on it, and a good idea of what it needs (see above), but I don't have records from the previous owner.
I won't let this car go for nothing, but I'm looking to get a deal done and will consider reasonable offers.
I'm sure any prospective buyer will have more questions than I could possibly answer here. So if you're interested, send me a PM and we can take it from there. I'm in the Boston area.
Thanks for looking!
Brian
