hi e thirty fourz here

[TDE30]

Both generations have their issues, but overall, I think the E39 holds up better. My experience owning just one of each is certainly not scientific, but my impression is that they learned a lot about E34 durability issues that were resolved on the E39.

On the other hand, neither hold up nearly as well as the E28 (front-end bushings excluded). I had a 535iS way back when. Tough as nails, those things.

Dave

Meh, agreed about the E28 bit. From what I've seen/experienced, E39's have lots and lots of painted plastic parts in the interior, and it eventually wears off and look like hell. All and all, the E34's were pretty solid cars. Many of the early cars had delaminating issues and almost all suffered from the odd electrical glitch or so, but they have proven to be quite solid cars.

[Dave McLaren]

I know what you mean about those parts. There's some kind of material covering the plastic to give it a satin look. The handle on the sliding armest, for example, gets beat. My tech replaced just the handle to keep it fresh. For the other plastic bits to get worn, somebody's got to be a real thrasher. I've seen some of those thrashers and wonder wtf these people do in their cars. Apart from those bits, at least everything else inside holds together, not like my M5. Choosing one generation over the other really comes down to preference, and in the mix are a wide choice of models.

As for me, I'll probably keep the E39 for a solid commuter (a fun one at that) and finish dumping cash into this nutty E30 project. Next I may buy an E28. I've got a thing for a 535iS TCD S-2 or M5 with the euro setup of lights and M-technic body kit. Unlike my E30, I'd buy one already complete or close to my liking.

Meh, agreed about the E28 bit. From what I've seen/experienced, E39's have lots and lots of painted plastic parts in the interior, and it eventually wears off and look like hell. All and all, the E34's were pretty solid cars. Many of the early cars had delaminating issues and almost all suffered from the odd electrical glitch or so, but they have proven to be quite solid cars.