Howdy guys, JT from the e21 board again. I ran into an 86 528e for a good price and I was thinking about getting it for a daily driver. What is the average mileage I should expect? Any issues I should look for? Lastly, would e36 wheels fit? I know 5 and 7 series fit with spacers depending on chassis but I have no idea if the e36 wheels have the same bolt pattern or if the backspacing is even close?

Thanks!

Howdy guys, JT from the e21 board again. I ran into an 86 528e for a good price and I was thinking about getting it for a daily driver. What is the average mileage I should expect? Any issues I should look for? Lastly, would e36 wheels fit? I know 5 and 7 series fit with spacers depending on chassis but I have no idea if the e36 wheels have the same bolt pattern or if the backspacing is even close?

Thanks!

:shifty This one isn't from Toms River is it? Oh and since it's the m20, expect to see shotloads of miles lol. I did the timing belt on my m20, if you need any help with it, give me a shout.

Nope, its in Wall. It has 200k on it so I expect to do the timing belt already. I just want to know what the average MPG I should get. The Hemi Ram is becoming costly to drive 60 miles a day. Plus, its another excuse to buy another car...

I think a 528e will get in the neighborhood of 30mpg on the highway. I don't own one so I can't say for sure.
E36 backspacing is wrong. You'll need spacers.

I get 29-30MPG on highway. Not sure about city but guessing 22-24MPG. the car has 148,000 miles. I bolted up a set of 528i (525i?) weave(?) 15". They fit fine. Even the 528e needs Dubs, yo.

Excellent... I appreciate the information. I will post pictures if everything goes down tomorrow.

I got around 24 overall, fast/hard driving, as much as 29 on trips. It's got 308,000 on it, and about to be retired, it was crashed when I got it as a temporary car whilst stranded on a trip. I ended up using it for 70k or so. It still doesn't use any oil to speak of.

It does have a set of 15x7 MSW, 16 backspace as I recall, weave w/gold centers. Kumho 225s. I suspect you are too far away to be interested.

Great cars in any case, very nearly indestructable. Mine was T-boned by teenagers playing in a parking lot, after a rough pull the doors all worked, had been in almost a foot at the post waist high. It was rattlefree until daily use on a dirt road finally won out.

i get mid to high 20s with my 82 528e, over 300k miles. These cars are sweet cruisers. I also put 17x8 540 sport wheels on, no spacers just hub rings. Any 3 series wheels will need at least 10mm spacers.

JT good to see you on the boards again...
I get about 30mpg on the highway and 22-25 around town.
Watch for rust around the trunk, in the spare tire tub...
manual or auto? Check for proper clutch pressure and petal movement...
water pump, timing belt, drive belt and distrib cap/rotor needs to be done...

e34 basket weaves need no spacers and look great! Not quite like the 7 series wheels though.