Re: Purchase of a 1990 525i Please help!

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark,

Check the following:

- - front control arm bushings (worn bushings will cause steering shimmy)

- - cracked headlights (those ellipsoidal low beams will cost you over $100 
each!  The highbeams are about $65 each.  Not sure about foglight prices.)

- - Auto transmission?  The unit used on that model/year is not the best or 
strongest, and you're close to failure time (125k miles).

- - radiator leaks, especially around the tank/core seams

- - self-leveling rear suspension?  Make sure it works, no leaks.  It's 
expensive to repair ($1000!)

- - condition of all hoses and belts.  Fuel injection hoses are expensive 
(high pressure fuel hose, $3/ft).

- - Auxiliary fan in front of the radiator.  It should turn on when the AC is 
running.

- - bubbling interior trim on door panels

- - seat heaters?  Make sure both elements (seat cushion, seat back) work 
properly

- - power seats?  Make sure that they operate in all directions, and that the 
seat doesn't twist when moving (broken cable)

- - dashboard lights.  Are all dashboard lights illuminated?  Especially the 
climate control lighting?  The climate controls are lit by a single bulb.  
Replacing that one bulb is a REAL BITCH!  The entire climate control module 
must be removed from the dash, and almost completely disassembled, to 
replace the bulb.

- - condition of battery (under rear seat).  Also, check for any rust around 
the battery area

- - electrical controls (turn signal/highbeam/check control stalk, cruise 
control, wipers, hazard warning switch, power window switches (they have 
internal lights, too),

- - shocks and struts

- - Check for engine computer codes.  Follow directions at:

http://www.bonnevillemotorwerks.com/fault.html

(your car has DME M1.3)


Most of these things shouldn't be showstoppers for buying the car, but can 
be used when dealing on the price.  The climate control light, for 
example...a shop would probably charge you $150 to replace the $1 bulb 
because of the work involved in removing/replacing the climate control 
module.  A radiator replacement will cost over $300.  Power window switches 
are $60 each!  Cracked headlights will need to be replaced to pass State 
inspection.  yadda yadda....

If the car is equipped with an auto transmission, and there are any 
questions raised regarding it's condition, PASS ON THIS CAR!

- -rb

>
>Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2001 22:26:16 -0700
>From: "Mark Bolmida" <mbolmida@domain.elided>
>Subject: Purchase of a 1990 525i Please help!
>
>Here's the info. I'm seeking advice on any of the items below. What you
>might suspect they are and if it's a fair deal. I know little about the 5s,
>so I'm hoping you can help!
>
>1990 525i 119,000 $7900, But I think will come down to $7000
>
>New tires 1 year Michelin
>Brakes three years old
>Clutch three years old
>Muffler three years old
>Tan leather no cracks, but driver seat about worn through
>Brozit color (spelled wrong)
>
>Leak from oil pan around 1/2 of gasket
>Leak of clear fluid just behind the pan ?
>Small dent in front of passenger door from a pot hole (its in front of the
>door at the jack mount, not on or affecting the doors operation
>Clearcoat is cracking, sort a striation or webbing, sides and trunk
>Pretty dirty cab, but fixable
>I forgot to look or ask about timing belt
>
>Drives nice no weird sounds! Everything seems to operate properly.
>Everything serviced at dealer except oil (I have the vin so I'll run a
>check). Oil fill hole looks very clean with no tarnishing.
>
>I think the biggest problems are the clearcoat and dent. I'm hoping that 
>the
>oil leaks can be fixed easily.
>
>I'm taking it to my BMW mach this week. Is there anything you'd suggest I
>ask them to look at specifically?
>ANY INFO would be greatly appreciated!
>
>Mark
>
>'91 318is

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