Hi there, I've been offered a 1988 530i as a cheap car, it's needing an MOT but is very cheap...

As above what is the performance like on these and can anyone reccomend a buyers guide or offer any hints/tips on what to look for?

The car has done 98000 miles and has all its old MOT's, i know it'll need a windscreen for it's MOT. I should be able to get it for £250(the car, not the windscreen...)

 

My brother has an F reg 535iSE Auto with 130k miles. Common sense must prevail and the obvious things to look for would be a smokey engine and general bodywork condition. Any rust may indicate an accident damaged car that has been badly repaired. Check tyres for uneven wear. As they are a heavy car this could indicate excessive wear on suspension, bushes etc..(these can be expensive to change) If an auto make sure it changes into top otherwise could be very expensive.Make sure there are no clonking/grinding noises from gearbox or rear diff (especially when engaging 1st gear). Check all the toys work. Performance wise a manual 530 you'd be looking aroung 8 secs to 60 and 140ish top end. Economy is not brilliant low 20's at best urban, low 30's on a steady run. On the plus side they are a nice cruising car with a superbly balanced chassis and still look the business after 15 years.

You can of course get in touch with BMW, give them the registration number, and they should be able to tell you about it's service history (it must have had some at some stage, even if it's not FBMWSH!)

[Edited by PEE1 - 1/16/2004 2:56:01 PM]

 

Have a look here http://www.totalbmwmag.co.uk/Pages/Buying.html

 

Excellent, thanks guys, I'm off for a look tomorrow