Just picked up this Clean 1994 525i with 112k miles. She’ll need a little interior TLC but the previous owner took great care of it. No Gelcoat fade, 3 tiny rust spots on the doors. I’ll be doing some interior restoration and paint correction on a couple spots and eventually a manual swap. Super stoked on the pick up!
First-time potential E34 buyer. Looking for a manual project car (I have a separate daily, so downtime isn’t an issue). Found a local ’92 525i 5-speed and want a sanity check before I drive out to see it.
What I’ve confirmed:
• Built November 1991, so it’s the pre-VANOS M50B25. Engine bay photos confirm non-VANOS valve cover doesn’t have the VANOS bump. The seller thought it was VANOS
• 323,000 miles. Body and paint look pretty clean from the photos there is some damage but the gel coat isn’t fading or coming off
• 5-speed manual, which I gather is the hard part to find.
My concerns:
• The listing said “engine rebuilt recently.” In messages that turned into “I did the timing, all gaskets, radiator and hoses myself.” So it’s not a rebuild — it’s a DIY refresh on either the original motor or a swapped in motor, no shop receipts. And the seller doesn’t seem to know the car (thinks it’s a VANOS, and is now guessing the engine’s been swapped because it “runs so smooth”) but can’t confirm because again no receipts no info
• Registered non-op. He says it’s “still under the previous owner,” kept non-op to skip insurance. The listing also said “clean title in hand.” That combo reads like an open / out-of-name title to me.
Price: he listed it at 5,500 but it doesn’t appear to be worth that with what i am thinking are red flags about the motor and owner ship Knowledge of the car
Questions for you all:
1. Non-VANOS M50 at 323k — how worried should I be about the bottom end? Are these genuinely good for it, or is that mileage with zero records just asking for it?
2. DIY timing job (chain guides?) by an owner who doesn’t know the car, no receipts — what specifically would you look or listen for to tell whether it was done right or is about to grenade?
3. Beyond cooling system and suspension bushings, what are the E34-specific things I should be checking at this mileage?
4.. what would you offer for this car? manual, clean body, but all these unknowns - Would you pull the trigger?
Appreciate any honest takes, including “run away.” Thanks.