Finally a BMW the CAR WIZARD likes! Why does the Wizard like this '87 528e & why is it in his shop?
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- čas přidán 24. 03. 2021
- What makes the CAR WIZARD 🧙♂️ like this classic 1987 BMW 528e so much? Why is it in his shop?
See the car that the Wizard would actually like to have added to fleet of cars.
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The Car Wizard's warm, soft demeanor makes me realize the good in the world.
Agreed. Integrity is displayed.
Bit weird
You don't know him at all and to be honest most serial killers and Psychopaths have the same demeanor you wouldn't even know what they're doing so are you one of those stupid people that just believe everything you see?
@@Mr.Death101 of course you are not wrong in what you're saying, but I would be extremely surprised if the Wizard turned out to be a psychotic serial killer.
Yeah, he is a good dude
Living in Australia, you know cloth seats matter when you sit in a leather seat in the middle of summer and get 3rd degree burns 😂
and why always black leather? Even the current Mustang convertibles have black leather in our summer heat . So stupid. The 635 coupe is another seriously great car and a genuine beautiful coupe.
...on a third-degree bum
Or Norway in blistering cold. I like half leather seats. Durable where it needs to be and comfortable in both hot and cold weather.
I was about to comment that too, also the fact your back gets all sweaty after sitting in them for an hour.
I used to put Australian sheepskin seat covers in all my cars. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Wizard saying "I don't appreciate taking a piece of crap and making it run again" should Hoovie sweat nervously
Yeah, I thought that too - I wonder if he's broken the news to Hoovie yet.
Well.. Hoovie's crap runs.. sort of.. Not some abandoned pos found somewhere.
Haha .. GOLD ! Best comment
With Hoovie beeing a never ending cash cow, and their strangely awesome little "media conglomerate" type deal I'm pretty sure Hoovie is the one customer that could get away with bringing in a front fender and asking the Wizard to build a car around it. But I do like the banter and the small jabs between them.
I once owned a ‘83 533i. One of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I regret selling it to this day.
I like this guy's style, calm and knowledgeable, many trustful mechanics have similar character...
He's so passionate too, I wish the mechanics around my area were somewhat like that. Most of them are miserable and don't care
Wizard is a God amongst mechanics
This five series generation is my favorite personally I love the 535is model which is very hard to find in the United States and considerably going up in value it is an absolute gem and a rock solid engine and reliable chassis love the BMW era where things closed with the tactile feel and everything was solid and well built this is where they need to set their standards at BMW
mechanics like the wizard are the reason why I don't like going to the dealership for service. They're honest and will even show you what's wrong with your vehicle.
The love between the Wizard and Mrs Wizard is a beautiful thing.
@TableRocked Right on...he would be no good without her !
*Car wizard liked that*
He cheats on her after work....
Kidding love car wizard hes a beast
They are a good team. That's exactly how a marriage should be.
car wizard and car witch
This was back when they built something to last.
The days when they didn’t build essential engine parts in plastic...
Ya know? I'm pretty sure those "picnic bumpers" have hydraulic struts behind them so they can actually hit stuff.
@@siliconinsect yup
They weren't built to last, they were built to be fixed.
@@siliconinsect I think that might just be an American thing or requirement, all the BMWs and Mercs in Australia and Europe have much smaller bumpers.
My first BMW was an 87 528e! Since then ive had 24 BMW’s! Now ive switched to the “DARK SIDE”...Mercedes Benz owner now...W126, W140x3, C140 & a W211 CDI. But these BMW e28’s were the absolute best! ...and 27mpg was great too! I miss it soo much!
The E28 was hands-down the best BMW. My mom had one until I was about 13. We got rid of it at 250,000 miles. We gave it to my cousin and when it finally kicked the bucket, it had over 300,000 miles. Everything still worked, but Pennsylvania's winters killed the body.
Modern day BMW’s will not make that far.
my vote goes to the E34 , thats built like a tank
Shame that the us spec has hideous bumpers
Bring it up here to canada where i live in the winter and let it sit through a rough snowstorm. See how good condition itll be after
@@wasabitoburrion4409 The new one's are a throw away all plastic engine parts vehicle.
"e" was an efficiency version intended to maximize fuel efficiency. E as in ETA, a Greek letter hired to serve as efficiency symbol. Eta engines were designed to be low revving, low power but high torque versions of BMW inline sixes, something akin to a tractor. Eta engines redlined at 4500RPM and had very soft valve springs.
Yep. The 528 was _not_ the one to get. You wanted a 533i, or later, the 535i.
And what its funny in german "injection" is "einspritzung" and that's why all old Mercs, small ones and big ones, with injection had "E" in name. And that's why we have now class "E". Because in some point they stop to make W124 with carb, so all was called "E" ;)
And they did get GREAT gas mileage! I had a 325e, the same engine with a smaller, lighter body and a 5-speed. It was a lot quicker than Wizard's 528e Automatic and I averaged 34 mpg.
Well spotted, in the UK we got a 525e, weirdly an automatic only model with a 2.7 litre engine and if memory serves it was about 125bhp, the 525i had about 150bhp and the 528i was over 180bhp. I guess it was before bmw made a turbo diesel, it was supposed to give good low rev performance with better economy than the regular "i" models.
@@andybowie8590 actually in mid '80s BMW did sell a turbo diesel called 524td, it had this engine in it en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M21
I think it was offered in North America as well
Ha ha Piekniek bumpers! That is Afrikaans for Picnic! Us South Africans will sit on it to make a braai and drink a brandy and Coke Wizard ! Braai is Barbecue in American. Greetings from Pretoria South Africa.
Back in the late 80's my boss drove one of these. As the president/owner of a engineering consultanting firm, he appreciated what went into these cars. Last I knew he passed it on to his son who drives it still!
That's when you could tell a BMW was a BMW. A real drivers car. No stability control, traction control, etc. I have an 85 635CSI. I get so many compliments on that car. The E24 & E28 BMWs were great looking cars
this E28 would really look beautiful if it had the european bumpers :)
When I was 16, I had a 1987 325is 5sp manual, thing was built like a tank, ran over 300k miles, good car, great memories.
Same rims, same color, except the interior was a tan leather, sunroof, etc.
Miss wizard makes the videos so much entrainment, the most wholesome duo ever on CZcams
The US mandated bumpers really ruin the front.
Even the back😂
I don't mind them.
agreed!
Nah, the us bumpers are useful. Would rather not have to replace my whole front end in a low speed collision. Euro bumpers are for a show car not a drivers car. Cant withstand any impact.
@@lakeshorerides nah BS, they were not show cars in Europe. We drove them.
I have fond memories of riding in my dads ‘82 528e in chestnut orange.
Good to see some old BMWs on the channel. I hope to see even more of them in the future.
"But Wizard, we are still filming!" LOL!!!
What a nice e28! I share the Wizard's view on newer BMWs.
Is the owner on mye28.com?
This series almost dates back to Bavaria days. When bmw were true ‘owners’ cars and a ton of fun. Too bad it’s not a stick!! LoL
I cried like a baby 👶 when I discovered it was an automatic. Uuiughhhhh
Ive owed 3 of these 1980s 528e.. speedometer is known for stop working on these 80s model BMW so I'm sure that's not the exact mileage
Yes wizard finally a proper BMW ! I owned the 325e variant of this car for 10 years as a daily driver. It got me through high school college and the first year of my job out of school. These cars were so easy to work on and trustworthy. Love the paint on this low mileage gem!
Had an 83 that ran for over 300k miles. Great car.
My first car was a 1983 BMW 732i. I loved that car and drove it all over Germany when I was stationed there. It was a color called Silverblau.
Long time watcher and I just want to say I really appreciate the love you have for the cars you come across. Not everyone has that drive and appreciation for what they do and it is appreciated.
Only discovered the wizard last month , loving the content all the way from Essex uk
Great car, engineering made sense and very easy to work on. Loved my E30, wish I kept it.
In a European's eyes these US bumpers look incredibly ugly - can't imagine anybody purchased a car like this...
As a canadian im gonna say one thing.
They had different bumpers in europe? I knew some cars did but i didnt think this did
@@aaronbalchand5475 All cars that had those hideous type of bumpers in the US had normal bumpers in Europe. Probably every car.. Since it was a US thing.
And euro model had different headlights. Outer light was larger.
I’m not sure why but the e28 seems to have the very largest of the us spec bumpers in the line up from the 80s. I currently have an e23 7 series from 1986 and the giant aluminum bumpers are marginally closer to the body. Nothing better than the euro original bumpers.
Some classic car owners retrofit their European models to Euro spec, which always looks better and gets rid of these hideous bumpers. Jay Leno has shown some examples.
I feel like many uninformed people think all BMW’s are reliable because of the reliability of the old ones. Oh, how times have changed!🤣
The newest ones with 30 computers and all plastic cooling system parts are not good. Vanos can be ok. Its better than the ford 5.4 variable cam with oil pressure issues.
Bosch KE jetronic is one of the most reliable mechanical fuel injection systems ever made. Not sure why you poopoo on it. Yes it requires some specific knowledge but it at least it won't leave you stranded when some random electrical crap goes wrong.
L-Jet is better than Kjet, even mercedes figured that out eventually. there's a reason multiport injection is the standard to this day
x-alt But K-Jetronic is multiport fuel injection (as opposed to TBI). Yes, it's not pulsed, and no, it's not electronic, but it still delivers fuel to individual ports.
Except for the fuel pump relays that did fail, although a resolder job would usually fix it.
I never had issues with it. Simple
It's amazing how many Amricans have no clue about fuel injection. The US was so far behind the Germans in the 70's thru the 90's. I guess all they new was carbs and Detroit's primitive throttle body crap. Mercedes had been using multiport fuel injection in their cars since the Gullwing in the 1950's The technology haveing come directly out of aero engine application during WW2.
It's me, or does Ms. wizard sounds like: "Dear, you hate them, but I want to drive BMW." :)
The owner should have a timing belt put in it. 7 years old at this point...Also while the cluster is out, replace the odometer gears and check out the SI board.
That's what broke in my 1985 633i was the odometer gears in the instrument cluster and the gas mileage indicator didn't work
Aren't they timing chains in these ?
@@manofweed1 These have a belt driven cam. Often when the belt is replaced, some also replace the water pump and cam seals. It's cheap preventive maintenance.
Facts
4:12 Tweeter pods, that's nice and ahead of their time.
Back in 1999-2001 I had a bronze-beige metallic 1986 528e with the premium interior...nice car. My favorite body style BMW to this day.
We love Mr. & Mrs. Wizard Vlogs together 👍
the US bumpers absolutely massacre the styling on these cars though.
I share your opinion of BMWs 100%. The 70s/80s cars are beautiful, reliable, relatively simple cars. I enjoyed both of my E28 535i examples. Its predecessor, the E12 5-series is one of the most gorgeous automobile designs ever to my eye. I have an E39 which I enjoy driving. Wouldn't touch anything from BMW newer than that!
I worked at as BMW dealership technician 1982-95 and drove and worked on many of these. They were nice cars to drive and pretty easy to work on but they were really slow. It was amazing how many brainwashed owners thought their 121 hp automatic 528e was "a rocket-ship" because of those BMW emblems.
This is what I mean when I say I like older BMWs, I cant be arsed with the new stuff but I looove the old E21, E28, E30, Im a bit biased for the E30 because my mother had this beautiful green touring model.
Dont forget the e24. It is the Gran Coupe of the e28. One of the prettiest cars ever made.
@@devinwalton408 e9 is the most.
I grew up in Iowa, where people say Pop. Now I live in Colorado where people say Soda. Glad to see where Kansas stands.
English expression from way back too....
I used to have a mechanic like The Wizard, for 30 years I didn't even have to think about what car I bought, he could always fix it. He wrenched on 24 hours of Daytona Porsches as a hobby and was fair on price, but then he retired.
I can do a lot of work myself, but nowhere as fast or knowledgeable, and time is my biggest hindrance.
Having no good replacement, I don't enjoy my car hobby as much.
A great mechanic is a treasure
I owned an 83 E28 528e ... 5 speed manual touring pkg ... charcoal grey over black... loved that thing ... never should have sold it :-(
I love the M5 version of this model!
The M535i, what a great car, although the gearbox took some getting used to.
@@cambridgemart2075 There's an actual M5, not just m-sport 535 but full M car with ITB's and everything. Check Chris Harris' video on his one. Gorgeous thing getting a bit unobtainium spec now...
I had a 1984 BMW 528e ! was a solid engine ! Best era for BMW in my opinion! My dream car was the 87 BMW 635 Csi...but very expensive! Nice video!
Those really are beautify cars, saw one yesterday with yellow headlights, true beauty.
My boss had a BMW 528e back in the '80s. I asked him what the "e" stood for; he said "Expensive to fix." Once I tried to buy a 2004 BMW 3 series for my wife, but the dealer wanted full MSRP, so I passed on it and never visited a BMW dealer again. I bought her a new 2004 Infiniti G35X, which is still running with 224,000 miles on it, so my gain, BMW's loss.
Car wizard is absolutely right! New BMW are not the same as the elegantly built,reliability & style of the 70’s-80’s beemas! Thankyou Wizard, your great!
Leather is nice, but cloth is cooler....literally, cloth seats are far less likely to burn your ass when you climb into the car on a hot day, and vinyl can go to hell where it belongs.....
Would love to see more cars with nice wool cloth seats like is offered as an 'above leather' trim in Japan.
Scotty Kilmer also approves this BMW because it doesn't have a ton of brittle plastic ready to snap.
I like this classic car. Nothing to fawn, drool, or gush on. Just a nice car.
This brings back memories. Had 3 BMWs from the eighties. 1981 520 non injection and 635csi and a 1986 525i. All great used cars and had them for years with barely a problem. They had such a distinctive styling and the cockpits were just amazing, curving towards you in the drivers seat. Such noticeably fine quality too, compared to the Triumphs, Fords, Vauxhalls and British Leyland cars I was used to driving.
5:54 you dont need a bumber like that
just go to the back and open the trunk
'tough it wont work on this car 🙂
Lovely motor. I had the E30 in the same colour. One of my first sort of cars.
Thank you both for the video- I had one of these for many years, great car.
I owned one of these and my Dad as well. Mine was the same as the video, but an 88 while my Dads was black 87.
I loved this car. My Dad was a mechanic and I learned how to work on the car. It is easy like he says it is. I was just young and didn't have as much resources as today's version of me. LOL It was paid for, but needed work like a BMW. I had to of been typical collage age. ABS went out, bad exhaust leaks/vacuum leaks. Radio I could never figure out due to all the crazy foreign wires. Back then there wasn't a Google, just mechanical know how from other cars and the book at Auto parts stores. Rides great when in good shape, but I was young KNEW what I had yet couldn't afford to fix her up. Good luck finding one these days. All the power windows on this car did that. Mines was the switch. I just took a flathead and pulled out the switch till one day it gave up. LOL. Sunroof motor started going out slowly. My back bumper strip was a quarter off the bumper at all times.
“What I don’t like in my shop, is taking a piece of crap and making it run again” in other words, polishing a turd 🤣
Wizard your so funny man keep up the good work we love you
The old boxy bmws are just so charming.
I own a 1987 BMW 735i, it’s sweet and heavy and really goes down the road well, the 3.5 liter straight 6 pulls like a bulldozer.
I love my 85 535i, great video Wizard
I love the M5 from that body style.
YES! E28 M5 is a dream.
I had an 88 M5...best car I ever owned!
I really like the reserved look of the interior. It's too bad they don't make them like that any more. Not to mention NO CAN bus, completely mechanical transmission, and the only 'module' on the car is the DME that operates the engine.
Should replace all the bulbs in the dash, now that it is apart.
I was thinking the same thing! If it were me, I'd replace all the bulbs.
Yes I was going to suggest that. Replace them all. And I would even upgrade to LED. That way they will last forever, and are brighter and clearer.
@@joe6096 Leds too bright? Never done that.
@@janilindsberg121 No they're not too bright, and you can still adjust them with the dimmer switch if you think they are.
Looks like most of them are #74. Pretty easy to find LED ones on the cheap (ebay)
2:37 I see Bosch Jetronic: In the right upper corner the vane type air flow meter of Bosch L-Jetronic. L stands for Luft: air. So this is not K jetronic or D Jetronic. K=Kontinuierlich=continuous injection an D=Druck=Pressure measuring injection.
It's Motronic
@@MrRickp78 I thought Motronic only used hot wire air mass meter. Checked it, early Motronic also used the flapper door.
I understand its an early Motronic system. My 1987 525e euro spec is definitely motronic and its very good. Euro ones have a bit more power too.
Any BMW behind ‘04-05 is good. There are a few exceptions (E60 M5, E92 3 series) but for the most part if you know how to fix them they’ll serve you well. E39 5 series cars are one of the best BMWs of all time in my opinion next to the E36 3 series and M3 cars.
I agree with you, this is the BMW's that I love and have loved since I was in my teens. I'm 52 now. BMW needs to go retro and makes them exactly the same again.....one of the best looking cars out there. After all of these years it doesn't age in my opinion.
The bumpers were put on because of the US reagulations.. in Europe they don’t have them.
I wonder how difficult it would be to replace the US bumpers with the Euro ones, and how illegal that might be.
@@JoeUrbanYYC Swapping on euro bumpers back in the day was a common thing, and legally, nobody notices, knows, or cares.
I'm currently restoring an '83 528e. It's not a speed demon, but really fun to drive with the 5 speed.
I had an E30 325e that I chipped....it woke the car up like you wont believe
@@67FORDTRUCKF250 I really wish Turner or someone made a chip for my 83 528e, but sadly I don't think it exists :(
I had one of these in highschool and it's one of my all time favorites. Seeing that motor brought back memories. The engine was interchangeable with the 3- series for many years and was very easy to work on. It's a great drivers, the old school BMW feel; still classy after all these years.
I got mine from my dad and I loved my e28 528e for many years and now my son has it. One of the best cars ever made for sure
I like E28's, too, but an "e" motor and automatic transmission would be my last choice.
The E28 M535i was a beast of a car, got to drive one for an afternoon once.
How about a carbureted M10B18 and a 3hp22 three speed automatic?
This is America. We didn't get 4 cylinder E28's.
@@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261 count yourself lucky Donald Glover at least you have a torque curve.
it shows he knows nothing
Those are cake to work on. And those e engines last a long time, but they are not quick at all. Probably over 10 second to 60
Nice bImmer! Miss the interior smell of these.
I ran a Hartge E28 M535i in the late '80s. Deep dark Burgundy, skirts and an exhaust note to die for. Utterly sublime car. I was fortunate and ran a few Beemers from my first one a 2002tii. That 528E was BMWs attempt at an economy car ..😆
As you say they were great quality cars but practical (if you ignored the horrendous price of spare parts) to run. Never had one let me down apart from a 535iX Touring that stretched the chain in the transfer box. My bad!
First!! I like the older BMWs too! Nice one!
I personally like this older BMW too bad they pretty expensive to buy I would love this.
@@1985toyotacamry Don't always assume that. Check autotrader.com, autotempest.com, craigslist and ebay. The low end 525i's and 528e's are slow, old, and not worth much.
@@houseofno really? That's interesting to know
@@1985toyotacamry I am just saying you won't know until you look. Doesn't cost anything to peek around. The E28 525i and 528e generally aren't very special or desirable by collectors, which should make for an affordable acquisition.
It seems like the older European cars are better than the newer ones. Those older Mercedes diesel cars are tanks w/hundreds of thousands of miles on them and they’re still running on the roads till this day.
Its because they made them simpler back then, didn't realise until the late 90's it was beneficial to use crap components and over complicate everything so you have to take it to the dealer to fix it. Take a glance at the newer BMW mini's as a prime example.
@@buggerlugz6753 I recall when Chrysler Daimler got involved with Mercedes years back their quality really went down but yes I agree, the easier the vehicles are made the more longer they last.
Ayee awesome to see appreciation for these cars, I daily drive an 88 528e. I've actually swapped in a six speed and it's a blast to drive !
Absolutely timeless styling on this one (aside from the US spec bumpers as you mentioned). Love the actual kidney sized grills.
BMW should fly David up to Germany for a consultation on where he thinks they're going wrong. He clearly knows what he's talking about. 5000 bucks per day plus expenses should cover it.
While he's there, maybe Bosch can train him in CIS and CIS-E, which aren't so bad.
@Perry Elyod true, they'll get good reviews in the tests, they'll do ok in the fleet and what people do with them after that is irrelevant.
This is how you dine out on your reputation.
Since 90% of people have absolutely no clue whatsoever about cars, this works.
yeah he needs training lol Send him to shoplifeTV 😆 that 21yo kid knows way more than the old wizard
@Perry Elyod what would u know how many have u owned mate? or u just rehashing crap others tell you. Plastic is more recyclable and in 90s BMW decided to be more recyclable.. it means replacing plastic components that can become brittle. really just the cooling system parts. I've owned FOUR.. all purchased post warranty. research is the key
Amusing that you're implying they don't do it on purpose.
"a 3 litre so tiny" laughs in 1.6l european
I had a mk1 fiesta 1.1L last winter... hehehe.....he......
He said 3 litre V8, so smaller pistons than your 1.6.
Awesome car. I have loved these cars since they debuted. I’m an 80s kid so this model reminds me of that.
I had a '87 BMW 325es. Along w/ a pair of his and hers '99 BMW 528i'. I kept the '87 nicer than the newer ones because our dog Lucy loved riding in that particular car for some unknown reason. So, Lucy was the only dog in town that had her own BMW.. So, again, whenever we took Lucy with us which was most ALL the time, we took her car..
I absolutely love BMWs. I have a similar thought of them as the Wizard does about Range Rovers.
Same. The new ones have their problems, same as every other mainstream manufacturer now.
@@jbuckley2546 You mean like Nissan, Honda, Toyota? Oh no wait, those are in the top 10 for reliability!
@@jbuckley2546 I agree. And btw, the current BMW G30 5 series is a good competent all round executive sedan. While I have no doubt one wouldn't last as long as this E28, the interior is eons ahead of the E28's.
Seems like a lot of wear on the interior for 30,000 miles. odd.
The odometers are notorious for failing on these E28s. No chance this thing has only 30k miles, IMO.
The front armrest is in ribbons -there's no way that's happened in 30k miles.
yeah youd think a so-called experienced mechanic would notice hey? insane
Great wizard glad to hear you like some BMWS, and yes there are some BMW vehicles that are worth the time.
I think being a mechanic he only sees neglected BMWs.. Ive had an 80s 728i great car never an issue, I've also had a zero maintenance E36 328i coupe, an E46 318i facelift VVT sedan and an E46 328i coupe. All ran magnificently.
God those bumpers look awful, spoil the classic lines!
It's sad how BMW evolved from a reliable company to current garbage.
Maybe they're going through hard growing pains due to over-engineering.
& maybe someday will be a quality car again.
I'm a mechanical engineer student that appreciate well made cars, I got two 88 mod 5 series. I could own a E39 as something Id junk if broke badly, anything newer I woulden't touch with a 10 meter long stick.
oh yer so how many have u owned mate? speaking from experience your wrong I've owned four all magnificent
my grandfather bought one of these new in 88 or 89 i think in montreal blue (dark blue), most beautiful color i´ve ever seen on a bmw to this day, it had beige cloth interieur. it was a 525e similar to this thing but German spec so it had about 180hp which was pretty good numbers back then. he sold it when he was getting too old to drive it anymore and it had only 34k miles on it and in excellent shape. When he brought it to service to BMW the chief mechanic was always very happy and told him he has never seen one of these in his career in this perfect condition. I was a bit upset he didn´t gave it to me, but he was worried it had too much horsepower for his young grandson :) I wish I could buy it back but I don´t know who bought it because as he passed away I couldn´t find any documents on the sale so it remains as a good memory
If i ever heard Car Wizard say he liked having me as a customer, I would get chills and feel overwhelmed with emotion
Back when BMWs had real class 👌 thanks Car Wizard
Privileged with owning a 85 M535i, best family sport sedan! Lotsa of good memories. Thank you Mr & Mrs Wizard👍👍👍
Awesome. Love this period of BMWs.
Really enjoyable, as I work on my 88 528e automatic! Managed to restore it to 95%, just the darn electricals from brake lights to the radio! Was hoping to see him cover a few repairs. All the best!
A buddy of mine bought an 85' 528e with 52000 miles on it in 1988 and it was so beautiful,, I was IMPRESSED !!
I got in it for the first time on a hot Houston night and there were warning lights everywhere but 80% of the gauges and dash were unlit,, I said turn the damn A/C on man it's HOT,,,,,,,,,,,,, A/C doesn't work.
I was quickly UNIMPRESSED.
Meanwhile my best friend's parents 72' Montego MX 2 door with 108000 miles on it was still 100% functional including the A/C ,,,, whisper quiet and solid as a rock and would light the tires at will.
That Bimmer was beautiful though........
It was a good lesson.
Certainly a solid car and worthy of making everything right again. As the second owner of an original, fully documented 40K mile E30, I would echo others comments that it is very unlikely this car has 30k miles from new with that amount of interior wear and tear. The odometer clusters were notorious for breaking at any age, and many people just ignored it and just kept driving. I would go for the 5 speed swap, change the timing belt and otherwise enjoy the car as it stands.
I started off with early 80s Fords, a friend convinced me to get a get a 91 520i a couple years ago, 2 years later I've had 4 of them, and now own 2 1988 520i, first year E34s with the M20B20 engine, a manual all year car and a automatic summer car, use them mainly for shopping and getting to and from my university. I love these cars. They are really simple, are easy and very enjoyable to maintain and just feel and sound great. I've been stranded 5 times in my life, zero times with the BMWs and 5 times with the Fords I've had. I'm keeping the ones I have now, even if I might find some bigger engines for them with time. I hate newer BMWs with a passion and think they are no more than junk. But these old bimmers really are impressive and nice reliable cars to own as long as one keeps up on maintance and do them right.
The all-year car was in rough shape and was welded and gone over entirely on everything, while the summer car that is alpine white was very well taken care off, has a rare dark blue colour in the interior, has no rust and was bought from a 70 year old man who had it since 99 when I was 1 year old. Will take good care of it and enjoy it on nice summer days when it's dry and nice outside
I learned stick on an 87 528e... it may not have much power, but it has enough torque to burn a little rubber if you thrash it. Just a little.