Thinking about buying an E34

[tibbs.james 1]

Hi Guys

I have some questions about the old e34 5 series beemers.

I imageine like all things they need plenty of care being older cars.

And i know all about maintenance from my E30

But do they have any really bad problems ?

I was sort of thinking that if a reasonable 525 came up i might consider it Which i was quite happy with the idea as i know whats involved with the m20 engine.

But whats the big 6 like ?

And again are the auto's in them very strong or do they cause problems ?

What about towing ? could they handle 2 ton on a decent braked trailor ? or is that dreaming ....

And lastly- what is the 3.5 going to be like on gas ? I'm not expecting a flash number but could it be much worse than 25-26mpg ?

I realise the TM link is the old "as is where is" But im reasonably confident that a really good look over a vechile & a good drive should show up any major faults.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-155981215.htm

I think i might go and have a look just so i can get an idea of whats the cars are like, without necessarily intending to buy it.

that way i think i can judge if a 5 will be the right car for me

I do want a bigger car i find the e30 a bit small when driving 4 people around.

Please post your good/bad or indiffierent experiences with E34 models.

[Eagle 1661]

The M20 in the E34 are quite slow, if i was going with 2.5L id have to be '91+ with the newer M50.

M30 3.5 are usually cheaper and go well, auto's in the M20 & M30 them are the same as the E30 auto ZFHP22 as long as you fluid has been looked after they are sweet, ive never had any problems with the auto ive owned.

Ive gotten 26-28MPG cruising and about 20 MPG average around town.

Ive owned 3 E34's and an E32 all M30 and had no problems switching over to the E30, quite similar in alot of aspects.

http://www.bmwe34.net is a good site for more info

[BreakMyWindow 1874]

They are a pretty solid vehcle, my father had one for 10 years (520ia with M50)

The only things i can think of to check apart from obvious old age car prolems is the steering box (play in the steering system) and the driveshaft uni joints. Transmissions are generally good but all depends on how its been treated.. id say avoid ones with tow bars.

[kiwi535 538]

the only aspect of my e 34 535 that disapoints me is the gas consumption,and i do better than most...the only way you will get 28 is you are very careful on the open road..any stop start and or hills will see you down around 20...and worse.And i have a manual!

[mr E34 11]

E34's are very reliable, good body, good electrics, my experience.

M20 2.5ltr good on gas, av 25mpg+. Never owned twin cam 2.5ltr so can't comment.

M30 3.5ltr dreaming to get 25-26 mpg av, 20mpg mixed driving, round town under 20 mpg.

The old ZF 4 speed auto was very reliable. (not talking about later model with 3 sw modes)

Wouldn't worry about auto, maybe manual if you get probs.

[Guest Simon*]

Echo all the the above

Great cars - loved my 535, very reliable. Love my 540 more ;-)

E34's are very reliable, good body, good electrics, my experience.

M20 2.5ltr good on gas, av 25mpg+. Never owned twin cam 2.5ltr so can't comment.

M30 3.5ltr dreaming to get 25-26 mpg av, 20mpg mixed driving, round town under 20 mpg.

The old ZF 4 speed auto was very reliable. (not talking about later model with 3 sw modes)

Wouldn't worry about auto, maybe manual if you get probs.

[tibbs.james 1]

It seems my original thoughts of an m20 525 were along the right track !

thanks for the input guys, just have to go and have a look at a few now.

is the steering rack joint an expensive fix if its a bit gone ?

[Creaver 55]

My 540i does about 18mpg combined highway/city. I have had it as good as about 24mpg on trips. Just incase you wanted to compare or something. Mine is also auto.

I havn't had any problems except for having to replace my MAF sensor.

Ian.

[jjs 64]

How much dosh do ya wanna spend?

Check out the prices of e39's. They are starting at $6k now. The big advantage is that they are modern enough to qualify for mechanical breakdown insurance (a warranty), making running costs less of an issue

[tibbs.james 1]

I was thinking about $4000 + or - to spend on another car

Can't really go any higher than that or i need to borrow which im not doing.

Looking at TM prices it seems a nice car done 200,000 kms seems about 3- 3.5 Grand

[rowanhol 0]

Jimmy

Just pmd you

let me know if you want to have a look at the cars

Rowan