Posted by Eric McGovern on November 24, 2002 at 09:31:41 from 172.156.26.190
On the way to a friend's house I spotted a euro 528i. It has all the usual problems of a car that has been parked and neglected for quite a while: two flat tires, paint is less than stellar on a straight body, interior is in need of some attention (although savable) and I would guesss the engine is in need of replacement.
First:
How many euro's are in the us? I looked through the "cars of the months" and didn't see any for the last twenty or so months.
This car has a front spoiler on it that says "BBS" and has two small fog lights in it. Is this a special spoiler?
Did the Euro engine have all the same problems as the US engine with thermal reactors and such?
Did the E12 have a 5"/7" set up on the headlights?
How hard would it be to save this car? I am thinking two thousand dollars to get a new engine and convert to a four/five speed (I have a 83 528e with a five speed, I could use it's parts (realizing I would apparently not have a speedo) as the e28 was purchased for 700 dollars and is thus expendable even though it is reliable). Are four speeds available for considerably cheaper than the fives? I am looking for a runner, not a perfect car, I can do most all of my own work, and I have good, cheap local parts sources.
Can it be converted to an E30 2.5? (I am hoping for a euro 3.5, but cost is a factor.)
Based on below, where to look for rust?
If the body is not rusted out (I don't think it is) I would love to attempt to save this car, as I have been thinking about E12's for a while now. I am hoping to purchase it for less than three hundred. thoughts?