Goodbye Roadmaster, hello... what? (help)

[Numbersix]

Yeah, seriously. I realize there's an opportunity cost to making just one choice, but that 855R seems like a no-brainer as long as the A/C works and he flushes the trans fluid before you pick it up.

[zhenya00]

you'll be happy with an S70, just try to get one for around 3k and spend the other 500 on things like strut seats, tires and general overhaul.

They are not that bad at all to work on and the build quality is pretty amazing. That 850 wagon looks like a keeper. I would jump on that before somebody else does. also the paint jobs on these cars are fairly solid. somebody painted the bumpers on mine and it doesn't quite match but it doesn't bother me all that much considering that the car is a daily. order some factory spray cans from paintscratch.com and have at it. the volvo support forums for diy jobs are pretty damn good too.

the lpt in my car is impressive and it's just a much more refined car than my 9-5 Aero was, although the Aero was better looking, handled better and was faster, working on the Saab was a bitch. The Volvo is fairly straight forward.

After owning one for four weeks I can really see why there is such a following for these cars. I really like the feel the steering, the seating postion, the comfort level and the power from the 2.3 lpt. Feels like a high output V6 but with much better mpg.

FTFY.

Agree

Just do it!

[Chapel]

I may be going to look at this next weekend:


1988 E28 528e. Everything I know about the M20s in a slightly larger package... 1988 so it's a SuperEta motor. Easier to bump up to 170-190bhp thanks to using nearly everything from the M20B25s 170hp but with softer cams and valvetrain. Upgrade the cams and valvetrain, change out the fuel injectors and get the right ECU and you can get a 2.7L with quite a bit of oomph.

My wife even doesn't hate it.

[VadGTI]

All hail the bearded East Coast VadGTI!

Sent from a rotary-dial phone using Edna the Small Town Operator

[choochoo]

I may be going to look at this next weekend:


1988 E28 528e. Everything I know about the M20s in a slightly larger package... 1988 so it's a SuperEta motor. Easier to bump up to 170-190bhp thanks to using nearly everything from the M20B25s 170hp but with softer cams and valvetrain. Upgrade the cams and valvetrain, change out the fuel injectors and get the right ECU and you can get a 2.7L with quite a bit of oomph.

My wife even doesn't hate it.

serious question, because I'm kind of looking at E28/E34, why not 535i or 535is instead of messing with the 528e?

[FujiTekniques]

I may be going to look at this next weekend:


1988 E28 528e. Everything I know about the M20s in a slightly larger package... 1988 so it's a SuperEta motor. Easier to bump up to 170-190bhp thanks to using nearly everything from the M20B25s 170hp but with softer cams and valvetrain. Upgrade the cams and valvetrain, change out the fuel injectors and get the right ECU and you can get a 2.7L with quite a bit of oomph.

My wife even doesn't hate it.

Euro bumpers = sex on wheels. Very nice.

[200HP4dr]

Great looking car. They also have a "buttoned-down" vintage driving feel them. Solid and planted, yet special enough to keep my interest.

Let us know how this goes.

Chris

[200HP4dr]

All hail the bearded East Coast VadGTI!

Does every time zone need a VadGTI?

Chris

[ATL_Av8r]

and unlike Vad, I intend to buy something

Vad intends to. He just doesn't.

[Chapel]

serious question, because I'm kind of looking at E28/E34, why not 535i or 535is instead of messing with the 528e?

because:

Euro bumpers = sex on wheels. Very nice.

that's why.

I love the M30, but I'm ultimately familiar with the M20 and upgrading it to 190ish HP isn't that expensive. That said, if it falls through, I'll look at some M30 powered ones too. They're tanks

That said, even the standard supereta motor goes reasonably well AND it gets ridiculous gas mileage. in the 30s on the highway.

[choochoo]

I love the M30, but I'm ultimately familiar with the M20 and upgrading it to 190ish HP isn't that expensive. That said, if it falls through, I'll look at some M30 powered ones too. They're tanks

That said, even the standard supereta motor goes reasonably well AND it gets ridiculous gas mileage. in the 30s on the highway.

Even with the mods it'll get 30mpg?
Also, how much can the redline be raised. 5300, with the conforti chip, right?

[Broduski]

I may be going to look at this next weekend:


1988 E28 528e. Everything I know about the M20s in a slightly larger package... 1988 so it's a SuperEta motor. Easier to bump up to 170-190bhp thanks to using nearly everything from the M20B25s 170hp but with softer cams and valvetrain. Upgrade the cams and valvetrain, change out the fuel injectors and get the right ECU and you can get a 2.7L with quite a bit of oomph.

My wife even doesn't hate it.

This is the only acceptable alternative to an 855R.

[Chapel]

Even with the mods it'll get 30mpg?
Also, how much can the redline be raised. 5300, with the conforti chip, right?

probably high 20s with the mods
with the supporting i mods I mentioned above, redline would increase to 6900rpms

if you leave the eta alone and put JUST a chip in it, yes 5300rpms.

Though this is a SuperEta, so the redline is already 5500rpms

I asked him to send me photos of the rust.
here's the ONLY spot that concerns me:

the other are the front door edge and the front fender.

You can see all the photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=ceb38524bb

[the flying grape!]

My lady's previous car was a 1987 528e. It had a Conforti chip and shorter diff gearing, so it had some get up and go. It would get OK mileage at highway speeds, but around town it sucked down gas like crazy.

These cars also eat front suspensions for breakfast. Seriously. Check for front end wobble at highway speed during the test drive.

I would also replace the steering wheel if it hasn't been already. The stock ones are HUGE.

[Chapel]

My lady's previous car was a 1987 528e. It had a Conforti chip and shorter diff gearing, so it had some get up and go. It would get OK mileage at highway speeds, but around town it sucked down gas like crazy.

These cars also eat front suspensions for breakfast. Seriously. Check for front end wobble at highway speed during the test drive.

I would also replace the steering wheel if it hasn't been already. The stock ones are HUGE.

I actually still have my E30 325iS M-tech 1 steering wheel... I also have a Personal Steering wheel sitting in a box.

He says the suspension has been recently sorted

[Numbersix]

Seriously? This car has 295,000 miles on the engine and major drivetrain components. Trust me--I know the eta motors have a reputation for being long-lived. But 300k = time for a minor or major rebuild if it hasn't had anything done already.

"Perfect candidate for a full restoration" does not = uber-reliable daily driver in my book.

Why this over the Volvo?

[Chapel]

Seriously? This car has 295,000 miles on the engine and major drivetrain components. Trust me--I know the eta motors have a reputation for being long-lived. But 300k = time for a minor or major rebuild if it hasn't had anything done already.

"Perfect candidate for a full restoration" does not = uber-reliable daily driver in my book.

Why this over the Volvo?

because I've determined I'd rather have something I want and would love. My wife and I figured I only need a fun weekend and errand runner. I know M20s.

I'm looking at 535is as well. That said, I'm mostly attracted to the euro bumpers... and the M20...
the guy has a pretty comprehensive service history.

I'm going to be bringing my absolutely brilliant BMW engineer friend with me.

M20s are a dime a dozen. I could even swap it for something fancier in a few years like a built M30 or M50...

[Numbersix]

Here's my take:

The E28 is a full generation of BMW older than the E30. It shows in a number of ways--the electrics in particular.

My friend who was the GM of the best independent BMW shop in the region says they are one of his least favorite BMW's due in large measure to the electrics, but also they just don't feel as modern as an E30 or E34. The driving position isn't as good as an E34, and the overall drive isn't as good.

Not trying to pee in your Wheaties here, Jared. I nearly bought a beautiful one owner 535is a number of years ago, having convinced myself it was The Car for me; then I drove it a fair bit. And talked with my friend about it.

I bought my E30 instead.

[phofpower]

Here's my take:

The E28 is a full generation of BMW older than the E30. It shows in a number of ways--the electrics in particular.

My friend who was the GM of the best independent BMW shop in the region says they are one of his least favorite BMW's due in large measure to the electrics, but also they just don't feel as modern as an E30 or E34. The driving position isn't as good as an E34, and the overall drive isn't as good.

Not trying to pee in your Wheaties here, Jared. I nearly bought a beautiful one owner 535is a number of years ago, having convinced myself it was The Car for me; then I drove it a fair bit. And talked with my friend about it.

I bought my E30 instead.

I owned a E28 for many years, while also having an E30. And you are correct, the E30 does feel more modern in many ways, but at the same time feels less raw and engaging. I preferred the E28, and it was also more reliable, the only electrical issue I had was a relay going bad and the taillight connections corroding due to getting wet.

The E28 debuted only 2 years earlier than the E30 so it really wasn't a generation behind, they also shared most electrics if I remember correctly. I owned an E12 beforehand so the E28 seemed very modern to me by comparison.

That being said I know it is hard not to, but ignore the Euro bumpers and buy the best maintained, no rust, under 150K mile example you can find. If you only want the car for its bumpers then only pay as much as you would for those bumpers and find a better example to put them on.

[phofpower]

That being said I know it is hard not to, but ignore the Euro bumpers and buy the best maintained, no rust, under 150K mile example you can find. If you only want the car for its bumpers then only pay as much as you would for those bumpers and find a better example to put them on.

I'm not following my own advice but this looks good... http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/3296974830.html

[Numbersix]

Interesting. Not quite sure why someone would spend so much $ on restoring a 533i Auto. But it's been done nicely, for sure. I'm not quite sure I understand the ad, though--is he saying the car had a bad trans when he bought it? Or it does now?

[phofpower]

Interesting. Not quite sure why someone would spend so much $ on restoring a 533i Auto. But it's been done nicely, for sure. I'm not quite sure I understand the ad, though--is he saying the car had a bad trans when he bought it? Or it does now?

I don't quite get his ad either, I'm not sure what the current condition is, these pictures could be from when it was a show winner. I'm more interested in its current state, all cars were nice at one time.

[choochoo]

you should rock this in stead of that 533i
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3274665226.html

[Numbersix]

Always worries me when someone describes a BMW of that vintage as having a "V6". Often a sign of an ignorant owner.

[Chapel]

That being said I know it is hard not to, but ignore the Euro bumpers and buy the best maintained, no rust, under 150K mile example you can find. If you only want the car for its bumpers then only pay as much as you would for those bumpers and find a better example to put them on.

I'd pay $2000 for the bumpers

[choochoo]

Always worries me when someone describes a BMW of that vintage as having a "V6". Often a sign of an ignorant owner.

But, he's going to throw in the original TRX wheels. Yeah, maybe it's a typo otherwise I don't think he made much use of the bentley manual he's also including.

[welderdood]

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/3312339012.html

Looks a little beat up but it is a 5spd wagon

[Chapel]

well, that 855 got sold out from under me rather oddly...
the guy said it wasn't done, wasn't ready to be seen over the weekend... then today he tells me it's on it's way to Canada...

What do you guys think of E39s (6 cylinder ones, the V8s seem to be too much of a hassle)

[rynodyno312]

What do you guys think of E39s (6 cylinder ones, the V8s seem to be too much of a hassle)

I would look for a 530i w/ a stick. Rare, but out there. I can't imagine the base engines would be much fun in a car of that heft.

[Numbersix]

I've driven a euro-spec E39 525i all over Ireland many years ago.

I was shocked at how competent that car was. Yes, 170hp wasn't a lot but the drivetrain was very willing and the chassis made the most of it. (Frankly, on most of the 'roads' I was driving you wouldn't have been able to use much more anyway.)

I'm also a big fan of E34's, any with either an M50 or M30B35 underhood.

[Chapel]

I'm looking at an E34 525i as well (M50 powered)

530i is out of my price range

My other concern right now is there's a good chance I might hold off until I get my raise in November and my bonus amount laid out... that way I know what I can afford on top of the $2500 I already have.

[Numbersix]

You're not getting an E39 that isn't a basket case in the $2500 range.

It's asking a lot to find a decent E34 in that price range, honestly.

I'd wait if I were you. As stated, you don't NEED the car. So why not hold off?

[PoorHouse]

I'd wait if I were you. As stated, you don't NEED the car. So why not hold off?

x2 - That isn't far off anyway.


On a related note, stopped to look at a 02 Maxima with a for sale sign in front of someones house.

SE, auto, 146k miles --------------------------------- $6500


It was clean though.

[Chapel]

You're not getting an E39 that isn't a basket case in the $2500 range.

It's asking a lot to find a decent E34 in that price range, honestly.

I'd wait if I were you. As stated, you don't NEED the car. So why not hold off?

had a few issues getting places recently. My dad says I can borrow his Suburban though... I just need to get around to the rink and stuff.

[welderdood]

x2 - That isn't far off anyway.


On a related note, stopped to look at a 02 Maxima with a for sale sign in front of someones house.

SE, auto, 146k miles --------------------------------- $6500


It was clean though.

Yeah, tell me about it. I just looked at a 97 Accord which granted was pristine

171,xxx on the clock and they wanted 4300.00 (private sale)