83' 520i. Any good ?

Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:31 pm

I've been looking for a 2nd bigger car since my 2nd was born, and I've come accross the following car locally.

She's an 83' 520i in bronzit. Manual box with 6 months MOT / Tax. 74k and quite tidy apparently. I'm aware that I'll win bugger all traffic light grand prix's with it, but that's not the aim. I just need a bigger car for long distance journeys with my family, and the touring is simply not big enough with my long legs !!

I've never fancied an E28 before, but I reckon this sounds like a cool retro type beast. Any idea of what I should be offering chaps ?

Many thanks

Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:02 pm

My second BMW was a 'C' plate 520i,kept it 6 years. It will have the earlier fuel injection and a 'proper' dizzie. Do look at the front wings carefully,they are known to rot.Inner wings at the top by the join to the outer is another place to ckeck.Front doors at the front edge around the hinges rot.Rear door shuts rot.Boot floor/rear inner wings (like an E30) need a look. Big comfy car that will eat miles in silence and comfort.Came back up through France in ours about ten years ago with Jane in the front,her mum and our youngster in the back,the little swine commented,'Mummy,daddy's going over 100,again...' So quiet they had'nt noticed... in general use it gave 30/33mpg.Would be good with the later motronic electronic ignition(easy swap)and a 2.7 would make it a proper car.I almost bought another before I found the E30 that became the 2.7,but Jane refused to drive the E28 at the time,claiming it was 'too big'. Strange thing is,she took to the E34 525i engine donor we ran briefly in Sept.!! Price wise,no idea, as little as you feel embarassed at offering!!

Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:13 pm

daimlerman wrote:Came back up through France in ours about ten years ago

Don't tell me, the French relations Pierre and Yvette L'Daimleur?

If it's tidy, think in terms of £400. They will never be a valuable classic, but it's worth looking after. You'll need to do a cambelt and tensioner straight away, 25 quid in parts and a couple of hours. Pull off the rotor arm and felt pad and fiore WD40 and a few drops of engine oil down the shaft to prevent it seizing - give the rotor arm a good waggle. Idle problems are down to the alloy H valve under the inlet manifold playing up. Also, either buy a new fuel pump relay (tall one with 7 pins) or carry a spare as they are prone to failing at any time. It's right next to the fusebox.
If well maintained, they are a very reliable car. I'd go for it - could be the cheapest motoring you'll ever have.

Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:13 pm

If it's not rusty I'd say go for it. There's something about e28 that makes them look right, a good honest retro car with an air of luxury which still goes well. It's not about getting from A to B first but you can do it in style

and in comfort.

I also love the visibility in e28, much better than most modern cars (my company Ford Focus was quite bad in comparison).

Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:35 pm

If you don't mind the travel there is one in luton for 100 quid. It's quite nice too.

Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:10 pm

We got a mint e28 520 for £300 with 4 mths tax. Engines now out tho as its ready for a engine conversion

Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:09 am

E28s are roomy because they are so upright. I loved and miss my 528i.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 2:58 pm

Went to have a look..

It's VERY tappity and only firing on 5 cylinders. Passenger rear footwell is like a swimming pool, but the body's quite good. I think I may pass on this one as I havn't the time to repair it. Only £250 though...

Many thanks for the reply's chaps.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 3:46 pm

George,my 525i E34 engine donor only cost £350,the exterior was erm,scruffy,but the interior was great.Seems to be plenty about and no-one wants a big,old car so they are cheap cheap.Well made,just look carefully at the suspension,that I bought had an entertaining trick of rear wheel steer under hard acceleration....oh,and the petrol tank was leaking...