Switching to a bmw?

[loldynamic]

So I currently have a 80 c10 with a decent drop on it 350/5 speed, Im thinking about trading it for an older bmw, 80s-2000, What are somethings i should look for and i guess i dont know how are the ins and outs of these things. I know my way around a car, im a mechanic by trade. What are somethings to watch out for, also are parts/mods as expensive as everyone makes them out to be? Im also thinking about an A4? Are these cars big inside? Im 6'4" 270lbs lol so just curious if i could even fit comfortably in them

[stikrz]

80's to 2000's represent a broad range in character, models, and maladies. One thing with ALL BMW's is the cooling system. Make sure they are done properly and with good parts. Later models, the e39 5 series in particular, have weak cooling systems. I have owned many numerous BMW's, and can tell they are all different. Even the same chassis and models have their own personality. Here's a quick rundown:

e3-e9: 1600, 1602, 2002, Bavaria, 3.0cs/csi, 2800cs/csi, etc
Carbs, rust, weak plumbing due to age, hard to find parts for www.2002faq.com

e12 5 series: rust, hard to find parts for, auto transmissions a little odd and electrical can be sneaky www.firstfives.org

e21 3 series: RUST RUST RUST Parts are pretty easy to come by. Interior quality not like that of the succeeding e30, but a good and light performer nonetheless. The engine management K-tronic injection is touchy as hell and HATES vacuum leaks.

e28 5 series and e30 3 series: My favorite (e28). I have owned about 9 of these (1 e30). Like the e30, the eta cars (528e, 325es/i/is) use timing belts on interference motors. Keep on the maintenance schedule. Parts are easy to come by, and do not rust too terribly bad. But be careful where you buy and who you buy from. The 535i/is uses a timing chain and has a large engine, more torque and power, and is a robust and jumpy car. www.mye28.com, www.r3vlimited.com

The e24 6 series and e23 7 series are good cars and very similar in quality to the e28 and e30, but the HVAC on the e23 is terrible.

For more info on the different models just see wiki, bimmerforums, mye28, any will answer your questions. Welcome in advance to the sickness.

[loldynamic]

wow great post man, very informative thanks! Im definitiley in the market for a e28 5 series, just gotta find someone willing to trade

[niquemarshall]

Any year BMW, especially e28 and e30 like stikrz said, you cant go wrong with. Older Audis, on the other hand, i hear are higher maintenance than women.

[DeleriousZ]

Going to bump this rather than making my own thread.

Is there a good 'buyer's guide' and/or basic common problems thread for early e30's that someone could link me to? After hanging out here for a while I'm falling in love with the older bmw's!

[rajendersingh50]

i am a old user and always prefer my BMW and would say that its just awesome car than any other one. i am with model e28 of mine

[fpsthomas]

You'll find that parts actually fit on bmw's and you can reach everything and it all works.
But most of all, they are awesome

[minkypinky]

BMW. Well I don’t think you will go for a bad choice. Because as I know all the BMW has a good condition. Anyway I love the facts given by stikrz. They are really effective.

[WICKED WEISS]

BMW. Well I don’t think you will go for a bad choice. Because as I know all the BMW has a good condition. Anyway I love the facts given by stikrz. They are really effective.

Lul wut.

[Breaker]

A4 would be a good choice since it fits you well and buying old BMW is like investing on stock.

[hondarida5]

If I was you i would go with a E30 BMW Inline6