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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.

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

 

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.

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.

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

 

Many of the more common issues are covered in the tech FAQ section of the board: viewforum.php?f=3

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