E34 reliable as mom's DD?

[DisgustipatedAP1]

Thinking about picking up a '93 5-speed E34 525i as a DD for my mom. Car has been well-maintained.

Any big faults/failures with these cars to look out for? I was going to take it to Castro's and have it inspected. :D

[stamar]

awesome model, in general the best one besides the 91 318

has the old body with the new motor.

and 5 speeds are rare in a 5 series. Depending on what it costs its one of the best regular models.

better gas mileage than my e30 and real rear seats with nice wood in the door panels not cheap vinyl.

that is for real the best bmw daily driver. Not considering gas mileage.

[Xat1cZ]

the early model 5-speed 518i that I had some experience with was very reliable.. slow as hell but it just wouldn't break

[redsubdivisions]

Get it. I had an E34 touring and although it was an automatic, it was tough as nails.

I am currently in the process of finding another E34, especially a 5-speed...

[TimKninja]

The m50 and m30 E34s are very reliable . My friends mom has had a 530i that has been not to great, but shes also very picky and drives it very hard.

[straight6pwr]

am in the process of looking for an e34 myself for this very purpose. i'd give my left nut for an m50 5speed car. all the m50s i can find are autos.

[DisgustipatedAP1]

I am thinking about picking it up today. I'll let you all know if it comes through and how much I paid. :D

[325ix]

Reliable? Yes. Safe enough for me to stick my mom in? Not so sure there.

[Stanley Rockafella]

Reliable? Yes. Safe enough for me to stick my mom in? Not so sure there.

maybe the OP doesn't like his mom very much?

[Cliche Guevara]

Reliable? Yes. Safe enough for me to stick my mom in? Not so sure there.

It's got an airbag, that's good enough for me ;)

[chance]

my buddy has an e34 m50 5 speed. the transmission just went out on it. though, it was pretty bad when he bought it.

His doesnt seem to have been maintained well and its still pretty solid

[DisgustipatedAP1]

Reliable? Yes. Safe enough for me to stick my mom in? Not so sure there.

I'd stick my in your mom, that's reliable enough for me.

[TrentW]

That would be a perfect choice. You'll have less issues with the M50b25 as well as a car that has air bags and is slightly bigger and built well. Recently bought a 525iT for my wife for just those reasons.

[Holland]

Remember we are talking about 1st generation air bags, not modern ones.

[5Toes]

Do the autos give any signs before they go out?