0B1 is born, my very first 5er
Posted: Aug 03, 2020 10:47 AM
So the journey begins, just picked up my very first e28 1987 535is A/T in lachssilber over Cardinal red with 115,000k on the odometer.
The good...
It is an absolutely rust free Ca car with a clean title and no accidents... the car runs, stops, steers great with no shake or wandering, it feels tight with no funny noises, creeks or groans, the a/c blows ice cold air and the blower motor is silent, the on board computer functions as does the upper check list computer, sunroof functions perfectly, headliner is completely intact, no rust in the battery tray, all VINs reside in their places on each door as well as the trunk and hood, brakes work surprisingly well but I believe a e34/e32 upgrade is in order, the carpet is as good as they get with no visible wear, floor mats are the same, the white lettering on the controls are bright white with no wear and the steering wheel is wore in but not wore out.
The bad...
Engine: there are a few leaks from under the bonnet, power steering pump is very wet and will need rebuilding, it leaks from the valve cover but it needs a valve adjustment, looks like it has an oil pan or front seal leak and the master cylinder looks very moist, the front seats are toast, totally dry rot, I’m going to try to bring back the rear seat as it is not as bad...
The Ugly...
drivers sun visor is cracked on the inside corner were they all seem to fail but passengers is good, upper vinyl from the visor console is coming unglued as well so that whole area will have to be addressed, rear view mirror is going to need to be replaced, window tint that is so old that only the clear plastic remains, the clear coat is failing and flaking off, from what I’m learning this was a common problem with the metallic BMW paint of the era, that being said it has an interesting patina IMO, also has some whiskey dings that come with a car of this age, my paint-less dent removal guy will enjoy working on this car and it’s been a while since I’ve seen Steve, he does absolutely amazing paintless dent removal.
The good...
It is an absolutely rust free Ca car with a clean title and no accidents... the car runs, stops, steers great with no shake or wandering, it feels tight with no funny noises, creeks or groans, the a/c blows ice cold air and the blower motor is silent, the on board computer functions as does the upper check list computer, sunroof functions perfectly, headliner is completely intact, no rust in the battery tray, all VINs reside in their places on each door as well as the trunk and hood, brakes work surprisingly well but I believe a e34/e32 upgrade is in order, the carpet is as good as they get with no visible wear, floor mats are the same, the white lettering on the controls are bright white with no wear and the steering wheel is wore in but not wore out.
The bad...
Engine: there are a few leaks from under the bonnet, power steering pump is very wet and will need rebuilding, it leaks from the valve cover but it needs a valve adjustment, looks like it has an oil pan or front seal leak and the master cylinder looks very moist, the front seats are toast, totally dry rot, I’m going to try to bring back the rear seat as it is not as bad...
The Ugly...
drivers sun visor is cracked on the inside corner were they all seem to fail but passengers is good, upper vinyl from the visor console is coming unglued as well so that whole area will have to be addressed, rear view mirror is going to need to be replaced, window tint that is so old that only the clear plastic remains, the clear coat is failing and flaking off, from what I’m learning this was a common problem with the metallic BMW paint of the era, that being said it has an interesting patina IMO, also has some whiskey dings that come with a car of this age, my paint-less dent removal guy will enjoy working on this car and it’s been a while since I’ve seen Steve, he does absolutely amazing paintless dent removal.