The 1988 528e has what it euphemistically known as the 'Super ETA' engine.  A slight upgrade from the 1982-87 528e series, it has a bit more horsepower and torque.  Even the redline was increased by about 500 rpm (to 5200).  But it WAS designed as an economy/luxury sedan, and has a rather modest acceleration rate.  On the other hand, it will cruise all day at 100mph if I could find a place to do it.   So I'm content to know that I can run along any freeway in California and watch the engine lope at less than 3,000rpm.

I don't know if this is good or bad, but the car has had about $19,000 worth of repairs (including $6,000+ for a 'minor' accident that required a new hood, front bumper, and repair of the front fenders).  Most of the suspension components have been replaced and from what I can tell, the engine has been maintained very well.   Chances are that it will take me into the 200k range very easily if I continue a good maintenance schedule.

	Update #1:  Okay, it's almost a year later.  January 2000 and the 528e now has 198,220 miles.  Absolutely no mechanical problems thus far (knock on wood).   Replaced the tires, and nothing but change the oil regularly and check everything else.
	Update #2:  February 2000.  I watched the odometer click over to 200,000 miles!  On to 300K....
	Update #3:  Developed a rumbling vibration at anything over about 35-40 mph.  I finally knuckled under and took it to a local shop with a good reputation (judging from the number of license plate frames with the shop's name on them).  Turned out that it was a driveshaft problem.  Sooo, $600 later, I have a rebuilt driveshaft installed with replaceable bearings.  Not only that, but without charge the shop fixed a fuse/short problem I've had for many months and now the electrical system is AOK!  A little over 202,000 miles at this point and the entire car runs and feels almost like new.  I can't BELIEVE how strong the engine is at this age!!
	Update #4: Not much to say but I thought I should make a comment for the page.  Since the car keeps on ticking without any problems, it's almost anticlimatic to have to say anything.  My 528e now has 221,000 miles and all I've done is change the oil and filter on a regular basis.  I try for every 3 or 4 thousand miles, but at least I'm consistent ;-)   The only things wrong with it at this point are:  1.  There is a trunk leak that is driving me crazy.  It's not coming from the tail lights (common problem) because it's wet along the upper trunk lip.  I have a really tight new rubber seal, securely siliconed to the lip all around the trunk lid.  2.  The right-hand side of the front seat rail is cracked and although it works, it's off balance and really does need to be taken out and welded.  3.  It is apparently burning just a touch of oil at this stage.  I let the oil change go for about 5k this time and it was down almost a quart.  So if I continue to change it every 3-4k, I probably won't even notice it but I suspect some work will need to be done at 300k.  At my rate of about 25k per year, looks like I have about 3 years to go.
	Update #5:  Here it is, early 2004.  With 287,000 miles on it, the 528e still cruises along as if it has no worries.  Nor do I!  Aside from a major service and frequent oil changes, plus a new set of Dunlops, there are only a few things in need of attention.  The driver's seat broke (again).  So I'm off to find my 3rd one.  More troubling is the transmission.  First through 3rd gears (automatic) seem fine, but 4th gear is starting to slip more and more.  Is it a sign that the whole transmission is about to go, or does it just need some serious adjusting?  I'll find out the next time I take it to the mechanic.  It's about time to put brakes on it, too, so this summer it ought to be in great shape. There is ONE down side for the car right now.  I've been turned over to the dark side and bought a 1991 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible.  And it's a totally fun car to drive.  Even more so than this staid, mid-size, automatic.  I have a feeling that reaching that magic 300,000 mile mark may take a little longer than originally anticipated :-)
	Update #6:  November 2004.  Only 289,000 miles on it.  Just 2,000 over about 8 months.  Why?  The '91 Saab is a fun car and almost all my driving has been in it.  Except for the vintage SAABs I also acquired and drive, especially the '69 95 station wagon.  Another reason for the limited driving was that the transmission was really getting bad.  The slippage in 3rd and 4th got to the point that the engine would rev as if it were in neutral unless I babied it up to speed.  Everyone I talked to said I was going to need the transmission replaced.  At a cost of $1500-2000, I wasn't in any hurry.  Finally, I mentioned it to my Saab mechanic and he said he'd just change the transmission fluid and filter and it might help.  If not, he'd be able to do the transmission replacement.  So I dropped it off last week and got the new fluid and filter.  To my surprise and gratitude, the slippage totally disappeared!  It's as if there was never a problem at all.  After being very conservative and operating it very gingerly for several days, I finally checked it out on a 400-mile weekend trip.  Worked great!  In fact, this morning I did a standing start during my work commute and <believe it or not> it accelerated as if it were like new.  The engine continues to pump away just fine and I should have no problems with the smog check that's coming due.  Since my 900turbo is still more fun to drive with a more powerful engine and 5-speed, it'll be my primary ride now, but at least the 528e is back to being fun again!  A paint job would cap off the improvement cycle.  300,000 isn't really that far away!
	Update #7:  March 2006.  Okay, it took a little longer than I thought, but this month while driving over the Carquinez (California) Bridge on my way to Reserve duty, the 528e passed the 300,000 milestone!  It took longer than I was expecting because it ended up in the hands of my newly-licensed daughter for several months and she didn't put much mileage on it.  When she got a new car, the 528e reverted to me and I dutifully put the last few thousand on it in quick fashion.  While the engine and tranny seem to be pulling very well, the car is starting to show age elsewhere.  The beautiful black paint is now marred by severe fading on the hood, and moderate fading on the left rear quarter.  The drivers side interior trim between front and rear door is falling apart and causing the front door to be difficult to shut.  The drivers seat broken frame has been welded and seems to be holding well.

There is an exhaust leak via a crack in the front head pipe.  I'm pretty sure this happened when the rear exhaust pipe bracket broke and I backed into a curb, not realizing how far down the pipes were dangling.  I've been searching for a replacement, but the 1988 is a single-year model and this part is difficult to find.  Right now it's just a little louder than normal but I imagine there will be some damage to the rest of the system over time if not fixed.

Still.... 300,000 miles!  And running like a top!!