It's definitely a car for people that loves DIY or know someone that is...otherwise, maintenance alone will drive you to the poor house. With a high mileage car, you better set aside some maintenance and up keep money. Not to scare you off or anything, but here are just a few things to keep in mind. The valve adjustment alone would run you in the neighborhood of $700 from an indie...can't imagine what a dealer would charge. I would not buy one if you're staining your budget just for the car without any left over for maintenance...just my opinion.

Here's what you're in for...engine-wise:
- Valve adjustments - every inspection
- Vanos exhaust hub tabs - known to crack and break...keep an eye out on every valve adjustment
- Vanos hub bolts - may shear off of hub - keep an eye out on every valve adjustment
- Excessive Vanos rattle - may need rebuilt
- Rod bearing wear - needs to do oil analysis periodically to monitor wear
- All drive train fluids - every inspection 2

Oh...keep an eye out for subframe cracks.

Are you getting a 6-spd or SMG?