E34 - Questions
Discussion
Im looking for my next car, after having my (classic) mini, I want something a bit more relaxing to drive, because road trips will be involved, but something which will also be fun to drive. Do you guys reckon the E34 is suitable, RWD and 6 cylinders sound like a good start anyone got experience with these cars? Im thinking 520 - 535 for around £1500.
The e34 is a great car. They are bullit proof and go on forever. I would go for a 525 or 535. Just remember that they are heavey cars and suspension on an old car like this will almost certainly need work. Other than this and SI bourd problems these cars don't go wrong. We have done over 200k in ours and it's tired, but runs great.
Do not avoid them full stop. Alot of V8's had no problems at all and most that did would have had the necessary work done by now. If you can check this you stand to get an incredible engine for pocket money. I run a late 540i and whilst fuel economy isn't great its not that bad (20-22mpg on average, more on motorway) and the drive is incredible.
Just thought I'd mention it
Just thought I'd mention it
I'll second the fact that the V8s are thirsty... the tip computer reports an average of 20mpg for my commute which is a mix of motorway, town and sometimes country lane. I do 70 miles a day on the commute - ouch.
The 540i, while not the most agile of cars, is still good fun when there's the space to exploit it, and the thrust on offer is pretty respectable. Have owned a 525i 24v in the past, and it didn't feel slow either.
Anyway, it's probably a moot point on the V8 front: finding a 540i for 1500 is probably not going to happen. A year ago, the £3000 I paid for mine was something of a steal, although I did later have to shell out a grand on autobox issues and still have to spend some money on suspension parts: they're heavy on thrust arms, bushes, anti-roll bar links, rear shock mounts yada yada yada. Depending on how you drive, they'll eat brakes, and if there's any front suspension wear, front tyres will wear rapidly.
Don't be put off though: find a good one and it'll be very good, or find a cheaper one and have a specialist bring it up to spec.
The 540i, while not the most agile of cars, is still good fun when there's the space to exploit it, and the thrust on offer is pretty respectable. Have owned a 525i 24v in the past, and it didn't feel slow either.
Anyway, it's probably a moot point on the V8 front: finding a 540i for 1500 is probably not going to happen. A year ago, the £3000 I paid for mine was something of a steal, although I did later have to shell out a grand on autobox issues and still have to spend some money on suspension parts: they're heavy on thrust arms, bushes, anti-roll bar links, rear shock mounts yada yada yada. Depending on how you drive, they'll eat brakes, and if there's any front suspension wear, front tyres will wear rapidly.
Don't be put off though: find a good one and it'll be very good, or find a cheaper one and have a specialist bring it up to spec.
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