Considering the purchase of a 1988 M5

larkinca

larkinca

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I am considering the addition of a 1988 M5 (USA Model) to my projects, and would like to make contact with individuals who have had experience with the powertrain used in this car. As one can imagine the body/chassis are basically standard issue e28, but the engine intimidates me a bit.

I am mainly concerned about durability and likely failure items since the car has >160,000 miles on the clock. I perform all of my own maintenance and repair work and have an excellent parts source (Mesa Performance In Costa Mesa, CA), but want to avoid getting in over my head.

I welcome contacts from the S38 knowledgeable!

Thanks.
 
WHere to look

I would recommend the E28 and E24 forums over at Bimmerforums.com for that kind of info.

No affiliation,

Ed
 
There are many S38s with more mileage than that, although they do tend to require a bit more upkeep than a M30 of the same vintage.

The timing chain guides become brittle over time, and when they break they take the chain with them. This is more of an issue on the S38, as the average RPMs are higher, causing more stress on the guides.

Although I think this only applies to M88/3 guys, if it isn't a duplex timing chain, that is a worthy upgrade.

Most of the S38s I see of that mileage have had a head rebuild, or are due for one. Valve adjustments are essential in avoiding this.

The major difference between the M30 and S38, from an upkeep standpoint, is the cost of parts. The S38 gaskets, as an example, are ~4X the cost for the same parts on the M30 last I checked. M-powered=More money for parts.
 
E28 m5

Your concerns about the S38 are warranted especially with one with 160K miles. If it has not happened already, a rebuild should be factored into your financial plans whether you or someone else does it. Hopefully, the car has some sort of paperwork history with it so you know what you are getting into.

The mye28.com site has a separate area for E28 M5s. Lots of good knowledge there and perhaps someone is familiar with the car you are considering. At the very least, worth a question to the group.
 
Have had my 88 S38 M6 since 1992 and while the engine is a little more complicated than the standard M30 motor, car maintenance and repairs are not out of realms of most home mechanics. Other than major engine and transmission works, I've done most repairs on the M6. As mentioned earlier, valve shim adjustments are critical, if neglected, it will result in major and expensive engine repairs. With the proper tools, the valve clearance adjustment procedure is not that difficult.

Asides from the engine and transmission that are unique to the M5/M6, most parts are shared with the standard 5 and 6 series models. While certain parts are expensive, they are not outrageously so. As far as S38 engine rebuilds, they don't come cheap, about $10K and up.

Twin chain S38's are a lot more rugged and durable than the single chain M88 units, but they are not indestructible, so try to find a car that has not been abused. With a chip upgrade such as Dinan, power is on par with the Euro M's (about 290 hp or so). Also, with the fitment of an exhaust cam sprocket (factory M3 evo part), it will slightly retard the exhaust gas and thereby adding noticeable midrange torque.

The S38/M88 motors along with their tune exhausts produce engine/exhaust sound to die for. Surely, one of the greatest automotive soundtracks ever! No other ///M cars since (including the V10's) have produced such spine tingling car sounds.
 
I have an '89 M6 and its great. Parts availability from BMW and others is good. But BMW dealers can't handle older BMWs so make sure you find a good local specialist if it needs work.
 
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