I went by a local bimmer shop, privately owned and the owner has a 1988 M5 black on tan 5 speed that I am interested in. I have not done too much research on the E28 M5, but here is what hes done to it

bought it with 20k miles
rebored engine
new piston heads
new camshafts
new compressor
new fuel pump
aluminum control arms
new gauge cluster
new exhaust work
repainted and re-clear coated BMW black (forgot the exact name)
replace front leather seats
redyed rear seats
replaced all the rubber window trims interior/ exterior
new transmission w/ short shift
strut tower brace and if i heard him right, sway bars
new wheels and perreli tires (2 months old)
two chips, ones dinan, i didnt catch the others name
custom sunroof
no dents in bodywork
um....
i think thats it for our 10 minute walk around

its got 84k miles on it and he wants $11,000 for it, how reasonable is that?
he is the owner of the shop, has 8 other well maintained bimmers and told me his wife is making him get rid of this one (his baby)

the car looks great, and sounds good for a quick start up
im going back for a test drive, anything i should look for or ask about specifically?

all info would be greatly appreciated!

$11k is not a bad price, i saw an e28 m5 (wrecked) for $7500 on ebay. test drive it and check ecerything before you buy it. Parts can be expensive. Also check if the owner s got all the records. look at the engine oil if its clean. its HARD to buy an old car and dont have any problems. be ready for it. but the e28 is an awsome car. i own one myself and i love it. good luck

Here's is all you could ever want to know about M5 prices.

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=29902

From all you have provided this price seems quite reasonable. Under 100k examples are very hard to come by and it appears to have been well cared for. Would check to see if timing chain and guides were replaced and consider an independant pre-purchase inspection (leak down, compression, etc). Major expenses with the car will come from the engine so pay your closest attention there.

I paid just under $11k for a nice example with 130k mileage. Dave

Sounds like an excellent deal to me...

Sounds like a deal to me too.

I would question why the car needed new seats, dye work, new paint etc...if it only had 87k miles on it...

Mine has 111k miles and really looks good and it is original except a new windshield.

Still sounds like a excellent price at that mileage.

new motor???

new gauge cluster???

only 84k?


i smell some BS...

i bet this thing has 300k miles...

why in the world would you need a "custom" sunroof?? they are stock with them...

If its legit, its a good deal.

Here's is all you could ever want to know about M5 prices.

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=29902

If he asked that question on there he will be bashed for not doing his own research.


Good Price, Take it to another shop for check out. Hope all works out.

If he asked that question on there he will be bashed for not doing his own research.


Good Price, Take it to another shop for check out. Hope all works out.

Take it to a shop for a pre purchase inspection.

Get the VIN (there should be a few) and have someone on the forum run it for you. I know there's a thread going in the e30 (1983-1991 3 series) forum for that. I'm sure if you ask nicely the guy will run this car for you too!

I'm sure the dying of the seats etc can be explained by the age.. All in all I'd check. Even if the car IS more worn than he says.. If the work was really done (w/ receipts to prove it) you can't really complain about a completely rebuilt engine etc. 300k on the original block or not.. a rebuild is a rebuild.