1983 BMW 5-Series

Sedan

6 cylinder

Automatic

WBADK8305D9208282

Clear

Although people often compliment the appearance of this car, overall condition is not good. I don't know if anyone could successfully restore it, it should probably be parted out. Vehicle runs well, except for a slight hesitation when cold. This is not to say the engine is fresh, it uses oil, maybe 1 qt./1000 miles, and does not idle as smoothly as a 6 cylinder should. The current most serious problem is in the rear suspension - where the subframe attaches to the car under the right rear seat has broken loose and needs to be welded. It can be driven like this, but I would only drive slowly and carefully, especially around right hand turns. Failure could be catastrophic. There is a picture that shows the part that ripped away from the body. I had cleaned it up thinking of getting it welded, but decided to give up on the car because of other problems it has. The power steering oil leaks out pretty fast from the steering box. The parking brake doesn't work, it needs cables, brake shoes and hardware. This is especially important, since the shifter doesn't always lock in park - sometimes it can be moved out of park without depressing the release button. The milage is unknown, the odometer didn't work when I got it, and it showed 113k miles. I replace the instrument panel with a used one that showed 178k miles, but that odometer soon failed. The original seats were black, but the front seats were replaced with red leather ones that are in good condition. The air conditioning should be easy to repair, since all major components were replaced, and the last guy that looked at it pointed out that the piping was cold to the touch. I have the old compressor that is probably still good. I also have a spare starter that was replaced, but checks out ok. The Alpine stereo works well, it has a CD player and four speakers. The transmission was repaired because the clutches failed and works perfectly. There has been many rust repairs done including the drivers floor, patches in the wheel wells and under the hood between the shock towers and the fenders. There is rust on the right front fender right in front of the door, and it has recently appeared on the drivers' side. There is also some rust through on the spare tire well, and on the L. rear bumper support - see pictures. Power windows all work but the rear ones need assistance going up. Sunroof works fine and doesn't leak. Timing belt & tensioner recently replaced, also oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket & all radiator hoses. Starting bid may be less than the scrap value of the car plus what the stereo is worth. It's sad to give up on this car because I think the styling of this car is classic BMW - better than that of older or newer models,