Arma 134 Report post Posted May 5, 2013 I'm don't know a LOT about e34's but what are common things that are likely to go wrong with them around ~100-150k km range? If I were to be buying one, what kind of things should I look out for? e.g. I've owned one e34 for a short period of time before, and noticed it had trouble shifting to 2nd gear when the rpm was too high in 1st gear - think transmission was on its way out. But yeah, was just wondering what to look out for and how they are maintenance wise - costly? do things get faulty often? Had been thinking of getting a 535i or 540i e34 - anyone with any e34 experience want to advise against this please say so . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1528 Report post Posted May 5, 2013 How can anyone advise against one of the best BMW's ever made - The E34 535i Was it auto or manual? Not too many E34's with low km as they were built to last, but at those km id say the engine should be fine if its been looked after but suspension and cooling system may need an overhaul. One of cheaper BM's maintenance wise with good reliability and alot less parts to go wrong\replace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nipe 1 Report post Posted May 5, 2013 535 loves petrol, I always thought that i can tolerate any fuel consumption as long as i enjoy the ride, but 535 made me think different! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1528 Report post Posted May 5, 2013 Yeah thats only bad thing about the M30, the M60 is more economical haha. The cars are so cheap for what you get and still make decent power so i never cared. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2312 Report post Posted May 5, 2013 They are nearly 1/4 century old these cars so regardless on the mileage they do need work done on them these days, seals, hoses, gaskets, electrical connections and bearings would be deteriorated in the majority of the examples out there. It's not to say they are all broken, but kind of on borrowed time - due for replacement etc. Main points of focus are the suspension bushes and ball joints, along with the steering box, check for play and cracked bushes, the front end thrust arms love to go causing vibrations at motorway speeds. The cooling systems are also prone to neglect so check them out. If you intend to buy one for cheap, have the same amount of cash you paid for it to spend on repairs, if you don't fix it sure it will run, but it's much more rewarding to drive a car knowing it's being looked after where possible. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arma 134 Report post Posted May 5, 2013 Thanks all for your input. How can anyone advise against one of the best BMW's ever made - The E34 535i Was it auto or manual? Was looking at a couple of auto ones. They are nearly 1/4 century old these cars so regardless on the mileage they do need work done on them these days, seals, hoses, gaskets, electrical connections and bearings would be deteriorated in the majority of the examples out there. It's not to say they are all broken, but kind of on borrowed time - due for replacement etc. Main points of focus are the suspension bushes and ball joints, along with the steering box, check for play and cracked bushes, the front end thrust arms love to go causing vibrations at motorway speeds. The cooling systems are also prone to neglect so check them out. If you intend to buy one for cheap, have the same amount of cash you paid for it to spend on repairs, if you don't fix it sure it will run, but it's much more rewarding to drive a car knowing it's being looked after where possible. Yup, will be keeping extra cash just for any necessary repairs/maintenance. Are e34 parts fairly cheap nowadays? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2312 Report post Posted May 6, 2013 Yup, will be keeping extra cash just for any necessary repairs/maintenance. Are e34 parts fairly cheap nowadays? Used parts, sort of.. depending on how sought after that part is. But any new parts are just as expensive as a brand new model. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BreakMyWindow 1870 Report post Posted May 6, 2013 Get the car up on the hoist, and spend a good hour underneath looking at it all. Check all the bushes for play with a pry bar. As a guideline, for an independant specialist to change the rear 2 e34 subframe bushes, it's about $400 + GST. other suspension/engine parts are very cheap from the USA, just be wary of the duties charges on anything where the Shipping and parts total GST amount equates to > $60 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted May 7, 2013 My E34 Tour is sitting on 260,000km now. Only major issues I have had is I've replaced the cooling system, I'm just waiting to do the bushes though, it's bound to happen. oh and ALL the vacuum lines had to be replaced with the ICV. only other things are sensors for the CHECK control, I've replaced a few now. Oil Level plug had been f**ked with, coolant and the brake sensors. Best to make sure the previous owner isn't a f**kING MORON also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
