I just put the deposit down on this 1987 740 GLE wagon. For being a 21 year old car, it's in rather good condition.
The car was owned by an older couple and was driven by the husband only during the winter. The car was regularly serviced at this one shop. His car was being serviced when he passed away. His wife didn't need the car so she put it up for sale.
It has 148,000 miles on it, which isn't bad for a car that old. It was meticulously maintained and driven by an old guy. For an Illinois car of that age it's exterior looks excellent. The only big problems are a rust spot about 6 inches in diameter next to the sunroof, an easily fixed piece of trim, and a couple of minor rust spot and paint flacks have been touched up. There is a minor crack in a light, which I may eventually replace with junkyard parts. It needs a bath, but so could I.
Mechanically it works very well. It's been sitting for a year, so I need to replace the battery. It idled hard when I first turned it on, but after running for a while it was much happier. A little seafoam couldn't hurt. It needs a new air filter; I was thinking of getting a K&M filter but my dad (who found the car) said to not waste my money. It needs to be lubed/oiled/greased, but that's expected. The A/C blows cold and the tires are new. It needs a needs a light bulb and a wiper, but the shop it's currently at said they'd give me one on the house.
The interior is nice too. For leather seats almost as old as me, they have held up very well. I think I am going to get seat covers though just because that car is so old. The radio works and sounds good. The cassette deck is a plus since I could use my iPod with a cassette adapter. The interior of the driver's door is a little beaten up, but it's not a big deal. I couldn't figure out how to fold down the back seats and there was no owners manual. The lack of cup holders and the crappy lock on the tool box are annoying, but it's so minor.
This is the perfect first car for me. I am going to be graduating from college in May and need a cheap, reliable, and economic car. I like the fact that it's a wagon since I can haul a lot of stuff. I'm so excited!

 

Welcome

A deposit, that shouldn't have cost more then $500 if that.

 

The Blue Book value on a 1988 (they don't publish 1987 prices anymore) is $1565-2235. I got it for $1500; $100 deposit (I have the cash, but lost the ATM card for my online saving account).

 

Welcome.I have a 91 745t myself and it is a great car. It has an IPD suspension, aswell assome other goodieson it, so I love the look I getwhenI chase BMWs and Porsches on andoff the freeway, and through the twisting roads. You should have no problems with thecar, as long as it is regularly serviced. Have fun.

 

Welcome.