E34 5 series

[redbaron303]

I've been doing some reading on this lineup of 5 series. I love the body style and lines of the 535i and M5.

Locally they're fairly expensive but I will be importing mine from out of country.

My question is - are there any reliability issues and such with the 88+ 535i or M5's or any major issues that I should be aware of when selecting my car?

I'm not all to familiar with BMW but want one - I just don't want an over rated lemon persay ;)

Any help and words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Chris

[redbaron303]

The other thing I was thinking about - was boosting this car. I don't know if the 3.5 from the 535i is a good engine to boost though? I haven't been able to find any decent information on this matter either. :P Anyone know if it's a good or bad idea?

[FiveFreshFish]

Beware of the "Nikasil" issue that affected the M60 and European M52 engines. Basically, it was a problem with high sulphur fuel reacting with the nickel lining of the block.

[t-im]

I can't imagine importing an old 5 series would be much different then buying one around here...(unless you're talking about M5)

depending on your budget, try looking for a 1992+ 525i, or 91+ 535i..or 94/95 530i..but with 530i's you have to watch for that above mentioned issue

[ZorroAMG]

There was a 540i and an M540i (pretty much an M5 without the engine) as well in the E34 chassis, i'd look at those instead of the 535 if you can't spring for the M5....

[FiveFreshFish]

M540i is very rare as there were only 32 every made.
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=13

However, #4 of 32 was up for sale in Calgary this past summer for $27,500.

Here's a pic of the plaque of #5 of 32.

[R-Audi]

Chances are there will be another M540i for sale fairly soon, but it may need a little work. ( I forget what number it is) It has Supersprint Exhaust, and a Dinan intake too.

[NiteRider]

Originally posted by R-Audi
Chances are there will be another M540i for sale fairly soon, but it may need a little work. ( I forget what number it is) It has Supersprint Exhaust, and a Dinan intake too.
chipped, and lowered
hes number 8 i think

[redbaron303]

M60 and M52 engines are from which year and model 5ers?

Didn't BMW warranty those engines for replacement?


I'm looking in Germany and Japan right now for the car, they're substantially cheaper there for a car with far fewer KM than a local machine has.

I'm also considering the 88-90 300E (I had one & it was quite nice).


Just looking for something I can lower a bit, tint the windows on and drive w/out having TOO many problems. My modded sports cars seems to spend some time in the shop here and there.... :P

[ZorroAMG]

Well the E34 and the W124(300E) are comparable cars in a lot of areas, each has it's pros and cons...if you need any help with the W124 stuff let me know

[tc3]

E34 r great cars!! I've got an E39 540 now, But I do miss my E34 535.
If u do get one..go 91+..less front end probs (esp shimmy). And at least a 535(awesome engine, powerfull and still good on gas) if not a 540.
Most engines (540) should have been replaced under warrantee, but I think it was up to the owmer to bring it up.
M540 r nice, but rare and pricy. U could spend a lot of thet $$ on upgrading a 535 or 540.

ohh They look better without tint, classy:bigpimp: , but thats my opinion!

[redbaron303]

So far I've found a couple, all black... lowered, bbs meshie rims w/ lip, and tinted windows. not bad cars! :) Looking anyhow.

I've always been impressed with BMW but have really only messed around with E30 and E36 3 series :) I want something a little bigger and classier though.... which is one of the reasons Im looking at the Benz 300E and BMW 535I

[bmwwheelman]

E34s are awesome cars!

I've got an 89 black 535i 5spd, cloth interior (rare, yes it sounds crazy but they all came stock with leather), full winter package (heated seats, mirrors, locks, headlight / foglight washers) and the optional 3.46 LDS and i LOVEEEEE this car!

I've only put an aftermarket deck in it (alpine cda-9833) and the car rocks!

I get so many comments about how nice the car looks and if its brand new or if the paint job is just new and people are surprised when i tell them its a 1989.

heres a site that will help you out alot with the questions you may have (http://www.bmwe34.net/), personally i dont trust the hp upgrades they say, but hey, thats just one persons opinion

the 535i engines are pretty much bullet proof except the gaskets, i've seen them turbo charged running about 6psi with just a headgasket everything else stock (i woudlnt do this myself but some people have)

i'd recommend staying away from the earlier 4.0L V8 as far as i know they were weak engines. but again thats my opinion.


i recommend if you find a 5spd, get it! they are so much funner than the iA's and faster, not to mention 5% of the 535i 's ever made from 89-93 were 5spds

heres another link for some useless info on all the e34 models
(http://www.wordiq.com/definition/BMW_E34#General)

i hope you find this helpful and hope you enjoy any e34 you purchase :)

[redbaron303]

I've had a look over bmwe34.net here and there. :) Found it pretty useful. Your second link is pretty cool too! Makes me want an M5 even more :P

Thanks a bunch for your recomendation and opinions :)


btw - bmwwheelman - do you have photos of your car?