1987 BMW 5 Series 528e 2.7 from North America

Summary:

Everything I expected and more

Faults:

Some wear on the drivers seat & minor rust for the year of this car.

General Comments:

I have wanted a BMW for a long time and finally found a great deal. It's a 1987 528e with only 52800 km. The only thing I have had to do is replace the rotors & pads. A little body work on the lower undersides & I am looking at probably replacing the exhaust system. But I am not complaining I only paid $1500.00 Canadian for this beauty! Can anyone tell me if the steering is supposed to be stiff on this year of BMW? The steering seems like it is standard steering to me, but I have never driven a BMW before! Thanks in advance for your help.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2004

13th Oct 2004, 18:16

Yes, steering on the 528e is supposed to be stiff. I believe it has "power assisted steering" versus straight "power steering." The intention is a greater feel for the road at speed, but more power assist when driving slow and parking. Great car!

9th Nov 2006, 10:10

Regarding steering: It is somehwhat normal for the steering to be stiff. But when is it stiff? During parking (low rpm's), or driving (mid-rpm's)? My 533i, is sometimes very stiff at low rpm's, during parking, but a little throttle always helps. Otherwise the steering stiffness is consistent. Also, the majority of BMW's from the 80's or earlier have a "numb on-center" steering response - meaning it feels dull turning the wheel, left/right slightly just off-center; when turned more it gets very positive, and grabs the road. This is a common trait the E21, E23, E24, and E28 were known for. This is smart, safe German engineering. Remember, these cars were built for higher than average speeds, and you don't want the steering, brakes, or throttle to over-react.

1987 BMW 5 Series M535i 3.5 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The most comfortable and fun car I have ever owned

Faults:

Not a lot really. The viscose coupling from the fan to the water pump went, which in turn caused the water pump to seize, but this was all caused by a "friend" who over tightened the fan belt by a long way!!

The battery went and a couple of the electric windows were a bit sticky due to gunk in the door, and the rev counter stuck, but it was stored outside for a while before I bought it, these things will happen if you don't look after them right!

Really and truly, nothing major went wrong, but if it had been taken care of earlier it wouldn't have gone wrong at all.

General Comments:

Its your classic BMW tale, it won't go wrong, but when it does it'll cost you.

The water pump and coupling affair ended up costing me £270, which stung a bit for a "small job", should have done it myself!!

The "one off" Avon tyres were £140 each, and that was the cheapest quote.

It has the same fuel economy as a B-52, but you do get everywhere a lot quicker so there is an economy of sorts!

But the best bit is, you ready for this, I paid £400 for this car, a good deal for sure, but you can pick them up all the time for @ £1000, super cheap super-car? Not quite maybe, but fun with a capital F.

This car was great to drive, I loved it! BMW know how to make cars. With the sports mode engaged on the gearbox acceleration was simply awesome. Off the mark it wasn't the fastest, but that was due to the auto box (manuals are said to be good for 0-60 in @7 seconds) but for overtaking the gearbox would drop two gears (in sports mode) and man, wow, did it go!! Big grins all round!!

And the real beauty was that unlike little GTi's and other sporting saloons that flounder when any more than a 17 year old boy is sat in the car, you could fill this thing up to the gunnel with people and stuff, and it would still tear up strips of tarmac! Brilliant!!

Just be careful in the wet!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2002

31st Mar 2003, 20:31

I'm almost afraid to ask, but how expensive is the insurance. I'm still trying to figure out if I can afford one or not.

21st Apr 2003, 08:15

I just bought a 1990 E34 535i Sport, and insurance is ~£400. That's fully comp, 33 yr old divorced male in edinburgh, software engineer, clean licence, 4 yrs NCB. Just one more reason why 5s give you the most bang for your buck!