On Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:25:48 -0700, Gunner Asch
wrote:

Ive been offered a 1996 BMW 520i with 108k on the odo in trade for my
old Mazda/Ranger 3.0

Supposedly..there is an "issue" with the tranny linkage. The engine is
supposed to run fine. Ive not seen it as of yet.

Just wondering what you folks think about that particular vehicle and
how desirable it is. My wifes 1997 Saturn now has 254,000 miles on
it..and while it still runs..and actually passed California smog a few
months ago...is getting really...really tired.

Ive been asking $600 for the Mazda...the body has 440,000 miles on it,
with the third engine in it. It wouldnt pass smog in 2009, so I
bought the current Ranger as I needed a vehicle Now!. IM sure the
only thing wrong with it...is a burned out cat. Shrug. Ran quite
nicely when I parked it 3 yrs ago.

Anyway...I know dick about BMW automobiles. Is this a decent
car..assuming its in good condition..or is it a money pit?

Gunner

The 520i is the mid range model, at least overt here, and is quite
prestigious to own (but down a notch from the Mercedes :-). I owned an
older model for a bit and found it very expensive to repair due to
parts costs being much higher than other makes here.

The "pecking order" can be determined by how a hotel doorman reacts
when you drive in. If he ignores you then you are likely driving a
Toyota. If he saunters over and opens the door you likely have a BMW,
but if he runs over, opens the door and bows then it is a Mercedes :-)

--
Cheers,

John B.