Engine Rebuild For A 1988 528e

[freshfish]

Hello,
I have recently purchased a 1988 528e with 180k miles. It runs and handles quite well. It does however need engine work and some body detailing (trim, etc.) and correction of steering lag but I have no mechanical skill and have no room to tinker on it. I also live in Indiana and have not found a BMW shop anywhere in the area besides dealers.

I would love to get the car into a ‘like new’ condition where its reliable and performs well. Not show quality, but clean. I'm budgeting $5k.

Here is my plea for advice:
a.) Is an engine rebuild worthwhile? I have seen rebuilds run $2500-$5000
b.) Would a Pepboys tune-up that changes fluids, filters, etc be worthwhile or does this car need a specialist ?
c.) What do you experienced cats out there feel would be a good budget to get this car into good shape?
d.) The best question would be...what would you do with $5k on a 528e and where would you go for the work?

Thanks!!
freshfish

[Hoppy's535i]

A) the engine rebuild is worth any amount if its worth it to you. if you want it to be origanl then i feel in the long run a rebuild will save you frustration if not money also. you can probibly replace the engine too if you can find one in better condition or wanta 3.5

B) i donno
C) i donno

D) do you want performance? or originality? and id do the work myself if it is at all possible

[Torque]

stein automotive in louisville, ky -- i am assuming they do a good job since the previous owner of my car always maintained the car there and it runs like a champ...

http://www.steinauto.com/home.html

['89 635 csi]

The BMW shop down the street from me wanted $2000. to rebuild the engine in my '84 528e after it blew it's head gasket. I was going to have them do it and then it occured to me that I had another car to drive so I decided to do it myself. All I'm saying is that you can get it rebuilt for pretty cheap. Why do you think it needs to be rebuilt?

[freshfish]

Wow! Thanks for the speedy advice!

Torque, thanks ofr the link, I'll definitely check them out

Hoppy's535i, thanks for the insight. I basically want this car to serve as my daily driver. I don't need to win any competitions but would love to have a car that drives/performs well and feels/looks good. I love the 5 series and would be content with a good paint job, clean lines/trim, and a general 'like new' feel to it.

'89 635 csi suggested I do the work on my own. I would love to be able to but I am NOT mechanically inclined and live in an apartment so I have no garage, no tools, etc. That's my main problem since I will have to rely on someone elses labor/expertise

The engine feels very sluggish and it may need a tune-up as it hasn't been driven in a while. I'm afriad to take it to the dealer because of their often exessive fees. A rebuild would give me the power and performance I'm looking for.

Again, thanks guys...I'm really lost and you are giving me some great info!