Hello everyone,
I'm type3particle, a southern delaware Viper owner.

My DD (a honda) just died on me at 300k. It was good death, she served her time well. Normally I would just drive my viper, but she's in for some... upgrades. In the meantime I went searching for a cheap 528 to tool around in and came across a 97 540i Sport. It has a salvage title and 142k on the clock - neither which bother me offhand, but a friend tells me that BMW has a reputation for using its customers as test subjects, especially on new model year cars.

The deal sits at $7000 cash - the car doesn't *need* work to drive and I wasn't planning on really fixing anything on it anyway. It does have a check engine light. I've looked and have found very few 540s under $10k, (hell, very few 528s either) but my friend has me a bit leery now. Other than my honda I've never owned a foreign car before so I'm curious if this sounds like a decent deal. Also what should I look for in a walk-around and test drive?

I plan on driving this car for about 75k and junk it, anything above 75k and resale is meerly a perk. I don't want to spend another $7k in repairs during that time. It will be well taken care of in maintainence.

Thanks in advance

well, lets see,

1. cats could be gone, if not, they will be asap.
2. valve cover gasket
3. suspension will be worn. look for a "shimmy" in the steering.

the biggest thing for you is to see if he has any maintance records. i would pay for a PPI from a local bmw shop. they are about $125 and i PROMISE you it will be worth it.

I say dont do it... i think repairs will get to you

I say go for an E36 instead.