How much is this 1992 E34 M5 worth? Need input.

[krooks]

If he doesn't have a stack of paperwork records then that $5k car could be a time bomb.

s38 engine work is not cheap.

At least do a compression and leak down test and see what the numbers are.

the good news is he DOES have a stack of paperwork with the car. he has all the receipts for engine work. #1 reason why i am considering this car. he hasn't started the car in 6 months and it started first try last night.

also a mechanic lives with him and has kept up with basic maintenance on the car

[MC Hammered]

still do a compression test and see what the numbers are and learn from my mistake and check the following:

all suspension components and bushings (all needed replacing on the m5 I bought and I would have passed on the car if I looked harder)
all vacuum hoses (there are a lot of them)
entire exhaust including cats for rust, holes, cracks
steering box for play
ignition system (coil, plugs, wires, distributor)
check the bases of all the exhaust gas testing pipes off the manifold. (one of mine developed a crack due to age and you have to drop the motor to fix it)
run the VIN to make sure the parts you see in the car are original to the car

If these all check out then go for it... just lose the body kit and chrome accents on the front grille.