nzdonjohnson 0 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 I've just bought my first beemer, a glistening NZ new 1990 535iS with 230k on the clock, i'm in Christchurch and work in Rolleston which is a now a much better drive! The better half owned an 87 320i which provided an introduction into working on these beasts. You've got a great forum here, it's been extremely helpful to me. Car runs like a dream, the compression is perfect, radiator, water pump and viscous fan look almost new. Gearbox is solid and shifts easily, no funny clunks or clicks - but the front end needs tightening up, it's got a bit of a shimmy on rough roads. And full VIN decode: Type code    HD12    Type    535I (EUR)    Dev. series    E34 ()    Line    5    Body type    LIM    Steering    RL    Door count    4    Engine    M30    Cubical capacity    3.50    Power    155    Transmision    HECK    Gearbox    MECH    Colour    STERLINGSILBER METALLIC (244)    Upholstery    SCHWARZ LEDER (0203)    Prod. date    1989-09-08       Order options    No.    Description    200    KATALYSATOR - ENTFALL    209    LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (25%)    226    SPORTS SUSPENSION SETTINGS    291    BMW LM SCHMIEDERAD/KREUZSPEICH    302    ALARM SYSTEM    320    MODEL DESIGNATION, DELETION    335    M TECHNIC SPORTPAKET    401    SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC    428    WARNING TRIANGLE    481    SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER    500    HEADLIGHT WASHER SYS/INTENSIVE CLEANING    534    AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING    548    SPEEDOMETER WITH KILOMETER READING    560    CO-PILOTS IN RR COMPARTMENT    570    STRONGER ELECTRICITY SUPPLY    676    HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM    687    RADIO PREPARATION    708    M-SPORT LEATHER STEERING WHEEL II    806    Neuseeland Ausfuehrung    850    ADD FUEL TANK FILLING FOR EXPORT    925    SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE Looking forward to participating in the forums, i've got the following shortlist of things to do on the beast: 1. Fix oil leak (done - bolt next to AC condenser was loose, thread locked and re-fitted) 2. Front rotors & pads (nice sobering shudder on braking from 100-80) 3. Short shifter (thanks Glenn) 4. Front end steering / suspension revamp (excluding shocks). 5. Roof lining... do something... 6. Door cards, re-glue, or something... 7. Repair small drivers seat rip Then maybe an EAT chip... or something similar - who knows, i'm in love with this thing, it handles like a dream. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Thats nice! Well done. Welcome to Bimmersport. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bravo 34 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Sweet e34! Welcome to the forum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oscar90 0 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Welcome! Shimmy on rough roads you say....so it'll shimmy everywhere out here in Rolly then! haha where abouts do you work in Rolleston if you don't mind me asking? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Braeden320 0 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Nice car, looks good in silver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Yummy. Welcome to the forums! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
laadeelaa 0 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Nice e34 man!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OLLIE 26 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Welcome great looking car! I haven't seen many of these in silver. the shimmy is a common problem in E34's and E39's for that matter. the most common cause is the front thrust arm bushes - they might be worn and wobbling a bit too much, it's worth checking them. Other causes are hubcentricness of your wheels if they are not standard, balancing of wheels & tyres etc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e30plz 1 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 Welcome, that's mint. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jamez 2147483647 Report post Posted November 29, 2009 welcome, looks like a great car Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
westy 614 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 Hello! Thats an E34 even I could like. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1258 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 i test drove this car a few years ago ,. they where asking about $9-10k was a nice car . not sure why i didn't buy it been sold a couple of times since and new plates etc . new wheels , fixed dented guard etc photo's from when i test drove it http://www.carjam.co.nz/car/?plate=xu2770 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nzdonjohnson 0 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 Welcome great looking car! I haven't seen many of these in silver. the shimmy is a common problem in E34's and E39's for that matter. the most common cause is the front thrust arm bushes - they might be worn and wobbling a bit too much, it's worth checking them. Other causes are hubcentricness of your wheels if they are not standard, balancing of wheels & tyres etc Thanks for the tips! The thrust arms have been done, it's bad when i'm braking from 80-100 and when you're driving slowly with the foot lightly on the brake you feel that "pulsing" feeling of warped rotors. I'll swap them out and see what else needs doing while i'm under there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nzdonjohnson 0 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 Yep - that's the one, good info to have, thanks Brent. On another note, the oil leak I thought i'd fixed is still there, i'm certain thread locking the bolt got rid of one issue - but does anyone have any other common things (seals, gaskets, etc) to check on this engine? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1258 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 check the tightness of all the front cover bolts that cover the camchain .or replace the gasgets and add some sealant . also the front crank seal weep Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 front timing chain cover is a two peice thing...prone to leaking.HD12 were highly specced Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nzdonjohnson 0 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 Thanks guys - i'll check those tomorrow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crazyarab 6 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 Welcome aboard mate! Car look fantastic, will be looking forward to meeting you at the next Chch meet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaz 50 Report post Posted November 30, 2009 Very nice e34! Welcome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
