Questions about a BMW E28

[MAD02]

Im going to look at a '86 528e tomorrow and wanted to know what to look for in these cars. Are there any issues I should be aware of? The owner says the car needs a driveshaft but otherwise its in good running condition. Car is a 5-speed.

Thanks

[f1reverb]

http://www.mye28.com/

Driveshaft with pinned u-joints about 300 bucks, with replaceable u-joints about 500 bucks from Driveline Service in Portland, OR.

Why an ETA? A 533 or 535 E28 at least has some power.

[MAD02]

http://www.mye28.com/

Driveshaft with pinned u-joints about 300 bucks, with replaceable u-joints about 500 bucks from Driveline Service in Portland, OR.

Why an ETA? A 533 or 535 E28 at least has some power.

Thanks, F1.

Although I would love a 533i or 535i, I just need something safer than my 2002. I drive my stepdaughter around alot (school, etc....) in the 2002. So anything safer would be a big plus. Plus the added MPG would be nice.

[YoungWilliaM]

My DD is an '88 528eta 5 speed with over 300k miles. Never had to replace the driveshaft but the thrust rods/bushings need repairs every 50k miles or so. I average 22-24 mpg. I actually enjoy driving it more so than my E60. GL on your search.

[tjones02]

Be sure to get an Idea of when the last time the timing belt was replaced. 5yrs 50K is the rule. I always do a water pump, other V-belts and a few other things at the same time... If they don't know when the last one was done the motor is a ticking time bomb... the belt can snap and pistons will meet valves in a very bad way.

The front suspension control arms can be pretty expensive, hopefully the suspension has been maintained and has some good parts.

I really wholeheartedly recommend having a Pre-Purchase inspection done on the car by a BMW specialist. I costs between $120 and $250 but can save you thousands in not buying a worn out POS or... give you some bargaining power to reduce the purchase price. See http://www.bimrs.org/ OR http://www.bimmershops.com/ for shops in your area.