What should I expect to pay?

Hi everyone. I'm a long time owner of an '87 535iS and have decided to upgrade to an e28 M5 once I graduate college. My fiance is in love with my iS so we made a compromise :)

Now I know M5's are rare, so I'm curious as to what I should expect to pay for one in near-mint condition. I looked on KBB.com and saw they rated a mint m5 at around 8 grand, but of course on ebay I'm seeing them go from anywhere between 12 and 22 grand (!!!). I want to be realistic and don't want to get ripped off, so how much should I save up? I was thinking around 20 grand, which would afford me some aftermarket parts (Fahey track-tips, chip, intake).

Also, how is the suspension? I heard it's wonderful and there's no reason to upgrade. I might go to an occasional track day, but this'll see most of its life on country roads, so I'm not looking for a track suspension.

Are there any other mods I should consider? What brand of chip is best? Any help would be wonderful! Thanks in advance!

west coast right now priced in the $30K range. Check the link.

Eh, I'm not looking for one right now, I need about 4 years yet (gotta graduate and save up), which is why I was curious the going rate. I wouldn't spend that much on an e28, no matter how much I love em, lol. I'd rather buy a 100k car for a reasonable price, plus my fiance would skin me if I spent that much!'87 535iS
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looking for a while.

I think the Stock suspension suits the car perfectly for its oringinal purpose. Most people here seem to like to make the car into more of a racer. I think almost everyone will tell you that stiffening up the shocks and removing the SLS is best.

I am almost alone on my stance that this is a 4 door luxury sedan that just happens to be fast. I like the comfortable, yet controlled factory ride. I have re-done my suspension with OEM parts, and I like it.

Now compared to my e36 M3 the M5 is quite squishy... but just every so wonderful to go on a fast cruise. The stock configuration is extremely tossable, and there is lots and lots of grip. but compared to a modern BMW, the feel is a little rubbery. It is a difficult decision if you should stiffen it up.

I like the SLS in the rear, I use the M5 for carrying friends etc.. and I think it is good to have the auto-levelling. If you drive alone mostly.. there is some potential benefit in ultimate handling with the sls gone.

I guess I am lucky that I have the choice, and if I want track style handling, I can use the M3, if I want the businessman express... I use the M5.

If you end up getting a mint M5, with under 60k miles.. it will cost around 18-20. maybe more. In that case I strongly suggest that you are buying a collector car and modding it needs to be well thought out.

a sub 100k mile car that is in fantastic shape will be around 14k for a doccumented history car.
If you find cars less than 10k.. beware.. there must be a reason.


Good luck and keep us posted.

you say fiance, which implies you are a woman. that is super cool if you are into the M5 like that.

if you are a guy marrying a guy maybe that is the case too..

but if you are engaged to a girl.. then it should fiancee.

hmm. maybe a girl marrying a girl?... now that is a cool M5 home.

Oh! I'm a guy, I never knew fiance and fiancee were different. Although my fiancee loves e28's as much as I do :)'87 535iS
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