E34 535i - things to look out for?

[jaik]

Okay, so my Cappuccino's not in a good way at all engine-wise , and I've been eyeing up the E34 535i Sports for a while. I won't know until tomorrow what the state of my engine is, but if it's a rebuild job which I'm fearing it could be then it might be time to get looking for a new car!

Sooo, what are the main things to look out for on the E34s (535i Sport in particular)? Do they suffer badly from the usual old-car rust around the sills and arches? What sort of mileage are the engines good for, I've seen a few for sale with around 150k on the clock? I'm after a manual, so any issues with that would be good to know about, likewise I'm not bothered about problems with the auto.

If anyone can offer any advice it would be massively appreciated

[Boulder]

Great choice of transport.
I ran one for a couple of years,and indeed still have it (for sale actually)!
Superb starter car for oversteer,superb brakes ,grip,balance.Bad 17mpg......

The manual is the best choice since the box is bullet proof,the engine is too if maintained can do 200k easily,the odd overheating spell can cause problems with the head gasket but this is down to poor servicing.
Fuel pipes rot away and worn beam bushes worn shocks and front tca's cause soggy handling and vibrations.

The body cant rot,but a bit of cosmetic is all there will be.

Mine is £550.
Manual,sh, private plate.

[M5Dave]

As said above, poorly maintained cars can overheat, which can cause a warped or cracked cylinder head. Also the bolt which holds the oil spray bar at the top of the engine in place can work loose causing oil starvation to the camshaft.

The steering and front suspension set up is also quite complex, with loads of joints, arms and bushes, which can wear and cause wobbles and vibration in the steering and braking, which can be time consuming to track down.

The rear suspension suffers from the usual BMW problem of worn bushes and top mounts, although that's pretty straightforward to put right.

Finally, although the original metric wheels for the car really look the part, the Michelin TRX tyres are rediculously expensive and completely hopeless. Many cars now have replacement imperial size wheels because of this.

[jaik]

Thanks guys

[nerf]

you must get one! i had mine for 6 years (pic still in profile) and it only let me down once, and that was, indeed, the head gasket. other than that it was a real joy to own. and because it never went wrong, the only costs were in servicing and maintenance. you know you want to!

[jaik]

I certainly do. Just spent almost £300 on a new radiator and thermostat for the Capp so I need to get that all sorted first, but I'm still going to look at getting one

[pmanson]

I'm hopefully off to see an H reg 525 at the weekend.

Nice to hear that they won't rust!

From what I know about the car (it's my mate's brothers car) is that's it grey with around 170-180k miles on it with a leather interior.

Quite looking forward to seeing it as I fancy a new set of wheels.

I remember reading on another thread about making sure the water pump has metal propellors but what about the cam belt? (does it even have one?)

Phill

[M5Dave]

525i does have a cam belt, it should be changed every 30,000 miles or three years. Don't think it's that big a job.

[M3John]

Jaik, i really can't add to what's already been said. The cars are bomb proof if they've been looked after. My only word of advice - get a manual.

You will not be dissapointed mate.

Ah almost forgot, this wouldn't be for a cirtian road trip by any chance would it?

M3J.

[jaik]

M3John said:

Jaik, i really can't add to what's already been said. The cars are bomb proof if they've been looked after. My only word of advice - get a manual.

You will not be dissapointed mate.

Ah almost forgot, this wouldn't be for a cirtian road trip by any chance would it?

M3J.

Nope, the Suzuki's coming on the "certain road trip" with me I think it's something that should really be experienced in the little pocket rocket. I'm just after a slightly more refined/relaxed daily driver.

[pSyCoSiS]

Aah the 535i Sport...

I mentioned this in another forum, but I own one that is also up for sale.

Agree, it should definitely be a manual for the more 'involved' drive.

They are great cars, the only thing that lets them down is their poor fuel economy!

Mine is

'89 535i Sport Manual
12 Months MOT
Alpine White II
Full Blue Sports Leather
FSH
EW, EM, ESR, PAS, OBC
Full Tool Kit
LSD, M-Tech Kit, M-Tech Suspension
Recent Oil Service, Rear Shock Mounts, Propshaft Donut, Fully Undersealed, New Front Windscreen
E39 5 Series Alloys with 4 x Pirelli P6000 Tyres
Genuine Factory Sport in Excellent Condition for Year

£1500 ono.

[M3John]

pSyCoSiS said:

Aah the 535i Sport...

I mentioned this in another forum, but I own one that is also up for sale.

Agree, it should definitely be a manual for the more 'involved' drive.

They are great cars, the only thing that lets them down is their poor fuel economy!

Mine is

'89 535i Sport Manual
12 Months MOT
Alpine White II
Full Blue Sports Leather
FSH
EW, EM, ESR, PAS, OBC
Full Tool Kit
LSD, M-Tech Kit, M-Tech Suspension
Recent Oil Service, Rear Shock Mounts, Propshaft Donut, Fully Undersealed, New Front Windscreen
E39 5 Series Alloys with 4 x Pirelli P6000 Tyres
Genuine Factory Sport in Excellent Condition for Year

£1500 ono.

Jaik, this seams like a good car ^^^^^

[jaik]

Certainly does, whereabouts are you in the UK?

[pSyCoSiS]

Jaik,

I am in Northamptonshire. And you?

My number is 07830 130568 if you need any further information, or would like to view / test drive.

It is a relatively rare car in Alpine White with Blue Sports Leather and in Manual guise.

Also, being an '89 model, it is one of the earlier E34 535i Sports.

[jaik]

I'm in Manchester, so a fair distance away really!

[pSyCoSiS]

jaik said:

I'm in Manchester, so a fair distance away really!

It is, but it depends on what you are after and how far you are willing to travel.

I have previously travelled to Newcastle to pick up a car!