E34 Running costs
Discussion
Hi guy's my grandfather passed away recently and some of my favorite memories where of me being a kid and him having a getting brand new e34, It was only a 518i but as a kid back then it was a big deal as nobody i knew had anything close to a new bmw i have many fond memories of him taking me out in it and i would like to get one for my self in remembrance of him,He had a green auto 518i. I don't know a thing about these car's can anybody give my any insight and advice to running one in 2014?
It's a big car and a small engine, so I'd start by looking for a 6-pot. The M30 engine in the 535i is a great (although admittedly old-Skool) lump.
It's worth getting someone who knows his onions to check it over for you. They rust and they're old, so stuff goes wrong.
But the build quality was excellent, they're much more characterful than modern cars, all parts are available (not too expensive direct from BMW or even cheaper through breakers, specialists and ECP et al).
One problem will be finding an unmolested, well cared for example. Too many fell into the wrong hands over the last 15 years or so.
ETA: and of course they can be insured on a classic policy!
It's worth getting someone who knows his onions to check it over for you. They rust and they're old, so stuff goes wrong.
But the build quality was excellent, they're much more characterful than modern cars, all parts are available (not too expensive direct from BMW or even cheaper through breakers, specialists and ECP et al).
One problem will be finding an unmolested, well cared for example. Too many fell into the wrong hands over the last 15 years or so.
ETA: and of course they can be insured on a classic policy!
Shocks and bushes will be getting tired if not already replaced. 518i really is underpowered, I'm comparing this to my old 520i and that was seriously slow. These days the best all rounder would be the post 1991 525i manual with the bombproof M50 engine, it's known to be just as thirsty as the 520i as the 2L engine has to be ragged. I love the 535i and the old 3.5 M30 engine but expect 20-22mpg! Also consider the late V8s in the 530i and 540i.
Had a 1994 525i SE 24v Manual for 3 years up until the end of 2006. Paid £1650 as a 140k miles 10 year old and took it up to 160k. Such a lovely car (as a cheap barge to be left lying around on the streets of London). I found a diligent local mechanic (rather than a specialist) and it cost pennies to run, amazing cheap. Mechanics seemed to love working on them because they were so beautifully over-engineered and pretty bomb proof. Its some time ago now but I certainly never had any rust issues, I found the E34 to be a far better car than the similar vintage Merc W124 I had subsequently....
I currently run a 520i SE, and to be honest mine was (and still is a bit) a pup mechanically. However, it is the most solid pup I have ever owned. I'm gradually working my way around the car, next job is a new gearbox.
Things to watch out for:
-Shimmying. Any number of things, control arms, brakes, slightly out of shape tyres.
-Cooling system. Make sure it doesn't overheat and there are no leaks. My cooling system (bar the rad as it was pretty fresh anyway) has recently been refreshed.
-Bodywork. The one area of my car that is pretty good, but they do rot. Especially in the sills.
-Steering. It has recirculating ball steering, which develops play. This can be removed by nipping up the steering box, which is easy enough to do.
-Wheels. Standard wheels on an SE were Metrics with horrific tyre costs. As such, many have been replaced. Mine has 17" wheels that a previous owner put on. They are BMW wheels, but wheels this size on an E34 will exacerbate any suspension/geometry problems you may have.
Despite this, I do like mine, and I will continue to fix it rather than sell. You can really feel the solidity, even in a slightly neglected example like mine!
Consumption wise, I suppose I average 25-30mpg depending on how I drive it. Parts aren't too bad, it only needs semi-synth oil which is cheap, as are filters. On the subject of filters, check the airflow from the vents etc, as if it is weak it is likely the pollen filter is clogged. Mine was! The filter is in the transmission tunnel area to the left of the driver's left foot and is a bit of a pig to do.
Things to watch out for:
-Shimmying. Any number of things, control arms, brakes, slightly out of shape tyres.
-Cooling system. Make sure it doesn't overheat and there are no leaks. My cooling system (bar the rad as it was pretty fresh anyway) has recently been refreshed.
-Bodywork. The one area of my car that is pretty good, but they do rot. Especially in the sills.
-Steering. It has recirculating ball steering, which develops play. This can be removed by nipping up the steering box, which is easy enough to do.
-Wheels. Standard wheels on an SE were Metrics with horrific tyre costs. As such, many have been replaced. Mine has 17" wheels that a previous owner put on. They are BMW wheels, but wheels this size on an E34 will exacerbate any suspension/geometry problems you may have.
Despite this, I do like mine, and I will continue to fix it rather than sell. You can really feel the solidity, even in a slightly neglected example like mine!
Consumption wise, I suppose I average 25-30mpg depending on how I drive it. Parts aren't too bad, it only needs semi-synth oil which is cheap, as are filters. On the subject of filters, check the airflow from the vents etc, as if it is weak it is likely the pollen filter is clogged. Mine was! The filter is in the transmission tunnel area to the left of the driver's left foot and is a bit of a pig to do.
Thinking of Selling mine. Honestly cheapest thing I have owned. Had it seven years and just maintained it and bypassed the SLS. Has every stamp ever In book.
Bought on 202k, now on 249k. Took it to Belgium last month five up and averaged 32mpg.
It rattles, squeaks, has dents and rust but everything works. Being a 525i Touring manual with buffalo leather and sunroof it is the perfect spec.
I love it, and may well keep!
Bought on 202k, now on 249k. Took it to Belgium last month five up and averaged 32mpg.
It rattles, squeaks, has dents and rust but everything works. Being a 525i Touring manual with buffalo leather and sunroof it is the perfect spec.
I love it, and may well keep!
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