BMW 535i Sport
Discussion
Over the past 30'ish years I've tended to have mostly BMW of various models so it's no great surprise that I find myself with another in the shape of a 1991 E34. I've only ever had one other E34, which was a ratty old 525tds that I had for about 48hrs. It was a horrible example and I only really bought it as I couldn't face the idea of catching the train home again.
Anyway, a week or so ago I spotted an advert on Car and Classic magazine for a genuine 535i sport. It was a 2 owner car that looked pretty good but I know all too well how BMW of this era love to rust. A few calls though and I eventually ended up speaking with a nice chap at Motech BMW on the south coast. It seems they had looked after the E34 for the best part of 20 years and it was only being sold due to the elderly owner having health issues. The E34 was actually his pride and joy and he absolutely loved it. He always maintained it properly and even spent £7K last year having the body shell restored with any rust being cut out and new metal let in. Whilst not concours there's no doubt it looks great for a 30 year old BMW and all it needs really is a thorough clean and some use, having sat for the past few months.
I had been looking at E28 but anything M30 powered with a manual box and LSD is getting expensive. Most of the E34 I saw were automatic and so when this popped up with the perfect spec' it made sense to grab it. Yes, it's quite high mileage at 200k but the engine sounds great and has had regular oil changes. The 5 speed box feels good although there's a little bit of clutch release bearing whine. Motech said it has been that way for a few years though and they were waiting for the day it needed a new clutch so left well alone. I think I'll most likely do the same. The LSD is nice and quiet though and does everything it should, so no concerns there. The last MOT said the exhaust has some corrosion but it sounds OK and doesn't appear to be blowing or anything. A Supersprint or Eisenmann would be nice though.
Inside there's black leather and it's all in good order, although a little tired. It just needs a thorough clean and some hide food. I also have some colour restorer for the bolsters on the front seats. They still feel great to sit in and should really come up well. There's a bit of sagging with the headliner but I plan on getting a pro to sort that out. The only other planned changes are a smaller steering wheel and a period Blaupunkt or similar. The Hartge rims are a nice touch although they're off to a new home to be replaced by staggered Azev of the same era. I've also opted for Kuhmo V70a tyres to wrap them in.
Hopefully the weekend will be dry and I can make a start on cleaning the interior and putting some life back into the leather once I get rid of the shine from years of Mr Sheen. I've also sent the previous owner a photo and an offer to take him out for a Sunday drive should he wish to see how the old girl is doing.
|https://thumbsnap.com/ypCMRwHf[/url]
Anyway, a week or so ago I spotted an advert on Car and Classic magazine for a genuine 535i sport. It was a 2 owner car that looked pretty good but I know all too well how BMW of this era love to rust. A few calls though and I eventually ended up speaking with a nice chap at Motech BMW on the south coast. It seems they had looked after the E34 for the best part of 20 years and it was only being sold due to the elderly owner having health issues. The E34 was actually his pride and joy and he absolutely loved it. He always maintained it properly and even spent £7K last year having the body shell restored with any rust being cut out and new metal let in. Whilst not concours there's no doubt it looks great for a 30 year old BMW and all it needs really is a thorough clean and some use, having sat for the past few months.
I had been looking at E28 but anything M30 powered with a manual box and LSD is getting expensive. Most of the E34 I saw were automatic and so when this popped up with the perfect spec' it made sense to grab it. Yes, it's quite high mileage at 200k but the engine sounds great and has had regular oil changes. The 5 speed box feels good although there's a little bit of clutch release bearing whine. Motech said it has been that way for a few years though and they were waiting for the day it needed a new clutch so left well alone. I think I'll most likely do the same. The LSD is nice and quiet though and does everything it should, so no concerns there. The last MOT said the exhaust has some corrosion but it sounds OK and doesn't appear to be blowing or anything. A Supersprint or Eisenmann would be nice though.
Inside there's black leather and it's all in good order, although a little tired. It just needs a thorough clean and some hide food. I also have some colour restorer for the bolsters on the front seats. They still feel great to sit in and should really come up well. There's a bit of sagging with the headliner but I plan on getting a pro to sort that out. The only other planned changes are a smaller steering wheel and a period Blaupunkt or similar. The Hartge rims are a nice touch although they're off to a new home to be replaced by staggered Azev of the same era. I've also opted for Kuhmo V70a tyres to wrap them in.
Hopefully the weekend will be dry and I can make a start on cleaning the interior and putting some life back into the leather once I get rid of the shine from years of Mr Sheen. I've also sent the previous owner a photo and an offer to take him out for a Sunday drive should he wish to see how the old girl is doing.
|https://thumbsnap.com/ypCMRwHf[/url]I seem to recall something about the oil spray bar for the cam needing an eye keeping on or possibly modifying for a better feed? I need to go through the A4 folder of invoices to see what has been done already but it sounds in perfect health. I'd like a slightly fruitier exhaust note though as it's a little muted right now. It feels very E30 but heavier obviously. The steering feel is great though, once you've got away from the dead ahead position. I've been looking at the Bilstein B12 Sportline kit for a suspension refresh.
Thanks for the positive comments chaps.
I've been trying to put a few miles on the E34 and it's starting to run much more smoothly now. I imagine a fresh tank full of V power has helped and I plan to fit a new fuel filter beneath the tank next week.
I've been looking at exhaust systems online and they're all bloody expensive. Especially when you add 20% VAT and I'm currently split between a Fritz system or full custom from Zero exhausts in Kent, with both being around 1200. In fact, the Fritz system is 750 but won't marry to the OE manifold or down pipe so requires their 6 branch for a further 500. I've had problems with stainless manifolds fracturing in the past but it would be nice to get the M30 breathing a bit more deeply and sounding less muted.
I've also started cleaning the leather seats and removing 20 years of Mr Sheen. The seats themselves are in lovely condition but there's just way too much shine. Once they're thoroughly cleaned I have some renovating balm that I hope will restore the colour in the bolsters. I also plan on giving the carpets and OE mats a shampooing although they're all in great condition too, having been protected with some extra carpet off cuts. I just find they get in the way a bit.
I also picked up a basic looking Blaupunkt Brisbane to replace the silver CD head unit currently fitted. It's very plain looking but has the modern bluetooth convenience etc and being black it's a lot more subtle. I only really listen to podcasts or radio 4 so don't need anything hugely powerful or high quality.
The only negative thus far is a small bit of rust in the bottom corner of the nearside front door, with the giveaway being a small stain on the sill where rain has run down from it. The stain came off with a dab of T-Cut and there a pot of Bilt Hamber Hydrate 80 on route to kill the rust itself. I know they make some great products and want to see what they have to protect the Azev alloys from corroding? If anyone has any suggestions please? I've opted for Yokohama ADO8R to wrap them in, with 255/40 rear and 235/40 front.
The other change I want to make is to the steering wheel, as the OE is just a little too big for me. I really want a 350mm alcantara wheel and have been looking for something suitable. I may fit a quick release hub to aid getting in and out as my mobility has been on a slow decline recently. The wheel and boss combination from my old E30 M3 would have been perfect. That said, if I can free off the steering column adjustment that might negate the need to swap? It's pretty much seized from not having been moved in a quarter of a century though and I'm yet to discover how I can free it off?
I've been trying to put a few miles on the E34 and it's starting to run much more smoothly now. I imagine a fresh tank full of V power has helped and I plan to fit a new fuel filter beneath the tank next week.
I've been looking at exhaust systems online and they're all bloody expensive. Especially when you add 20% VAT and I'm currently split between a Fritz system or full custom from Zero exhausts in Kent, with both being around 1200. In fact, the Fritz system is 750 but won't marry to the OE manifold or down pipe so requires their 6 branch for a further 500. I've had problems with stainless manifolds fracturing in the past but it would be nice to get the M30 breathing a bit more deeply and sounding less muted.
I've also started cleaning the leather seats and removing 20 years of Mr Sheen. The seats themselves are in lovely condition but there's just way too much shine. Once they're thoroughly cleaned I have some renovating balm that I hope will restore the colour in the bolsters. I also plan on giving the carpets and OE mats a shampooing although they're all in great condition too, having been protected with some extra carpet off cuts. I just find they get in the way a bit.
I also picked up a basic looking Blaupunkt Brisbane to replace the silver CD head unit currently fitted. It's very plain looking but has the modern bluetooth convenience etc and being black it's a lot more subtle. I only really listen to podcasts or radio 4 so don't need anything hugely powerful or high quality.
The only negative thus far is a small bit of rust in the bottom corner of the nearside front door, with the giveaway being a small stain on the sill where rain has run down from it. The stain came off with a dab of T-Cut and there a pot of Bilt Hamber Hydrate 80 on route to kill the rust itself. I know they make some great products and want to see what they have to protect the Azev alloys from corroding? If anyone has any suggestions please? I've opted for Yokohama ADO8R to wrap them in, with 255/40 rear and 235/40 front.
The other change I want to make is to the steering wheel, as the OE is just a little too big for me. I really want a 350mm alcantara wheel and have been looking for something suitable. I may fit a quick release hub to aid getting in and out as my mobility has been on a slow decline recently. The wheel and boss combination from my old E30 M3 would have been perfect. That said, if I can free off the steering column adjustment that might negate the need to swap? It's pretty much seized from not having been moved in a quarter of a century though and I'm yet to discover how I can free it off?
That is a timeless shape and that looks like a lovely example, fair play.
With regards to the camshaft oil spray bar it’s supplied with oil through two hollow bolts, and these can sometimes fall out and the camshaft can be starved oil. Given the car has been looked after by a specialist they have probably loctited them in place. It’s worth a check though.
With regards to the camshaft oil spray bar it’s supplied with oil through two hollow bolts, and these can sometimes fall out and the camshaft can be starved oil. Given the car has been looked after by a specialist they have probably loctited them in place. It’s worth a check though.
I gave the shiny interior leather a thorough clean today.
Unfortunately the pics don’t do justice to how much better the seats looked. I’m just letting them dry out before I use some black leather balm to rejuvenate the areas where the colour has faded on the bolsters.
The back seat and steering wheel were pretty grubby but the condition of all the seats is great. The carpets are spotless too.
I’ve also picked up a replacement for the silver CD player. I want to lose the silver knobs though. Hopefully the new rims and tyres will be here soon.
Unfortunately the pics don’t do justice to how much better the seats looked. I’m just letting them dry out before I use some black leather balm to rejuvenate the areas where the colour has faded on the bolsters.
The back seat and steering wheel were pretty grubby but the condition of all the seats is great. The carpets are spotless too.
I’ve also picked up a replacement for the silver CD player. I want to lose the silver knobs though. Hopefully the new rims and tyres will be here soon.
Agarange said:
I take it you have some feed and dye for the drivers seat leather. There are in good condition and worth putting the effort into.
I do and it has really transformed the overall look and feel of the leather. They're now a nice uniform satin finish and the wear on the bolsters is now gone. Overall the leather feels much softer and there's no cracking evident as in the first picture. It's a tedious job but, as you say, worth the effort.I want to give the carpets and mats a bit of a clean next and also the dash. Any suggestions on products as I'd really like to remove any silicon products that have been used previously?
Dinoboy said:
That looks great and Alpina wheels are a nice touch. Can I ask what tyre sizes you run on them?Mark-996-911 said:
That looks great and Alpina wheels are a nice touch. Can I ask what tyre sizes you run on them?
I'd need to check, it's actually my old man's car. I'm more of an E28 fan! Seem to remember 245 on the front and 265 on the rear but will check.Eta I'm a sucker for original wheels to be honest, I know people hate the metric tyres but thats because there usually ancient rock hard tyres.
Newly produced (hideously expensive) TRX GT's actually feel great to drive on.
My 635 and 528 on there original alloys.
Edited by Dinoboy on Tuesday 12th October 10:15
I'd have liked another E28 but they've just gotten too expensive now. By comparison my E34 was a bit of a steal really, especially being a genuine manual sport version. An equivalent E28 would have been 3 or 3 times the price.
Just had a call from my local dealership to say they've had a delivery from Germany. The black plastic bumper trims are a bit shabby so I figured I would see if they were still available new, which they were. They were also cheaper than buying used on eBay!
Just had a call from my local dealership to say they've had a delivery from Germany. The black plastic bumper trims are a bit shabby so I figured I would see if they were still available new, which they were. They were also cheaper than buying used on eBay!
Well I collected the bumper trim which included a replacement for the damaged number plate plinth. Unfortunately though, it appears to be a bit different to the one on the car? Initially I thought it just needed painting but there is a clear difference when compared side by side. Hopefully they can get the correct one in for me.
I can finally try and arrest the little bit of rust on the bottom corner of the inner door frame.
I can finally try and arrest the little bit of rust on the bottom corner of the inner door frame.
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