E34 "Touring"

[Classic Grad 98]

I'm going to view one of these this weekend. Could anyone in the know tell me what in particular I should check on it and where to look?
I'm especially concerned with:
-Self-leveling rear suspension- checking and diagnosing
-Rust (where are they succeptible)
-Electrical issues and gremlins
-Suspension comonents- I know these munch through them so where should I focus my attention?
-Any other common problems with this make/model?

[Classic Grad 98]

Bump

[Mustard]

Which engine?

Rust? They are pretty rust resistant but being quite old now there could well be some, but no particular area. Check brake and fuel lines and jacking points though

suspension... Rear axles bushes is the hardest and most costly to replace (about £200 at a specialist) not easy to tell without a ramp (check last mot advisories) check rear self levelling throughs no dash errors and car sits level when running... Note 518 & 520 do not have SLS

Electrics... Check the dash pixels are bright, check the wiring loom as it enters the tailgate, check double sunroofs work if fitted... Fortunes to fix if they don't!

Check viscous coupling has good resistance, try stopping it with a rolled up newspaper

If a Tds Make sure it starts easily hot or cold, fuel pumps are an expensive job

Edited by Mustard on Sunday 12th February 08:49

Edited by Mustard on Sunday 12th February 08:50

[Classic Grad 98]

I'm after the 525tds Touring with a manual 'box. I've been actively searching since September but still haven't found the right one- the one I intended to view this weekend turned out to be a Cat 'C'- that wouldn't usually be enough to put me off, but the fact the seller lied about it was.
Thanks for the help so far

[Mustard]

Classic Grad 98 said:

I'm after the 525tds Touring with a manual 'box. I've been actively searching since September but still haven't found the right one- the one I intended to view this weekend turned out to be a Cat 'C'- that wouldn't usually be enough to put me off, but the fact the seller lied about it was.
Thanks for the help so far

I'll bear you in mind if my brother decides to part with his..... It would be top dollar though!


http://www.autobahn-classics.co.uk/gallery_210837....

[Mustard]

olly22n said:

Mustard said:

Classic Grad 98 said:

I'm after the 525tds Touring with a manual 'box. I've been actively searching since September but still haven't found the right one- the one I intended to view this weekend turned out to be a Cat 'C'- that wouldn't usually be enough to put me off, but the fact the seller lied about it was.
Thanks for the help so far

I'll bear you in mind if my brother decides to part with his..... It would be top dollar though!


http://www.autobahn-classics.co.uk/gallery_210837....

Christ, that's fap worthy.

Mines Oxfordgrun too...

I pulled it out an Audi dealer I was working for at the time (3yrs ago) came in p/x from its original owner against a brand new A4 avant?.... It was too good (and rare) to refuse!

[Classic Grad 98]

Mustard said:

Classic Grad 98 said:

I'm after the 525tds Touring with a manual 'box. I've been actively searching since September but still haven't found the right one- the one I intended to view this weekend turned out to be a Cat 'C'- that wouldn't usually be enough to put me off, but the fact the seller lied about it was.
Thanks for the help so far

I'll bear you in mind if my brother decides to part with his..... It would be top dollar though!


http://www.autobahn-classics.co.uk/gallery_210837....

That looks perfect. So much so I'd feel reluctant to buy it, fit a towbar, maintain it myself etc because really it needs to be preserved rather than used. Do let me know though just in case I decide I'm worthy

It's tough to find one that hasn't done 200k miles and hasn't been abused/ran on veg oil/modified/crashed/neglected etc.

olly22n said:

Come and see mine!!!

Well, unfortunately I can't have a 3 litre petrol- the diesel is a better match because the car will get used to tow the Caterham up and down the country on a regular basis and the grunt and relative frugality of the derv is what I need. However if you're offering and you're not to far away I'd love to give it a look over and learn about it!

[Classic Grad 98]

...Aaand I've just noticed that Mustard's Brother's 525tds already has an OEM detachable towbar
If he is getting rid, I would love to hear from him/you. It might be twice what I was planning to spend but looking at those pics I've stopped caring!

[Mustard]

olly22n said:

I am probably a bit far away for you.

Hold out for one, they are fantastic machines. Although, I wouldn't rule out a 525i or a V8.

The diesel isn't I especially economical or powerful. Spanish 525i is probably the pick of the bunch.

In mixed use, your probably right a 525i manual wouldn't do that much less (our 520i man. Saloon didn't do much less), but long distance AND towing I think it could be a differently story (never tried though) due to the long gearing and torque

[Classic Grad 98]

^ Mustard, that's pretty much my reasoning. I have towed with reasonably powerful petrol engines but downshifting to 4th to get into the power band to accelerate/overtake/get up a hill soon brings economy down. Current (disposable) tow car does 30mpg towing and I don't do 60mph...

[Total loss]

olly22n said:

Mines Oxfordgrun too...

And mine

[Mustard]

Well, just had a full 2nd inspection II ( diff & gearbox oil, fuel/air/oil/micro filters etc) & MOT (no advisories) done on our Tds at work ( BMW main dealer) and truely amazed at this difference in engine flexibility, performance and gear change quality, now showing 50mpg on the worry gauge at an indicated 80mph cruising on the motorway (where my E39 525i auto would be nudging just over the 30 mpg mark under the same conditions)

Sorry, don't think it's going to be sold (medical reasons may have dictated hopefully going to be sorted) failing that think I might sell my E39 for it !