Bought an e28 today, I have a few questions.

[Pdxseth]

It's an 83 528e completely stock. I'm third owner.

The car has no major mechanical issued. It runs and drives great. It has a few minor flaws. The back windows don't work, and the front passenger window only rolls down 3-4 inches.

The other problem is: it smells like coolant in the car. I can't find any leak. And the carpet is dry? Any idea what I can do to fix these issues?

One more thing, the rear set belts feel like they've never been used. They are very stiff(starchy). What can I do to soften them up


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[sinep]

E28's are notorious for having their heater cores leaking. Look into that.

[downernsp]

To start welcome to the best car ever made lmao. Just cause you smell coolant doesn't mean its inside the car. I would pressure test the system that way you can find out if the leak is even visable. On seat belts, I soak them in water then dry see if that helps.

What are your plans for the vehicle?

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[e30trooper]

sell and buy e30

[Pdxseth]

To start welcome to the best car ever made lmao. Just cause you smell coolant doesn't mean its inside the car. I would pressure test the system that way you can find out if the leak is even visable. On seat belts, I soak them in water then dry see if that helps.

What are your plans for the vehicle?

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My plans for the vehicle are to first fix the small stuff.

Next do springs(possibly bags later when I csm afford it, new wheels, sport seats and re apulster that ugly blue cloth with black leather. It will be a daily so I'm leaving the motor stock. I was thinking of doing some sort of newer dash conversion since the cluster doesn't work and the dash is cracked in a few places. I'm also bouncing around the idea of shaving the bumpers or going with euro or m5 but I'm not really sure what that's gonna cost. At the least they will be tucked. That's all I've got for now


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[Pdxseth]

sell and buy e30

I have 1.5 e30's an 85 eta and a 91 325is parts car


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[Pdxseth]

I paid 650 for this car. considering its issues do you think I got a good deal? It's rust free :). Not that's rust is reall a problem in the pacific north west


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[MoreMayhem]

Sounds like a good deal to me. I paid almost twice that for my 535i e28.

[downernsp]

I paid 650 for this car. considering its issues do you think I got a good deal? It's rust free :). Not that's rust is reall a problem in the pacific north west


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Kepp it and yes good deal. Now to e30trooper why sell and get same car less the body? A 528e is a good daily and will drive smooth. If you continue just like you said car will turn out kool. On another note think twice about the bags looks kool but ride is shitty!! More for a looker than anything else imo. Nice snag.

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[xxx-Lost-Soul-xxx]

I cant believe none of you cats said "TIMING BELT" lol

As far as your windows go. Go on MYE28.com and buy a set of Lighted Post 85 window switches,The post 85 will be lighted while the stock ones you have arenot lit.

after years they get all crusty,so chances are they are just icky. Also make sure your breaker isnt in reset mode. Window regulators/motors dont really go out.

[Pdxseth]

Will e30 window switches from a late model work?


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[Pdxseth]

I cant believe none of you cats said "TIMING BELT" lol

As far as your windows go. Go on MYE28.com and buy a set of Lighted Post 85 window switches,The post 85 will be lighted while the stock ones you have arenot lit.

after years they get all crusty,so chances are they are just icky. Also make sure your breaker isnt in reset mode. Window regulators/motors dont really go out.

Why would a bad timing belt make the car smell like coolant


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[John in VA]

Why would a bad timing belt make the car smell like coolant

Not related. The first thing usually mentioned for a new E28 owner with a 528e is to replace the timing belt & tensioner. This is to be done every 4 years/50-60K miles, or you will have a much more expensive repair on your hands.
Before you spring for new window switches, try a known working one in place of one that doesn't seem to work. Then you can decide to upgrade to the lighted ones. Once you get a working switch and the window moves, consider cleaning the tracks with a solvent. The grease in the window tracks is 25 years old, and can cause the window to move verrry slowly, or even bind and pop the breaker switch, located near your right knee on the underdash panel.

[Pdxseth]

One window works now it was just the track I tested the switches In my e30 they are all good except the ones on the back door I have a 2 door so I could not check those. I know one doesn't work because the window works with the center console switch.

I still have one window that won't budge and one that only goes down 5 in. Cleaned and greased the tracks still no luck. I think I'm gonna pull the motors and take them apart and clean them


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[Oooole_E30]

congrats on the awesome deal