Looking to buy my first Bimmer, E30 325 or E34 330 V8?
Discussion
Morning all,
My first post in the BM section! I'm looking to buy my first BMW and my budget is a bit on the tight side unfortunately. The main use for the car will be mainly motorway driving, but a bit of track driving may be involved too (mainly when the TVR has a hissy fit and won't play), and quite possibly a lap or two of the ring at some point.
Fuel economy isn't the biggest of concerns for me, although the E34 325 (DOHC) seems to be quite tempting.
The E30s do seem to charge a bit of a higher premium for their image, and I'm not certain that's really worth it. Is the nikasel problem with the e34s V8s really a concern nowadays?
I suppose really I'm after a motorway basher that can take to the track without too much suffering, and BMWs seem to offer this compromise quite well.
Where would your thoughts be? Advice muchly appreciated!
My first post in the BM section! I'm looking to buy my first BMW and my budget is a bit on the tight side unfortunately. The main use for the car will be mainly motorway driving, but a bit of track driving may be involved too (mainly when the TVR has a hissy fit and won't play), and quite possibly a lap or two of the ring at some point.
Fuel economy isn't the biggest of concerns for me, although the E34 325 (DOHC) seems to be quite tempting.
The E30s do seem to charge a bit of a higher premium for their image, and I'm not certain that's really worth it. Is the nikasel problem with the e34s V8s really a concern nowadays?
I suppose really I'm after a motorway basher that can take to the track without too much suffering, and BMWs seem to offer this compromise quite well.
Where would your thoughts be? Advice muchly appreciated!
wombat172a said:
Fuel economy isn't the biggest of concerns for me, although the E34 325 (DOHC) seems to be quite tempting.
The E34 is a '5' Series - so 525.325 is an E30 / E36 / E46
wombat172a said:
The E30s do seem to charge a bit of a higher premium for their image, and I'm not certain that's really worth it. Is the nikasel problem with the e34s V8s really a concern nowadays?
No. Most have either had replacement blocks, or they are past the point of concern (i.e. if they haven't broken yet, they won't).The E34 V8's (530 / 540) had the engine temperature raised in the ECU to try and offset the Nikasil issue, which in some cases seemed to be successful.
wombat172a said:
I suppose really I'm after a motorway basher that can take to the track without too much suffering, and BMWs seem to offer this compromise quite well.
For comfort, E39 535 / 540 - E34 530 / 540 close second, but 530 is a little lethargic unless you get a manual.For performance, E30 325i / E36 328i / E46 330i / E39 540i (manual)
But you'll probably struggle a bit to find a decent manual 535 / 540.
BHP:
E30 325 (don't know)
E36 328i / 192 (but many seem to yield more in standard form)
E46 330i / 231
E34 530 / 218
E34 540 / 250 (ish) IIRC
E39 535 / 245 (later models) earlier models 230 (ish)
E39 540 / 286
HTH
A little bit too slow there chaps, appreciated though 
Have a look here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Have a look here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Slight correction - E34 540 was rated at 286HP also. But the E39 540 makes 10% more torque (it's yje M62 V8 , 4.4L; the E34 uses the 4.0L M60B40 - which has a redline 1Krpm higher, and cable-operated throttle).
Slightly different to drive, too - the E39 is simply one of the most polished, capable driver's saloons ever; the E34 is closely related: older, slightly less polished -but still very engaging
Slightly different to drive, too - the E39 is simply one of the most polished, capable driver's saloons ever; the E34 is closely related: older, slightly less polished -but still very engaging
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