E34 Fiver Questions

[VooDooXII]

Basically, I'm just wondering how reliable these cars are and any problems I should be prepared for. We had a 1987 BMW 325 for about twenty years. It clocked up over 225,000 miles without a single problem, so I'm wondering if that sort of bulletproof reliability stretches to BMWs other models.

Is there any model that's more reliable than another (ex. 525 vs. 530 vs. 535 vs. 540)?

Appreciate the info!

[Logan]

I have a 540iA that I swapped 5 speed, and I LOVE it.

It has 210k on it and I rarely have a problem.

The only thing to check out on them is the fornt suspension for wear. Most e34's have a shimmy at certain speeds due to worn bushings.


Generally, the 535i is the "most" reliable. It has a M30 which is near bulletproof.

DO NOT GET A 530.

It has a 3.0L v8. 215hp. Wimpy. The engine is the same externally as the 540i. Just down 70hp.

1995 is the best year for these cars.

The most desirable cars are in this order: (IMO)

M5
540i/6
535i/5
525i/5

Things you should avoid (generally):

530i
pre 1991 525i
automatics


If you're looking into a particular car, lmk and I'll give you my epinion on it. I am very very familiar with this chassis so lmk if you have any more questions.

[DinanM3atl]

Two most reliable would be the m50 powered 525i and the m30 powered 535i. The 530i being the least reliable and it just plain sucks :)


Assuming maintenance is done they are very reliable. The 5 series has suspension woes though. Rarely will you see an e28/e34/e39 that has a good front end on her. Brake shimmies, highway shimmies etc can be attributed to this. BMW makes a car the size of a town car handle and drive amazing.

How do they do it? It has like 18 million front control arms plus thrust arms! They have balls joints and bushings. They go bad and are a wear item. One that you will notice when it is going out. 60-100K they will need to be replaced.

When I got my e28 I just replaced the whole front end and all rear bushings/arms as well. Just so I know when it was done :)

[speedminded]

I love me some e34! I'm thinking 525i with the M50 block and head swapped for M52 versions then a GT35R. Coil-overs, ACS Type II's, BBS LM's, or Hartge's...

http://www.epitom3.com/pics/10-14-07/IMG_1523.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj63/noslices/BMW/DSCN4477.jpg

[VooDooXII]

Info is greatly appreciated, and Jason, you're spot on with what I'd have in mind as far as cosmetics go. :goodjob:

I think I'd have avoided the 530 altogether because it just seems like too little power for the engine, plus any bad reviews I've read on Car Survey came from the 530 owners. Also, I'll only drive manuals until I develop chronic leg pain.

M5s seem pretty impossible to find, and I've been looking at 540s mostly, though I'll definitely look into the 535s as well. Here's an excellent one I've found (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=257587187&dealer_id=39875806&car_year=1995&rdm=1233548297690&model=540I&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1988&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=96678&showZipError=n&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=30024&advanced=&end_year=1995&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=26&standard=false)...looks to have everything I'd in one, and judging by yours Logan, it seems to be a pretty solid car. I noticed you said 1995 is the best year. You mean 1995 only or 1995 and 1996? I like that front "splitter" by the way.

Thanks again guys. :goodjob:

[OnURleft]

Even though I didn't pay for it (was saving up for something better), one of my first cars I drove around was a 1990 535i with 150,000 on the clock. It was owned by a family friend and was purchased new in 1989.
All I can say is from the bullet proof reliability, to the LSD, comfortable like new interior, and the overall smoothness and performance the cars are just sweet.
I auto crossed this car, lived on the skidpad at the driving school I worked at and just flat out drove the ever living piss out of it and it never once burped or had any issues. My family friend currently owns it and it's going on 180,000 strong with only minor wear and tear issues.
If I had to choose one now I would without a doubt get a 1995 BMW 525i with the M50 motor. With simple obd1 tuning via T.R.M and some $300 schrick cams you can see 200-210 whp and you won't have to live with the 15-24 mpg of the 535i

[DinanM3atl]

Agreed.

525i M50 would be at the tops of my list.

[Logan]

Info is greatly appreciated, and Jason, you're spot on with what I'd have in mind as far as cosmetics go. :goodjob:

I think I'd have avoided the 530 altogether because it just seems like too little power for the engine, plus any bad reviews I've read on Car Survey came from the 530 owners. Also, I'll only drive manuals until I develop chronic leg pain.

M5s seem pretty impossible to find, and I've been looking at 540s mostly, though I'll definitely look into the 535s as well. Here's an excellent one I've found (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=257587187&dealer_id=39875806&car_year=1995&rdm=1233548297690&model=540I&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1988&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=96678&showZipError=n&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=30024&advanced=&end_year=1995&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=26&standard=false)...looks to have everything I'd in one, and judging by yours Logan, it seems to be a pretty solid car. I noticed you said 1995 is the best year. You mean 1995 only or 1995 and 1996? I like that front "splitter" by the way.

Thanks again guys. :goodjob:

Technically, 1995 was the last year of the e34.

1995's have:

gathered door panels
M-tech sideskirts
Painted lowers
Interior was dressed up a bit

And the 540i you listed looks spot on. 6 speed as well.

I say go for it.

[VooDooXII]

Are 1996 models just leftover 1995 ones? Oh also, how's the fuel economy?

I'm considering it seriously...but nothing final yet. It's pretty easy to make these cars look good too. Hell, all I'd do is tints, a set of rims, and that front splitter similar to what you've got...oh, and a German plate up front.

[speedminded]

Are 1996 models just leftover 1995 ones? Oh also, how's the fuel economy?

I'm considering it seriously...but nothing final yet. It's pretty easy to make these cars look good too. Hell, all I'd do is tints, a set of rims, and that front splitter similar to what you've got...oh, and a German plate up front.Normally vehicles built after June/July are considered the following year, just round up.

[DinanM3atl]

Normally vehicles built after June/July are considered the following year, just round up.

BMW is pretty right on that they change the model year on the ninth month. September of 95 would be a 1996 model year.

It can deviate from this when body styles are changing.

[speedminded]

BMW is pretty right on that they change the model year on the ninth month. September of 95 would be a 1996 model year.

It can deviate from this when body styles are changing.I've always went by September for years until i saw a few [non BMW's] that were earlier but registered as the following year. :dunno:

[DinanM3atl]

Well other car makes are WRONG then!

haha

[VooDooXII]

Model years are just a marketing tool. :rolleyes:

[dynasty69]

Just bought a 535i 5 speed sunday and it runs perfectly w/o any issues. Best car i have owned so far.

[VooDooXII]

Just bought a 535i 5 speed sunday and it runs perfectly w/o any issues. Best car i have owned so far.

Good to know. Hope it continues to be trouble free :goodjob:

[dynasty69]

Good to know. Hope it continues to be trouble free :goodjob:

Me to. My last bimmer wasnt so trouble free.

[VooDooXII]

That's unfortunate. What was it?

Our '87 325 only had no mechanical problems, but the A/C went out as did the motors to raise and lower the windows, and something got caught in the passenger seat rail that made it get stuck all the way back.

Mechanical problems are the only thing I'm really worried about though, and those issues only arose once it crossed about 200,000 miles...so I'd say the car was pretty solid.

[wannab20hatch]

from what ive read and heard the window motors on the 3 series go out after a while. its like bmw made them that way just to get you back in to the delaership. lol

Edit: i was looking at a e39 5 series myself but they cost 100 bucks more a month on insurance than an M3 so i think ill be shopping for an M. Im 24 married with no tickets/wrecks :0

[VooDooXII]

I'm almost 21, I've had one accident where I was rear ended and one stop-sign ticket. No speeding tickets or anything.

I'll have to do some research.

[DinanM3atl]

window regulators go out on all BMWs.

[dynasty69]

That's unfortunate. What was it?

Our '87 325 only had no mechanical problems, but the A/C went out as did the motors to raise and lower the windows, and something got caught in the passenger seat rail that made it get stuck all the way back.

Mechanical problems are the only thing I'm really worried about though, and those issues only arose once it crossed about 200,000 miles...so I'd say the car was pretty solid.

It was an e24.

[TOPbmw]

man i deff love the E34

[esi_atlanta]

525 alll day long ...