need some info on whether or not to get 2nd BMers

[danboy]

Hi everyone,I'm new here and was refered to this forum from some forumers in autoworld. anyway, I'm actually seriously considering on getting a 10+ year old BMer as shown in some of the classifieds in Autoworld but i have some concerns I hope some of u may be able to enlighten me.Firstly, what should I consider or look out for when planning to get a 10+ year old BMer? Obviously, depending on the previous owner, the condition of the car is a major factor but how can I gauge that the car is actually a good buy? Secondly, what are the maintenance cost of these BMers? I know that being that old, I may have to fork out quite a bit to get the car in a worthy condition but how much are we looking at here (in general). The range of cars I was looking at were those between 1993-1995. My budget for the car alone is ard RM 25K. I'm thinking of getting one for myself and maybe a smaller car for my wife.Appreciate any feedbacks from y'all.Cheers.Danboy

 

[bmrocket]

Danboy,
Its customary to introduce yourself in the newbies thread upon signing up..
Depending on the model u're interested in there are plenty of sifu's here who can help you..
Cheers n good luck in your search!

 

[danboy]

bmrocket,

My sincere apologies. where was my manners. Anyway, I've done ask requested and hope to get more feedbacks from all the sifus here.


cheers.

danboy

 

[bmrocket]

no probs n welcome danboy,

there are a number of e34s currently on sale here..check out the classifieds section..

FYI i just bought a 94' 525i E34 for RM27.5k which belonged to a forumer here and it is in pretty good nick!

Your budget for this model (520/525) as stated in your newbie thread is about right..

 

[danboy]

bmrocket,

Yah, I just saw your new ride in one of your post. It's a real looker. Well, I'm trying to gather as much info as possible in order to 'comfort' my wife in assuring her that it's a good idea to get the car or not. So far, I noticed that some 'unlucky' owners did spend quite a huge amount on their e34s rectifying age old wears and tears. Just one question, if I actually do go to check out a car that I'm interested in, and I don't know any mechs to bring along to help me check out the car, what should I do?

regards and cheers.

Danboy

 

[bmrocket]

Yes i was fortunate to have found a car that was well looked after by the previous owner..
Generally you would have to budget for post purchase repairs because its not easy to tell..i know i couldnt have known myself what was needed..
The members in this club are all car enthusiast so buying from one of them would be a safe bet as they usually declare what has been done n what still needs doing..

 

[chaiks]

danboy,

Welcome.

I guess you have to firstly know what you want. 3 or 5 series? Your budget, which you need to allocate from rm2k to rm10k (dependent on condition and model) to replace wear and tear stuff up-front. Don't just buy the car and hope to drive it as is. You can also space out the spending, work on the need to basis first. So, mod comes after.

If can bring it to one of our BM specialist which, there is a thread on workshops recommended. Let him give a quote, to provide a better assessments and budget. Don't be shy to ask any customer there who might be a member/forumer here.

I don't mind buying a used car, as long as I can get the car to a condition that it drives and rides if possible, like when it was back it rolled out the show-room. Bare in mind, an e34 surely doesn't look and feels like an e39 or e60. So for me, make sure all wear and tear, especially the suspension.

One other thing, getting the car interior thoroughly clean helps, nothing beats the fresh smell of your car like it was new. I'd spent countless hours during weekend, cleaning my newly acquired used-car interior by dismantling areas I/humanly possible.

Happy hunting.
Ps. Bmrocket, how is your ride? Hope you will take care of her as I did.

 

[danboy]

chaiks,

Thanks for your feedback. I get the part about reserving some extras for the repairs and stuffs but are there any forumers here who has 'accompanied' other forumers here to check out their cars-to-be? BTW, I've noticed some forumers selling off their cars but ..... anything I should look out for at these cars too?

cheers.

danboy

 

[bmrocket]

danboy,

Welcome.

I guess you have to firstly know what you want. 3 or 5 series? Your budget, which you need to allocate from rm2k to rm10k (dependent on condition and model) to replace wear and tear stuff up-front. Don't just buy the car and hope to drive it as is. You can also space out the spending, work on the need to basis first. So, mod comes after.

If can bring it to one of our BM specialist which, there is a thread on workshops recommended. Let him give a quote, to provide a better assessments and budget. Don't be shy to ask any customer there who might be a member/forumer here.

I don't mind buying a used car, as long as I can get the car to a condition that it drives and rides if possible, like when it was back it rolled out the show-room. Bare in mind, an e34 surely doesn't look and feels like an e39 or e60. So for me, make sure all wear and tear, especially the suspension.

One other thing, getting the car interior thoroughly clean helps, nothing beats the fresh smell of your car like it was new. I'd spent countless hours during weekend, cleaning my newly acquired used-car interior by dismantling areas I/humanly possible.

Happy hunting.
Ps. Bmrocket, how is your ride? Hope you will take care of her as I did.

I fully intend to bro chaiks :rock:

Sorry danboy but this is called hijacking your thread :wink:

 

[chaiks]

chaiks,

Thanks for your feedback. I get the part about reserving some extras for the repairs and stuffs but are there any forumers here who has 'accompanied' other forumers here to check out their cars-to-be? BTW, I've noticed some forumers selling off their cars but ..... anything I should look out for at these cars too?

cheers.

danboy

I'm not sure I'm qualified to do it, since so many sifu here. I'm in PJ, do let me know where or when you plan to check out the car. If free don't mind helping out. Preferably PJ area.

Another way, is to join any member gathering here & view their cars' condition. Hopefully can get a ride for a feel of a good condition car. Hence, the next time you view or test drive one, you got a benchmark.

There is no word to describe the smoothness of a well taken care BM S6, until you feel it driving one.

Good luck.