DD: e34 vs. e36

[ColdAccord]

I think over the summer I'm gonna look for a new daily driver. My winter car is not cutting it.

I was rather set on an e34 5 series, either 535i (rare I know) or 540. But I'm thinking, also in that price range are e36. I'd be looking for an m50/m52 e36, 4 door 5 sp.

Basically I'm curious what will be most economical, in terms of how they drive, cost, feel, etc. I've never driven an e36 nor an e34 so obv that would be the biggest factor, just looking for some initial notions

also, do they both have fold down rear seats? or at least a ski pass through? I snowboard frequently..

also keep in mind I'm in buffalo, so we've got pretty serious winters

[e30sd]

you should buy a cold accord. maybe an '01. my friend has an '01 lx 4 door, fold down seats, that thing rocks. we take it everywhere.

[ColdAccord]

lol i was 16. i like hondas, they are very reliable, etc. but they are econoboxes, i've had 3 bimmers already and don't think i could ever go back

[Digitalwave]

Econoboxes are kinda what you would be looking for in a DD eh?

I've never driven an E34, but an E36 is a good DD. They almost all have fold down rear seats as well.

[bmwm3n528]

Econoboxes are kinda what you would be looking for in a DD eh?

I've never driven an E34, but an E36 is a good DD. They almost all have fold down rear seats as well.

Yeah, good luck finding an e34 with fold down seats. I'd jump on a nice e36.

[rwh11385]

E34s have a strange seating position with the steering wheel. make sure you can comfortably sit in one. (you kinda have your knees hitting the dash possibly too). It's weird. but that's my only concern with the E34. . . and maybe dated interior and dash. Outside is classic hot, and good cars.

E36s have issues if you have a poorly treated one (i.e. the retards off of bimmerforums). If you buy from an older CCA member, he might seek a premium, but you'll probably save on maintence someone younger might not have kept up on.

[bmwm3n528]

E34s have adjustable steering column also...E36s are stationary, but pretty good placement.

[Digitalwave]

My friends E36's column goes up and down.

[bmwm3n528]

My friends E36's column goes up and down.

Maybe it's just later models then.

[kylebes1]

I have a '95 525ia. I would never trade it for an e36, unless it was an m3.

I would trade it, however, for a e34 535 with five speed. The steering wheel is kinda high relative to the seating position. but in spirited driving, like when we went to the Dragon tail, it is pretty nicely positioned.

The only things that e34s have as a down fall are the passenger side rear wheel bearing, and you will want to get a set of Euro headlights. The US projectors are decent, but you don't have many upgrades in bulbs.

My vote: 1995 540i Sport, then the 535, then 1995 525ia.

BTW, I get 25 mpg and I drive much harder than I should. you could probablyget like 30 if it was a babied highway car.
-Kyle

[mikeedler]

your probably bettter off with the E36, cause it will probably be newer.
but all in all, a car that is maybe 3or 5 years newer isnt really going to be a better car than an E30 for a daily driver. E34, as well as E36 cars have their problems too, so your really in the same boat, except alot of the parts will be a bit harder to find, and prob. a bit more expensive. my 2 cents-- but im just a prejudice idiot, that doesnt know that Honda developed VCT first!
so you should probably just disreguard what i say anyways.

[ILoveMPower]

My 535iM does not have a fold-down rear seat, nor adjustable steering column. However, I am 6'2" and the seating position is very comfortable, especially the "airplane" armrests.

I would say an E34 touring would be a lovely daily driver for you.

EDIT: My friend Adam has a 93 325i, and the seating feels extremely cramped for me. Even when I'm the passenger with the seat fairly far back.

[ColdAccord]

e34 touring would be a lovely daily driver, and as I'm sure you can guess I already like tourings.

But I don't like automatics, too dull. 5 speed is a MUST

and yes something economic is good for a dd, but I also like to be comfortable. I would prefer to stay bmw for a DD. As someone told me when I bought my first e30, "Own one, and you'll be hooked."

e34's i believe have adjustbale telescoping steering columns after 1991, i read that somewhere. they have a ski pass through, no?

I'm thinking e36 might be the way to go. The interior is a bit more plasticy, but whatever, it's just a dd.

[E30godz]

e34

[asubimmer]

buy a e34....I saw get a touring and do a tranny swap...My friend has a touring e34 and that thing rocks. Its GREAT on the highway and a 5/6spd would really make it more fun off the highway.