Eagle

Not worth fixing that's for that for sure. You could put the engine is in something else but IMO the negatives outweigh the positives. I'd part it out for using it as a paddock hack\derby car (above as)

Been on for awhile now, i considered buying it until i realized it was an auto. Different rims i agree and colour matched body kit would look even nicer.

http://www.turners.co.nz/Cars/Used-Cars-for-Sale/BMW/525I/16383356

A leak like that wouldn't bother me tbh, id only fix it if i was doing the above. Good time to replace the timing chain tensioner though which is often neglected.

Was a few years ago now but i found it hard to get anything decent in 255-40-17 in NZ that had a reasonable price. Ended up ditched the staggered setup and going square, heaps more options for 235-45-17.

Probably since it sound like a tractor

The W140\C140 need nice larger rims to look decent, too top heavy looking otherwise. Probably wouldn't got bought mine if it didnt have AMG kit and rims. Ive always liked boxy cars myself. I agree about the presence, had quite a few random people asking me questions. People don't seem to tailgate you in it either. Quality wise im sure there isn't a car out there that would beat it for the price. The TT V12's haul hard but i dont see the point in having the kind of power when realistically you can't really utilize it in NZ, not to mention reliability and extra expenses.

I like the E31 shape but the M70 doesn't come close to the M120 in most aspects(even BMW's N73 appears lackbuster for a similar engine that came out 10+ after the M120). The M120 in the E31 would be sweet but otherwise R129 M120 output is more like 388-402hp depending on year and measurement standard.

I don't know easy it would be getting a 2nd hand manifold or if there are another options that can suit (sure members here the would know). I would just hollow out the cats myself if i couldnt get a easy\cheap replacement. In my experience people usually gut\replace the cat to sell and then sell the exhaust system anyway (may be different in this case having them part of the manifold) If you run your VIN number for build options and have the EU2 emission std then you probably wont have post cat o2 sensors.

Have you tested the cap? It's one of first things that should be done.

Ive used Fuchs with good results. I bought the 20L container from BNT a few years ago for ~$330. It was much better value buying the 20L compared to multiple 4-5L bottles. I figured id probably use the other 10L eventually on another car so for me it was logical.

Not sure why you'd bother with a 3.5L tbh or a TU engine. A short wheel base '94-'97 with M60B40 or M62B44 engine would be the way to lessen many potential problems.

Anyone have a spare bolt lying around, just after 1.

I dont think the 4 cylinder M42,M43 and M44 powered BMW's are fine , they lack in power dept but they have less flaws than the 6 cylinder M5X engines. The last 3 series that id consider truely reliable would be the E30 - better built, much more simple and cheap to maintain and repair.

If the speedo is working fine then it could be a possible instrument cluster fault. You should be able run the self test on the cluster, IIRC hold down the right knob on cluster with ign off, turn key to on position and let go.

Sounds like it. Probably in the $300-$400 region to drop the pan to clean, replace gasket and filter, then fill with the correct fluid

Should cover it then http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/Transmission/Data/E34 Autotrans.pdf

What country was it first registered it?

For that sort of coin id expect that all fluids have been replaced, new tyres and the cambelt done at the least. By the sounds of the ad all he's done is get it legal and put on a large markup.

Would of thought it would be packing the M62 motor

I never stated the E34 was a better car, i don't believe one is better than the other, i made a recommendation for it depending on the requirements. Its a fact that the E34 is better than the E39 in some areas, vice versa, nothing subjective about it. You have stated some loose facts in areas where the E39 wins but left out areas where it doesn't, not everyone cares about having the best handling, steering etc. If you can't admit there are pros and cons to each car then you are the one who's being subjective.

I don't think anyone is denying that the E39 on paper is superior to the E34, just as the E60 and F10 are superior to the E39 on paper, We all have reasons why we prefer the older models even though we could "upgrade".

E34 are going up in value and wagons are always going to cost more than a sedan. I think its a fair price considering what been done to it. Yep especially when it comes to suspension.

I think it comes down to numbers, alot more E39's produced than E34's and it's going to take awhile before they come uncommon. If the E39 didn't have rubbish recycled plastics and some of the quality issues they suffer from then to me it would be the superior car.

The E34 and E39 both look sweet but still prefer the classic BMW boxy look of the E34 myself. Comfort wise ive done long trips in both with various configuration and haven't found one to be really better than the other when comparing to the same spec. E34 has better build quality, more basic so less to go wrong\replace and generally less failures E39 handles noticeably better but it means more components to replace if worn, more gadgets\tech obviously. To me if you don't want\need the extra gizmos the E39 offers and can make do with a lesser handling but not bad handling car then go with the E34, not to mention it will probably be more valuable if you decide to sell one day. I regret selling my old 535iS.