buying an M5 E34 any tips what to look out for
Discussion
Looking to buy one of these next week and any tips/things to look out for would be good. Am ok with all the usual stuff re buying an old performance car but are there any specific things to be on the lookout for when buying an old M5?
Also can anyone point me to a forum for the old M5's? thanks
Also can anyone point me to a forum for the old M5's? thanks
www.m5board.com go o the E34 section.
Is the car a 3.6 or a later 3.8?
As a fellow owner look out for the following.
Rust along the lower door panel and along the side skirts. Open the fuel filler flap and look for bubbling! Get the car onto a ramp and look underneath for rust on front wheel arches.
Has the owner had an annual valve clearance check? If so who has done it, if not walk away!
On a 3.8 check the EDC damper switch and when driving the car switch from S to P and feel the car firm up.
Check all of the bills, who has been looking after the car? How much per annum has the current owner spent?
Do not drive the car when warm! Make sure it is cold when started, listen to the unequal throb when at around 800-1000 rpm. The car should not be driven hard ever until the oil temp is warm, ie around mid way on the temp gauge.
What tyres is it running, has the car had a KDS alignment recently.
Check disks for rust/ warping and is the car stable when braking from between 50 and 60 mph.
Look at the exhaust for rust, is it an aftermarket, if so walk away unless Eisenmann or a well known high end brand.
Finally who is selling the car, a trader or an individual. Post some thoughts on the board and we will pass on our knowledge.
Buy wisely and welcome to the 'club'.
Is the car a 3.6 or a later 3.8?
As a fellow owner look out for the following.
Rust along the lower door panel and along the side skirts. Open the fuel filler flap and look for bubbling! Get the car onto a ramp and look underneath for rust on front wheel arches.
Has the owner had an annual valve clearance check? If so who has done it, if not walk away!
On a 3.8 check the EDC damper switch and when driving the car switch from S to P and feel the car firm up.
Check all of the bills, who has been looking after the car? How much per annum has the current owner spent?
Do not drive the car when warm! Make sure it is cold when started, listen to the unequal throb when at around 800-1000 rpm. The car should not be driven hard ever until the oil temp is warm, ie around mid way on the temp gauge.
What tyres is it running, has the car had a KDS alignment recently.
Check disks for rust/ warping and is the car stable when braking from between 50 and 60 mph.
Look at the exhaust for rust, is it an aftermarket, if so walk away unless Eisenmann or a well known high end brand.
Finally who is selling the car, a trader or an individual. Post some thoughts on the board and we will pass on our knowledge.
Buy wisely and welcome to the 'club'.
Edited by belleair302 on Saturday 24th October 23:18
Unfortunatley there are very, very few good E34 M5s left. Lots and lots of them have been owned by people who have run them on a shoe string. Many are rolling restoration projects........mine, although not bad to start with, has cost me £10k in the last 2 years. It needs another £1 - 2k spending on it before it is perfect, so you can see why many people neglect the maintanance they require.
Mine is looked after by Darren Farrell and I honestly wouldn't let anyone else touch it. A true gent and a perfectionist, so if you are serious about looking for one then get him to inspect it for you.......it will save you a fortune in the long run.
Richard, long time no hear.........how are you? I have just got the old girl back from a complete suspension a brake rebuild and she is going like a dream. A new MAF and TPS and coilpacks are next on the list and then I think she will be complete. How is yours going?
Mine is looked after by Darren Farrell and I honestly wouldn't let anyone else touch it. A true gent and a perfectionist, so if you are serious about looking for one then get him to inspect it for you.......it will save you a fortune in the long run.
Richard, long time no hear.........how are you? I have just got the old girl back from a complete suspension a brake rebuild and she is going like a dream. A new MAF and TPS and coilpacks are next on the list and then I think she will be complete. How is yours going?
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