1994 BMW 530 Bought One That Needs ALOT of Work

UNCLEO7

MEMBER
1994 BMW 530
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
136,000 MILES

Hello, My 530i has many problems, first the engine smokes at startup, but clears after 5 min, what kind of shocks and struts(RWD) are needed The car bounces uncontrolably and, the trans slips, and the computer disp is on the blink. What is most detrimental to my overall ride, and what is the most inexpensive and quickest to fix for a guy that works weekends and evenings. I apologize for the length but i've had the car since Dec and have been scared to take it to the dealer but I have wanting to make the car my project over time and within my budget. Thanx

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

I am going to be frank with you, you will spend more $$$ than the car is worth, it needs a new motor, BMW lost their shirt on the Nickasil motors that is in your car. The suspension will need to be replaced to the tune of about $2.5K (rough guess) The tranny will run about $4K (remanufactured) If you insist on keeping the car there is really no cheap way out and it ain't gonna get any love from the dealer either. I recommend recycling this one and search for something else.