Posted by Remy Davison on January 29, 2005 at 05:02:29 from from 203.173.30.150
In Reply to: Update on cause of oops posted by MattP on January 28, 2005 at 18:49:37:
The M20 2.0 litre six is low on power and the torque is all at the wrong end of the rev range (i.e., when you're doing 170km/h). The body is really too heavy for a 2 litre six. It's a shock after driving the 2.8 M30. When I was looking for E12s/E28s, I drove a couple (actually 3) 520is and of course preferred the E12 528i.
Front suspension issues are also a problem. Fixable, but can be costly doing bushings and replacing (probably warped) rotors. Check for leakage in the boot - tail light gaskets are known leakers, eventually into rear footwells. Watch out also for rotting plastic-tanked radiators. Rust generally not a problem except under bonnet inlet vents (chronic) and boot corners above tail lights (also chronic).
520s are also generally less well equipped than the E28 528i. Unless it's a real deal, try to stretch to a 528i, if you're intent on an E28. Plenty of them about. Much better power, torque, standard equipment. No cam belt to worry about. Aaron has one for sale. There's also a 528i Motorsport (nice) on casales.com.au right now for about $3,500. Been there ages; he originally had it up for $6,500. Some nice bits on those (Recaros, spoilers, BBS mags etc.).
Or maybe wait for a nice E12 to come up. Guess it depends how badly you need the transport.
Good luck.
Cheers,
RD
'81 528i E12 Polaris
'81 635CSi E24 Sapphire Blau
'83 528i E12/8 Rubinrot
'84 528i E28 Hennarot