Hey everyone,

How's it going?? I was getting some parts for my vw when i noticed this 535is. It needs a small things like some fenders cause they are rusted through at the bottom. they guy said 1000 bucks canadian takes it. What do you guys think i should do?? Its a 5 spd. What are the problem areas with these cars??
Let me know your opinion.

Thanks

Nick

problem areas I know of- odometer readings sometimes not correct due to faulty odo gears. the car I looked at would not relaease the trunk. rust is a big turn off for me though.

i didn't take that good of a luck at it because i was in a rush but i noticed the bottom of one fender is rusted. interior was decent. Are these cars really rare??

NIck

Check every inch of that car for rust. I just lost a car from rust.

Once it starts, it is really hard (not worth) fighting for unless you are skilled enough to start just cutting out, rewelding patches.

nice car

That depends on the half dozen other major elements in the equation that you've failed to mention:

Miles?
Paint condition?
Interior condition?
Drivetrain condition?
Suspension condition?
Electrics all work?

Rust, if it's surface rust, can be stopped. If it's only confined to the fenders, you can always swap them out. If the rest of the car makes it a steal, get it. They're decently rare, and getting rarer. That said, don't buy the thing expecting a semi-rusty car to appreciate in value. It won't.

I mean its not mint mint. It could use some work cause it has been sitting. I mean i wanna drive it as i work on it a little at a time. Maybe like do a partial restoration. something too pass my time. i took a closer look and the more i look at it the more i want it. My dad owns a bodyshop so even if there is rust i can fix it. Are there body panels and patch panels made for this car buy a supplier??

Thanks

Nick

1000 canadian is probably a good deal but watch out. in cali where im at that same car would go for about 2000 american so it could be a really good deal but if it seems to good to be true it probably is.

Hey nick nice to see another canadian on the board. Where abouts do you live?

I've had 2 e28s and loved em if that means anything. Have any pics of the car. I'm no expert but i could check it out and give you my opinion if you happen to be local

I'd love to get an E28 right about now :)

Hey Guys,

Ok i went to take a look at the car this morning. Its got rust on the bottom of the fenders and where the fender bolts up at the top near there. Also there is a spot on the sunroof. The interior isnt bad the bottom dash panel is off and one trim piece is missing. Its been sitting for a bit and i dont know if it runs but he said some back when it stops raining and we will start it up and stuff. I think it needs a lower ball joint. small stuff like that. At this point i am not sure what to do. its got 119,000 miles. I will need to test drive the car and hear it running before i go any furthur with it. I like it a lot i just don't want a lemon. Anything else to look for?? Thanks for all the help guys. I am from windsor btw..

Nick

watch that roof rust!! make sure it's repairable/ only surface- I've heard stories of rusted roof drains around the sunroof that let water leak into the cabin- not sure if that applies to e28s though.

ya good point. it is just surface cause its not really on an edge just kinda 5 or so inches from the corner so doubt it could be that but all the drains should be cleaned out anyways. I have come to notice a few things. BMW body panels are very expensive.. i never imagined some of the prices i looked up for some of these parts.

gotta pay to play bud- thats life. However the beauty of the e28 is that you can always find parts cars, at least I see a some in chicago classifieds.

Interesting that the body panels are expensive, all the mechanical bits are pretty reasonable.
119K is considered low mileage BTW. :)

Thanks guys for all your help. I took a good look at the car and i mean it runs not too bad from sitting a while. Most of the car is pretty solid. It does have its area's tho. Where the battery sits in that corner is rusted. Near the right front shock tower is rusted a bit. Floors and stuff are solid. Right side of that car is mint in the bottom corner. For 1000 bucks hes giving me 2 fenders and the car. I dont think thats too bad. It does have a few electrical issues such as the cruise doesn;t work and but all windows and stuff work including sunroof. headliner is good and so is the back seats and all the door panels. I mean this is going to be my project. I have a 2000 328i and thats my good car and this slowly slowly will be my project. I think i will go ahead and by this car.

On another note are these cars ever going to be worth something in the future like 10 yrs from now maybe??

Thanks for all your help guys. Let me know if you have any other comments or anything.

Thanks

Nick

I've got a 1989 BMW 735 il and live in Canada. It is also a 5 speed standard. I cant find any car the exact same, theyre all outmatics. i just wanna know how rare it is to have this car in 5 speed in my area

rare my friend. i have yet too see one in windsor. all of them the 2 or 3 in town are all auto. nice car.. any problems with it???

I just bought a 77' 530i in good condition but it needs a new interior...does anyone have a lead on any good deals?

Thanks
WC