[Andyddr]

I have a E36 318i and am looking at buying a E39 528. I found one a few days ago ( 1997 ) but it has 220 000km on the clock. The guy wants around $11 000 for it and I think it`s a good buy but what I`d like to know is what must I look out for in a car like that? What are the weak points that could cost a lot to fix? The leather, tyres and body all seem to be in good condition but the brakes ( front ) shudder when I stop. He says it is a modification that is needed on the calipers that all these cars seems to need? Anyone heard of this?

I have said to him that the buy will be subject to BMW`s 20 point check...

Thanks in advance

 

[SoonerE39]

I've only had mine about for the last 10,000 miles (56K on the odometer) but I haven't had any brake problem or heard of a particular adjustment. Do make sure the rear door seals are good because if they arent, the rear floorboard will fill with water when it rains (and feel it to see if it's damp). Check the displays on the trip computer and radio to make sure most or all of the little pixels are working (very expensive to replace). Thats all I can think of for now.

 

[Rkhoubian]

Originally posted by Andyddr@May 13 2003, 07:06 PM
I have a E36 318i and am looking at buying a E39 528. I found one a few days ago ( 1997 ) but it has 220 000km on the clock. The guy wants around $11 000 for it and I think it`s a good buy but what I`d like to know is what must I look out for in a car like that? What are the weak points that could cost a lot to fix? The leather, tyres and body all seem to be in good condition but the brakes ( front ) shudder when I stop. He says it is a modification that is needed on the calipers that all these cars seems to need? Anyone heard of this?

I have said to him that the buy will be subject to BMW`s 20 point check...

Thanks in advance

[snapback]8160[/snapback]​

Check oil licking under oil filter housing. Also Coolant under radiator. Those might cost you a quite a bit.

 

[afrochapin]

Originally posted by Rkhoubian+Apr 11 2005, 05:40 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rkhoubian @ Apr 11 2005, 05:40 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Andyddr@May 13 2003, 07:06 PM
I have a E36 318i and am looking at buying a E39 528. I found one a few days ago ( 1997 ) but it has 220 000km on the clock. The guy wants around $11 000 for it and I think it`s a good buy but what I`d like to know is what must I look out for in a car like that? What are the weak points that could cost a lot to fix? The leather, tyres and body all seem to be in good condition but the brakes ( front ) shudder when I stop. He says it is a modification that is needed on the calipers that all these cars seems to need? Anyone heard of this?

I have said to him that the buy will be subject to BMW`s 20 point check...

Thanks in advance

[snapback]8160[/snapback]​

Check oil licking under oil filter housing. Also Coolant under radiator. Those might cost you a quite a bit.

[snapback]330348[/snapback]​

[/b][/quote]

HEHE I got my 1997 528i for 10 G's Upfront. with 100k miles, but I was forunate to be the first one to see it! Now it has 150k and mine needs adjustments for the front calipurs, its pretty expensive. Its always squeaking and no one can seem to fix it. If i take it to a brake shop they charge me an arm and a leg!! :banghead

 

[afrochapin]

Originally posted by Andyddr@May 13 2003, 05:06 PM
I have a E36 318i and am looking at buying a E39 528. I found one a few days ago ( 1997 ) but it has 220 000km on the clock. The guy wants around $11 000 for it and I think it`s a good buy but what I`d like to know is what must I look out for in a car like that? What are the weak points that could cost a lot to fix? The leather, tyres and body all seem to be in good condition but the brakes ( front ) shudder when I stop. He says it is a modification that is needed on the calipers that all these cars seems to need? Anyone heard of this?

I have said to him that the buy will be subject to BMW`s 20 point check...

Thanks in advance

[snapback]8160[/snapback]​

I think you should keep looking around.

 

[Black528i]

Actually the leaking in the floorboards is from the drains to the sunroof being clogged. Take a coaxial cable and cover the end of it with tape of some sort. Run it down the drain on both the front sides and rear sides of the moonroof. This will allow the drain to flow free. Or if you are desperate, take a drill bit and open the drain holes in front of the rear tire. Just do not open them too much as you will get road noise.