This car has been in our shop lot for almost 2 years. The owner finally let it go for $500. We dig into it to see what it needs to be back on the road. What do you think, should we save it?
This isn’t the slowest BMW ever made it’s probably by far the most reliable. These are under powered in the HP but ok with higher Torque and low rev like a diesel. The M20 engine is extremely reliable, torquey and silky silky smooth when properly sorted and maintained. Most BMWs of this era have two sensors down at the bell housing for crank and position if I’m not mistaken. These cars hate vacuum leaks so that giant hole in the intake bellows doesn’t help. Don’t forget this is a timing belt driven interference engine so if you have a healthy engine change the belt before running it too much. The colors are gorgeous just wish it was a manual 5 speed. AT transmission on these usually last a long time but not sure maybe torque converter issue? Maybe power steering noise? Forgot these get unbelievable excellent gas mileage especially Hwy 28 - 30 mpg is typical.
Love the comments. Next video, at the end, I show a parts car we got for the BMW project. It is a 528e with a manual! Swap coming soon. Thanks for watching.
My dad has one of these, an ‘88 528e that he bought when I was 5. He still has it till this day, he shipped it to the Dominican Republic. Thanks to him and this car alone ignites my passion about cars in general. Happy motoring 🙏
what about the bavaria? Gas Hog, 11mpg on a good day. Although, I really can't say that for certain as my odometer doesn't work, just like in all of my bmws....
In 2002 on eBay I won the auction for a running 1984 533i for $1,500 ! Had 270K miles on the odometer. Kept it and constantly repaired and replaced parts probably to the tune of $10K until 2010. Got it up to half a million miles but wasn't going to put another $2K automatic transmission in it ! Ran when sold for $900. Became a parts car I believe. Miss that big sunroof, don't miss only 20mpg highway 😅
...a hell of a deal..I've had my 5 spd. for 17 yrs. now..to note..timing belt health always every 50k..the 2 crankshift position sensors from trans to block in front of starter if bad, will prevent starting ..also little black box relay in front of left knee under bolster.. EVERYTHING evolves around that relay..also ICV and throttle body must checked for good connection/dirt..otherwise a brilliant BMW ..the Ultimate Driving Machine phrase is based on this car..80 mph in stylish secure comfort all day long..
Could you send me a private message? You’ve inspired me to buy and restore a ‘59 TR3 and was hoping to pick your brain about a few of your organizational/cataloguing systems during disassembly.
Maryland. Our shop is across the street from the MD Renaissance Festival. Welcome to come by, usually there on weekends. This weekend I'll be on a vehicle acquisition mission :)
