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Common Issues?

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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Anenum
Posts: 1
Joined: Oct 22, 2024 4:08 AM
Location: Chino Hills

Common Issues?

Post by Anenum »

Hello. There is a bmw 1984 533I for sale near me. It needs new front brakes, fuel pumps needing replacement soon, and it burns oil.My question is - are there common issues that I need to look out for?Thanks for your time guys.
MLastovo
Posts: 1461
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: San Diego, CA AKA The Best Coast

Re: Common Issues?

Post by MLastovo »

Anenum wrote: Feb 23, 2025 10:06 PM ...My question is - are there common issues that I need to look out for?...

 
No. None.

But... if I were going to be looking to spend time/money on pretty much anything I would put in the effort to make the decision a little more rationally.

But hey, you be you.
Your Mom Ain't Here
Mike W.
Posts: 27402
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Common Issues?

Post by Mike W. »

There's a few. Overall a dependable, very long lasting platform, but not without some, "they all do this" issues. There's a thread on it.

Keep in mind many of us on there have way over 100K of our miles on an already used car. viewtopic.php?t=32737

On a 533, smoking or burning oil is likely to be bad valve guide seals. They made them out of Buna n or something until '85 and get crispy hard after a couple of hundred thou. Not terribly difficult, but a substantial amount of work. Could be other things, but that would be my guess.
turbodan
Posts: 9302
Joined: Jan 09, 2007 10:19 PM

Re: Common Issues?

Post by turbodan »

Most common issue is engine wear.  If it's been causally maintained or run on the wrong oil, the top end is probably wiped out.  Burning oil is a bad sign.  If the rings are tired, the valvetrain probably is too.

Parts availability isn't what it used to be.  If you're handy you can get what you need or make something work.  If you're going to be taking it to a shop for service and repair you may have a hard time finding a place that wants to mess with it.

Rust is the big thing, always want to be on the lookout for that.  Rocker panels, strut towers, floor pans.  If it's anywhere other than the exhaust, it's going to be a problem.
MLastovo
Posts: 1461
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: San Diego, CA AKA The Best Coast

Re: Common Issues?

Post by MLastovo »

Mike W." wrote: Feb 23, 2025 11:51 PM Could be other things, but that would be my guess.

 
Mike,
You are always way helpful. That could get ya somewhere...

See ya in a few weeks,
D.
stuartinmn
Posts: 9525
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Minneapolis

Re: Common Issues?

Post by stuartinmn »

Many of the more common issues are covered in the tech FAQ section of the board: viewforum.php?f=3
LarryM
Posts: 1255
Joined: Feb 01, 2008 11:40 AM
Location: SoCal

Re: Common Issues?

Post by LarryM »

Nice to see that there are still some forum members here who treat newbies with consideration and respect.
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