impster
impster Reader
7/16/15 3:19 p.m.

I've come across a very low mileage (22K) BMW w/ a M30B35 six. The car looks like it just came out of a museum. Carfax report indicates between 500 and 1000 miles per year but I've yet to find out the actual service history. For the sake of argument, let's assume that its had only oil changes. Naturally, I'll have it checked out before purchase but I'm wondering what unusual problems might crop up.

What should I be concerned about?

I'm figuring that anything made of rubber is going to be suspect, especially tires (original?) and coolant hoses. What about brake hoses? It runs well and has passed recent emissions testing, so I'm not terribly concerned with the fuel system. Or should I be?

What other age related issues might be lurking in a car like this?

aircooled
aircooled MegaDork
7/16/15 4:36 p.m.

26 year old brake fluid could be an issue. Generally, if you don't know it's new, replace anything fluid.

Changing the fuel filter would likely be a good idea (no idea where it is in that car)

AngryCorvair
AngryCorvair UltimaDork
7/16/15 4:58 p.m.

aircooled beat me to it: old brake fluid is the suck.

spitfirebill
spitfirebill PowerDork
7/16/15 8:25 p.m.

Such a suck that the brake pistons could be corroded and frozen.

stuart in mn
stuart in mn PowerDork
7/17/15 8:18 a.m.

The fuel lines probably should be replaced, particularly under the car back by the gas tank. I'd do the radiator hoses as well. Otherwise it should be good for another 300,000 miles or so, those engines will run forever.

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