http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/648669524.html

Are you guys familiar with this particular car or know any history about it. Previous owners?

I called this guy and he wasnt very sure on many things. He said there were 3 owners including him and he is not sure if the engine or transmission have been replaced. He said he is also not sure if it has a nikasil engine. He said he wasnt strict with that price.

He also said there were problems with rolling up the windows. (Idk how much that repair would be), and that steering wheel fluid is leaking.

Im thinking about driving it down to a Bmw mechanic to get it checked out, what do you guys think, as far as price and everything.

He said theres 190k miles on it, but Im thinking there could have been an engine replacement. He also said he just replaced the radiator and put a new clutch on it. And he thinks that there is a new fender on it because some of the paint has been scratched off.

With 190k and needing a few repairs, I'd pay a bit under $5k for that car.

Not sure about the windows...could be regulators or a general module IIRC.

Steering fluid leaks are commonly caused by leaky lines. I'd get it checked out.

Nice wheels on it though.

Yeah I like the 17" style 5's

Hmm I don't really want a 190k mile engine though. Are most of the engines replaced?

Yeah I like the 17" style 5's

Hmm I don't really want a 190k mile engine though. Are most of the engines replaced?

Some are, some aren't. There is debate about whether a Nikasil is still good or not...I don't know.

Right. I also forgot to mention that he wasnt running Bmw coolant in it atm. He said he wasnt sure what kind but he said it wasnt "cheap stuff". So maybe I would have to pay for a flush too. :(

PS Steering hoses are a pain and expensive to fix.

around how much $?

Some are, some aren't. There is debate about whether a Nikasil is still good or not...I don't know.

Nikasil can be a problem. I have owned two 540i/6s, one with original Nikasil and my current one with replaced Alusil block. The Nikasil coated block broke down in most cases due to the high sulfur content in our gas in the states.

My last one with Nikasil idled a little rough due to weaker than normal compression because the cylinder walls had worn down some. Like 4500 RPM said though, there is much debate about this; my though is if BMW recalled the block, something was obviously wrong and there is reason to be concerned about a Nikasil block.

Owning both, I can tell a difference in idle. A lot of it is likely peace of mind too. There not worth much unless there perfect and have the Alusil block.

Nikasil can be a problem. I have owned two 540i/6s, one with original Nikasil and my current one with replaced Alusil block. The Nikasil coated block broke down in most cases due to the high sulfur content in our gas in the states.

My last one with Nikasil idled a little rough due to weaker than normal compression because the cylinder walls had worn down some. Like 4500 RPM said though, there is much debate about this; my though is if BMW recalled the block, something was obviously wrong and there is reason to be concerned about a Nikasil block.

Owning both, I can tell a difference in idle. A lot of it is likely peace of mind too. There not worth much unless there perfect and have the Alusil block.

Yeah, I passed on a Nik 540iA with 122k for $5k two years ago. Guess why I have an M50 car? :)

Lowell also echoes what you said...his words are gospel.

I think im going to end up checking this out though. It might end up being a good deal.

PS Steering hoses are a pain and expensive to fix.
How much :shifty:rolleyes$$$

How much :shifty:rolleyes$$$

The hoses are expensive as you have to replace the whole hose when one of the crimped on connections fail. I have seen them repaired though with careful use of an angle grinder to cut away the pressure fitting sheathing and then using a hose clamp. E36 crowd does this (not that I hang there:stickoutt)

well i had a powersteering leak. key word, had. Ive been checking the fluid level, and i've cleaned the powersteering hoses and everything, and it appears the leak went away. It's been like this for like a month now. Also, if you pay anywhere near 5 grand, it would probably be a really really good deal. Unless there is something majorly wrong that no one knows about its a sweet deal. I bought my car for 4500, wish i didnt pay so much, but it was the only 540 around here for sale that had a solid drivetrain. Anyways, good luck

steering wheel fluid is leaking.


You should check the muffler bearings and blinker fluid while you're at it.

:D

I really dont know if your being a smart ass COO COO. Im not super knowledgeable about cars, I just said exactly what the guy said was wrong.

window regulators are $125, the seal which likely needs replacing is also about $100, figure another $200 for labor, call it $500 per door to fix. i just went through this repair, but did the work myself. it's a pain.

use that in bargaining, if you're lucky it's just a bad electrical connection. if the window doesn't go up or down smoothly, you're looking at a new regulator.

I really dont know if your being a smart ass COO COO. Im not super knowledgeable about cars, I just said exactly what the guy said was wrong.

yeah he was, it's just called power steering fluid. Don't mind these guys, they get a lot of new people on here asking the same questions and get a little testy when someone spells something wrong or asks a dumb question. Yours wasn't dumb just worded wrong due to inexperience, no worries.

Fyi, power steering pressure hoses at a junk yard are like $75 here. Might try searching car-part.com for used hoses. They usually aren't that hard to put on, if you don't mind ruining a set of clothes (very dirty job). Not sure how hard to do on a 540 though. To price out new ones find the part number on www.realoem.com or www.bmwfans.info/original

You should check the muffler bearings and blinker fluid while you're at it.

:D

This gave me a good laugh. I was going to post a :eatpop: but I posted a couple minutes too late.

The car looks nice. I'd plan on dropping 3K into it though, if you don't have your own garage. At that mileage without the guy knowing what he's repaired- means it ain't been done- which means you get to do it- which means if it's $2000 consider yourself lucky. Just my experience.

I really dont know if your being a smart ass COO COO. Im not super knowledgeable about cars, I just said exactly what the guy said was wrong.

Just being dick and giving you a hard time. No worries. :)