E34 Buyer's Decisions

[spencers]

I am thinking about switching to an E34. To me, the E30 isn't modern enough for my tastes. However, that's just my opinion, and you can't sway it. :)

I'd just like some hints on what to watch for when considering purchasing one of these vehicles. I've been kind of partial so far to the 525i, because I assume it would get good gas mileage.

I'm also assuming that the (530i, 540i) V8 drinks gas?

I remember reading somewhere that there were two types of blocks, one that wasn't that great, and one that updated it (Alusil?)

Thanks guys, Hopefully you can help me out.

No flaming or starting fights, please. I just simply need buyers hints.

[Sean]

If you're getting an E34, get a 535i 5spd - i would kill for one of those.

The 530i - you probably meant 535i - is a 3.5i Inline 6 - an M30. Damn good engine.

If I got an E34, that's what it would be. My dad has a 1990 535i auto - it's a quick car, but the auto really ruins it. A 5spd, and I'd never want to stop driving that car. The best part is it handles similar to the E30, and tends to oversteer - it's one hell of a winter car! ;)

I forgot to mention to steer clear of the V8's too - they may be fun - but really aren't the most reliable.

[Rob]

I dont personally see e34s as being much more modern than an e30.


i'd steer clear of the V8s, m50 is where its at

[James Crivellone]

3 E34's that you want


525i's with the M50, slow, but good engine
535i 5 Speed = M30, The Best non M E34 Made IMHO
E34 M5 = S38, mmmmmmmmmmhmmmm....



Friend of mind is currently E34 hunting, awesome cars, I would love one for a 4door family sport sedan =)


I would personally go for a 535i with the M30, Rock solid drivetrain, trusty manual, and enough turbo options to make your wallet start on FIRE

[UNHCLL]

Ditto on Robs comment about e34's being more modern... :roll:


DO NOT BUY AN M20 525i
THEY SUCK!!!!!

M50 525i is ok
3.5l 535i is better
540i 6-speed is best

[Charlie]

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/misc/v8shortblock.htm

Personally, I'd look for a 530 or 540 that has had it's motor replaced outright. You get a car with shit resale value and a new engine,

-Charlie

[spencers]

So, whats the deal about the different blocks in E34s?

Also, about the "modern" part.. I mean't that everytime I've looked at an E34, the interior has been spectacular. I haven't seen any ragged E34 interiors. They just stay clean. The inside seems roomier, and the look just seems more updated. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to every little rattle in the car. I don't like worrying about it, because to me, rattling means something's broke or old.

I was looking at bmwe34.net, and I think when I was referring to the 530i, there were two models. One with a M30 (88-90) and one with an M60 (93-95). The 535i has an M30 (88-92) as well. The 535i is good with HP/TQ too (208/225).

Basically, I'd be choosing between the 535i (M30) or the 540i (M60).

Once again, does the V8 drink gas?

[Rob]

did you see the link charlie posted?

[spencers]

Yeah, I just clicked it right after I posted. Whoops!

Edit: So my best bet is to probably stay away from the V8 E34s since most have the Nikasil blocks. Unless I can find one with an Alusil.

[Rob]

a lot of them were replaced under warranty.

[spencers]

Also, I was doing some browsing. The 530i has an M30 engine in it as well as the 535i.

The 530i just doesnt have as much engine displacement as the 535i

[kansas-ix]

Just buy a 535i 5spd, they rock,
father-in-laws has 203k and runs and looks like new, drove his car to school today and set the cruise at 95mph and the mpg gauge was pinned btwn 20-25mpg, gotta love it.
I call it "the time machine" it flat out moves.
Got it up to 145mph in Utah a year ago.

Go with the big 6 m30 it is a very strong engine

[spencers]

Ive been doing more and more research and that's probably what I'll do.

535i with the 3.5l M30 and a 5-speed. mmmm.. in black

[brodee]

Ive been doing more and more research and that's probably what I'll do.

535i with the 3.5l M30 and a 5-speed. mmmm.. in black

That's what I'm getting as soon as I sell my sedan. Except I want silver :)

[spencers]

Silver's hot too. However, it seems harder to come by.