charles28 136 Report post Posted September 3, 2011 Its been over a year since I had a BMW, while the Golf VR6 isn't a bad car, its really the partners car and she has put her horrible Playboy Mats and seat covers etc in it now.. ewww.. ok, they aint that bad I guess, black at least, but I prefer stock looking seats etc. I was thinking I'd buy an old E34, automatic, cheap, not that worried about economy as I only drive about 120k's a week on average. (To work and back), really just want comfort more then anything, my Honda Poolude is uncomfortable. So repair cost wise, would a 535i be a better proposition then say a 525i with the M50 engine? Would NZNEW be preferable? I don't want to risk getting one of those Jatco gearboxes. Then there's the V8 Models.. but will end up costing more to buy usually, which E34 model handles the best? (Besides the M5, since I can't afford one of those). I don't want another E30, awesome cars, but had 2x of these already and the E34's are cheaper. And when I go looking at these cars, what problems should I be looking for? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1283 Report post Posted September 3, 2011 m50 525i nz new with zf is a good bet . or just go the whole hog and get the 540i Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pureboiracer 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2011 I have a 540i It has the motorsport kit, bbs wheels etc so looks nice. Goes like a cut cat... Solid as a brick Handles extremely well as it feels so balanced. (much more than e30s are.) Im a student and i can afford to run it. DDOOOO IITTTTT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1283 Report post Posted September 3, 2011 or a 535is manual is not too bad an option like this ruined snow plough http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=403525520 or this nice one http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=404094644 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2313 Report post Posted September 3, 2011 (edited) Id suggest any 525i < 535i < 540i Just depends how fast you want to go, and how much your wallet allows you to spend on the car and on keeping it going. Just buy a decent one first, and it will pay off in the end. I'd like the idea of buying one... I just feel I should buy a newer smaller car. Edited September 3, 2011 by E36V8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charles28 136 Report post Posted September 4, 2011 or a 535is manual is not too bad an option like this ruined snow plough http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=403525520 or this nice one http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=404094644 Hmm I like the idea of that model, cheap way to get a Manual BMW with a bit of Grunt. I assume that model has a factory LSD also Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sick Puppy 1 Report post Posted September 4, 2011 /\ You'd think so looking at the kits, but better to get the VIN to be sure... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted September 4, 2011 /\ You'd think so looking at the kits, but better to get the VIN to be sure...in my experience a nz new 535is WILL have a lsd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1283 Report post Posted September 4, 2011 yes most 535is will have lsd . check engine for camhsaft wear. head gasgets will need doing any where from 200-300,000km or 20 years etc due to corrsion etc(no biggie) otherwise pretty good cars, nice to drive Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites