Good idea?

"4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30" (4muddyfeet)
10/05/2016 at 19:34 • Filed to: None

I’m thinking of replacing the Skoda Octavia for something a bit less DPF-y. For Ł6,500 ono, is this a worthy candidate?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C775358

DISCUSSION (12)

E90M3 > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/05/2016 at 19:40

525e, I think we got that in the US as the 528e. Same engine, just differnt badging cause US.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > E90M3
10/05/2016 at 19:42

Yeh the displacement is 2.8, but it’s not like that ever guided BMW on what they wrote on the back

E90M3 > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/05/2016 at 19:44

It used to be, however there is some precedence for them to use a different number for a turbo car. “BMW designated this particular model as 745i instead of 732i Turbo due to the theoretical assumption that the turbocharged motors have about 1.4 times more power than naturally aspirated motors. Thus, 3.2-litre (3205cc) turbocharged motor has “power equivalent” of 4.5-litre (4487cc) motor without forced induction.” According to wiki

gmctavish needs more space > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/05/2016 at 19:57

I mean, I would love that shell, because it’s euro, but I’d rip out the drivetrain and have an M30 and G260 or G265 instead. The eta motor is a dog, although sort of decent on fuel. That’s also a lot of money for one of the slowest E28s. That said, it looks really clean, and the subtle bodykit looks good

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > gmctavish needs more space
10/05/2016 at 20:04

OK thank you, it’s this sort of input that I need because I know jack about old BMWs apart from the e23! What are your thoughts on a Series 1 Alfa 164 V6? :D

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C738220

someassemblyrequired > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/05/2016 at 20:09

There is a minty one here in Seattle for sale - if you can put up with US bumpers and LHD. $3300. Kinda a bog spec for 6500 quid, even if perfect.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > someassemblyrequired
10/05/2016 at 20:21

Yeh gmctavish just schooled me on the motor. Shame, because I love the look of it and from the few photos it looks really clean and tidy

RallyWrench > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/05/2016 at 20:22

That is an unbelievable amount of money for an “e”, especially with an automatic. The body kit isn’t worth that kind of premium, and isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. 528e’s, the same car, can be had here all day in great shape, with manuals, for under $5000 US. 535is and M5s are pretty much the only ones that exceed that.

That said, they are very nice cars, I’ve had two E28s and will have another. The “e” cars don’t feel as slow as their numbers would suggest because they have good torque, and they get really good fuel economy for a car of their time and size.

gmctavish needs more space > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/05/2016 at 20:30

I should add that I know nothing about the value of e28s in the UK, just in Canada. So over here, that much would get you an extremely clean 535i/5 speed, with an LSD and maybe sport seats. Also check for shock tower and subframe rust. But unless you’re looking for a relatively sedate daily, steer clear of that engine, it’s an attempt at making torque like a diesel while keeping the refinement of a gasser, but just ends up being slow and sad.

I don’t know much about Alfas at all I’m afraid, I hardly see those around here ever

flyingmetalbird > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/05/2016 at 23:27

That’s my favorite gen 5-series hands down. If I had any money I would buy a project car example and build it perfectly. I have my dream E28 5 series in my head, waiting patiently for growth in wallet

Klaus Schmoll > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/06/2016 at 00:24

That engine isnt too bad. While low on peak horses it has a lot of torque at very low revs, so acceleration in 4th or 5th matches that of a 528i.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
10/11/2016 at 19:29

Ł6500 seems a lot!

I advocate finding a cheaper one and swapping in (or getting someone to swap in) a beefier M30 variant...