vr4muss 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 I have found a 1988 e34 535i, auto with relatively high mileage but the price is pretty good. Apart from a few small issues the car is generally tidy. I did the sensible thing and got a VTNZ check and it came back with a couple of issues. The engine is idling a bit rough, which I already knew, I intend to get the car fully serviced and tuned, hopefully that will be cured. The other issue was oil leaks from the engine and transmission. These were described as minor and its not like the car is actually dropping oil, it is more that there were slight damp patches. However I am slightly concerned about this. Is this something which should be a deal breaker? Or should it be expected from cars of this age and this engine? Am I gong to be looking at hefty repair bills in the near future? Interested to hear your thoughts. Let me know if you need more info. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oscar90 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 take it to bmw or a bmw specialist and they maybe able to tell you more about the current problems and possibly find more issues Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1rotty 40 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 What he said.Probably only cost 150ish for a pre purchase Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1661 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 Most cars with higher millage develop minor leaks\seepage for gaskets, most are easy to fix but as long as no drips i could live with it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 (edited) m30 do have oil leak potential.its a 20 yr old car!the m30 is pretty buullet proof with amajor exception.At some point no matter how well they are maintained they will develop a head gasket leak,this is because the block is iron and the head is alloy,differential movement one day becomes too much for the gasket.if you dont do work yourself this could be thousands to fix.see if you can find out if it has been done. what is the mileage? the m30 doesnt have a steady smooth idle mine has always had a slight "hunt" varying by 50 to 100 rpm around 700 750 rpm.vacumn leaks cause a rough idle Edited July 3, 2010 by kiwi535 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jono51 59 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 The E34 M30 is a great vehicle what's your location? if wellington , we can help with advice and we have also wrecked a few-parts available cheers Jon JK Southern Euro 04 3801089 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sp8s 1 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 (edited) When I got my WOF I asked the testing guy if he saw where the oil leak was and was told all BMW's leak oil but hey i am used to owning Fords so oil leaks dont bother me haha My Compact only has a weeping leak so not a major all cars do that even new ones Edited July 3, 2010 by sp8s Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vr4muss 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2010 Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the input Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2jze34 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2010 if want someone to have a look for you just give me a call. can you maybe take the car for a couple of hours? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites