SOLDSOLDSOLDSOLD*
Background: My aunt's friend is recently a widow, and has to sell off this BMW quickly. So I'm trying to help out. Keep in mind as I write this up that she just needs the car gone, for whatever she can get for it. She's not going to try and make every penny its worth, whatever that is. Just more than what the "we buy junk cars" guys will give her.
I went and checked out the car today and took some pics. I am not a BMW expert by any means, but did try to check some areas that people suggested here and on bimmerforums.
1997 BMW 528i w/160k miles.
The good: Car was garage-kept for most of its life and has no rust anywhere that I can find. Paint has a few dings, but not bad for a 14-year-old car, and paint could use a serious detailing. Car was never in any accidents so all paint/panels are original. All trim, bumpers, and lights appear to be in good shape.
Interior: Again, seats look like they have 160k miles on them, but no rips, tears, or notable wear. Interior is a bit dirty, but in good shape overall. no cracks in dash or doors, dash looks very nice, etc.
Electrical: I tested out everything I could think of, and everything worked. Sunroof, all lights, stereo (w/6disc changer) sounded good and all buttons worked. HVAC system worked perfectly and A/C blew cool immediately after startup. Interior lights worked. Power seats worked (icnluding the memory controls). wipers worked. windows all went up and down fine, though back windows had a bit of clunky sound to them, but still went up and down fast.
Exhaust: looks newish, since there is only a bi tof surface rust on flanges and pipes. Was very quiet.
Diff: oily. probably needs new seals or something.
Tires: Kumho A/S with (guessing) 75% tread left in good shape, though a bit low on air.
Wheels: OEM mesh wheels, looked to be in good shape though a bit dirty.
Brakes: Rotors looked newer, and were cross-drilled.
Suspension: visual inspection didn't show anything unusual. swaybars still had original "do not use for towing" tags on them!
Engine: fired right up. No warning lights, no unusual noises. Purred like a kitten as far as I could tell. No fluids were present on the ground underneath, and I didn't see anything dripping. Couldn't see too well everywhere int he bay, but didn't see any particular signs of coolant leaks, oil leaks, etc.
THE BAD: Transmission seems to be shot. It's an A/T. Went into reverse and moved fine. All forward gearss (D, 1,2,3) were hardly existant. Basically felt like the car was in neutral unless you gave it alot of throttle, then it would slip, chatter, and clunk its way forward.
She didn't have all the maintenance history, but apparently her husband was proud of the car and maintained it at a local BMW dealer (not sure which one, but I have the VIN if someone wants to look up stuff).
In short, she is looking to have someone come take the car away (will have to be towed) and give her whatever amount of money is reasonable for it. SHe doesn't know what that is, nor do I. I hear these cars go for $3500-5000 in this condition IF the tranny was good. So with a bad tranny it would drop that number considerably, and likely into the $2011 under range.
SO......if anyone is interested in this, please touch base with me and I'll get you some contact info. Car is located in Clifton, VA (outside DC) and needs to be gone ASAP.
pics in next post.
)
