E34 5 series.. opinions??
Discussion
I'll be looking for another cheap car to run about in, in a few mopnths.. been looking at E39 5 series but more recently E34.... just wondered what they were like reliability wise?? i guess most serious thing is rust!! but are the larger engines.. 530-535 avoidable... or do they make good cars??
The E34 is a fantastically well made car. I swapped my E34 530i Touring for an E39 540i Touring almost exactly two years ago, and the E39 doesn't feel quite as well built as the E34. The E34 does feel more old-fashioned to drive but also feels sportier.
Things to look out for: air-con didn't work in any of the E34s I looked at when I bought mine, so I settled for one which had had a fairly recent replacement of the entire system. Which still didn't ever work while I owned it.
The 530i and 540i V8s have nikasil bores which can be corroded by sulphurous fuel. Many have had a warranty replacement with alusil bores; mine was never replaced and was fine. Worth doing your homework on the subject if going for a V8.
The early 530i was a straight 6, saloon only and dropped in about 1990. Not worth bothering with because the later 24v 525i had more power. The 535i was replaced by the 530i and 540i V8s; the 530i is lacking in torque, particularly in auto form, so I'd recommend a 535i or 540i over that.
E34s often have a steering wheel wobble at 60mph. It's caused by worn bushes and not too hard to fix, but it's worth finding one that drives properly in the first place. The steering can feel loose too; often blamed on the steering box, in my car it was fixed by tightening the steering column.
Otherwise, look at electrics, rust, accident damage, the usual stuff. I'm bound to have forgotten something but there are plenty of E34 fanciers around who can probably remember better than me.
ETA: just re-read your post and you ask if the bigger engines are avoidable. Not at all, though I wouldn't bother with either early or late 530i variant; for value I'd go for a late 525i with VANOS, though they came with metric alloy wheels (for which tyres are £200 each and not very good). Replace them with 16" or 17" alloys to get much cheaper tyres. If you do that and buy E39 wheels, bear in mind the E39 has a slightly larger centre bore on its hub, so you'll need some spigot rings to centre them on the E34, but otherwise they fit fine.
Things to look out for: air-con didn't work in any of the E34s I looked at when I bought mine, so I settled for one which had had a fairly recent replacement of the entire system. Which still didn't ever work while I owned it.
The 530i and 540i V8s have nikasil bores which can be corroded by sulphurous fuel. Many have had a warranty replacement with alusil bores; mine was never replaced and was fine. Worth doing your homework on the subject if going for a V8.
The early 530i was a straight 6, saloon only and dropped in about 1990. Not worth bothering with because the later 24v 525i had more power. The 535i was replaced by the 530i and 540i V8s; the 530i is lacking in torque, particularly in auto form, so I'd recommend a 535i or 540i over that.
E34s often have a steering wheel wobble at 60mph. It's caused by worn bushes and not too hard to fix, but it's worth finding one that drives properly in the first place. The steering can feel loose too; often blamed on the steering box, in my car it was fixed by tightening the steering column.
Otherwise, look at electrics, rust, accident damage, the usual stuff. I'm bound to have forgotten something but there are plenty of E34 fanciers around who can probably remember better than me.
ETA: just re-read your post and you ask if the bigger engines are avoidable. Not at all, though I wouldn't bother with either early or late 530i variant; for value I'd go for a late 525i with VANOS, though they came with metric alloy wheels (for which tyres are £200 each and not very good). Replace them with 16" or 17" alloys to get much cheaper tyres. If you do that and buy E39 wheels, bear in mind the E39 has a slightly larger centre bore on its hub, so you'll need some spigot rings to centre them on the E34, but otherwise they fit fine.
Edited by SJobson on Tuesday 7th April 10:53
i had a 1989 535 for 6 years and it only let me down once in all that time. it did have a FSH mind, i think its worth stressing that's so important. i was so impressed with its reliabilty that when i finally fancied a change, i bought an E39 540, which i still have. Both superb cars, although i always thought the E34 to be a little more 'masculine' on account of the E39 being so refined... 
i'd buy another anyday. in fact, now ive just been made redundant, i may have to!!
i'd buy another anyday. in fact, now ive just been made redundant, i may have to!!
The 525i 24v without VANOS came out in late 1990 for the 1991 model year, I think. The VANOS version was late 1993 for the 1994 model year, and came with the mild facelift (wider front grille and metric alloys being the most obvious changes, though there were new steering wheels too and I think the sills were changed slightly). Unless anyone knows differently?
Cheap E39s are becoming really cheap these days, but I'd be wary of a really cheap one. Lots of electrical bits to go wrong, such as the dash display, and far more prone to wearing out suspension bushes.
Cheap E39s are becoming really cheap these days, but I'd be wary of a really cheap one. Lots of electrical bits to go wrong, such as the dash display, and far more prone to wearing out suspension bushes.
Edited by SJobson on Tuesday 7th April 18:22
I'd sooner put a limited budget into a good E34 than an average E39 as they are a better made more durable car (and you'll obviously be buying a superior example for similar money)
A good late E34 should be showing any signs of rust, the only real areas in my experiemce to watch is just above the plastic strips that run across the door bottoms, scabs can develope from these but thats about it.
Watch out for rusty brake / fuel lines
Worn Rear axle bushes
Thermostats, viscous couplings and water pumps
Also the M50 unit is regarded by some to be tougher unit than the M52 and avoids nikasil issues of the 96-98 M52 engined E39.
Yes an E39 does drive better, but you can see where the accountants saved some pennies
A good late E34 should be showing any signs of rust, the only real areas in my experiemce to watch is just above the plastic strips that run across the door bottoms, scabs can develope from these but thats about it.
Watch out for rusty brake / fuel lines
Worn Rear axle bushes
Thermostats, viscous couplings and water pumps
Also the M50 unit is regarded by some to be tougher unit than the M52 and avoids nikasil issues of the 96-98 M52 engined E39.
Yes an E39 does drive better, but you can see where the accountants saved some pennies
+1 for Mustard's comments.
Subjectively - I've now had mine a year, and it's still a joy to drive. Lovely 'thunk' when you shut the doors; the 'lego brick' window switches; the nicely-weighted steeering (ie it has some weight) that's rather more sensitive than many would suggest, but not 'noisy': you know exactly what's going on under the wheels, but can drive 500mile in a single sitting easily. This'uns had poly bushes which probably help that, and after I adjusted a smidge of lash out of the steering box it feels just unburstable.
Oh, and I think it's a stunning bit of automotive design. All the lines and curves resolve; there's nothing superfluous; and yet it has real presence.We clearly need some porn in this thread..:
(pic taken yesterday by the good man Hammerhead, after we put some refurb'd Throwing Stars on for its birthday
)
Subjectively - I've now had mine a year, and it's still a joy to drive. Lovely 'thunk' when you shut the doors; the 'lego brick' window switches; the nicely-weighted steeering (ie it has some weight) that's rather more sensitive than many would suggest, but not 'noisy': you know exactly what's going on under the wheels, but can drive 500mile in a single sitting easily. This'uns had poly bushes which probably help that, and after I adjusted a smidge of lash out of the steering box it feels just unburstable.
Oh, and I think it's a stunning bit of automotive design. All the lines and curves resolve; there's nothing superfluous; and yet it has real presence.We clearly need some porn in this thread..:
(pic taken yesterday by the good man Hammerhead, after we put some refurb'd Throwing Stars on for its birthday
)Hammerhead said:
That's a damn handsome car you've got, Huff. And +1 to what you've said about it/the series.
And Mustard - that 520 you sold to my brother last weekend is going down well in it's new role. You just can't beat a good E34
I had a feeling you were the 'brother'! Lol Gave us 3yrs good service and should give plenty more!And Mustard - that 520 you sold to my brother last weekend is going down well in it's new role. You just can't beat a good E34
Had a least 1 E34 in the family for last 10yrs
95 518i SE M43 Touring between 99 - 06
94 520i SE 24v M50 Saloon between 06 - 09
and now the latest a 96 525tds SE M51 Touring
and in the E34 vs E39 Comparison we have a 02 525i SE M54 Touring
Should really have done a pic of the 520i & 525tds
Edited by Mustard on Wednesday 8th April 20:52
Edited by Mustard on Wednesday 8th April 20:53
Having had both an E34 and (currently) E39, I'd go for the E34 everytime.
Although the E39 is much more refined, I feel that the E34 is more of a drivers car.
I also much prefer the look of the E34s. There's just something about them
A good E34 or a 'ropey' E39 ..... E34 wins hands down. Everytime
Although the E39 is much more refined, I feel that the E34 is more of a drivers car.
I also much prefer the look of the E34s. There's just something about them
A good E34 or a 'ropey' E39 ..... E34 wins hands down. Everytime
Kinky said:
Although the E39 is much more refined, I feel that the E34 is more of a drivers car.
My E39 arrived before I'd sold my E34. Ironically, the E39 arrived by AA van because it broke down on my way home from collecting it. I was initially concerned that it was so much more refined, and more modern, than the E34, but I have enjoyed it for the last 2 years. Still doesn't appeal as the choice for a nice drive to Wales as much as the E34 would have.Mustard, are you in the Midlands? NP and AB number plates make me think of home
I have both cars, an E34 540i 1994 and a 2003 E39 540i and I really think that the E34 is the better car. The E39 is certainly more refined and modern looking but the E34 is far more a drivers car, better built and more agressive looking. I also had an E34 M5 3.8 1996 and a 1990 535i and these were both stonking cars.
The E34 is getting old now but a good one only shows its age style-wise, and for many, including myself think that is a good thing. The E34 wins hands down on reliability over the E39 but I love them both.
The E34 is getting old now but a good one only shows its age style-wise, and for many, including myself think that is a good thing. The E34 wins hands down on reliability over the E39 but I love them both.
Big bump! I have the chance to buy a very nice 1995 oxford green 525i E34 Vanos, one careful owner, that looks great. And another chance for a 2001 artic silver 525i E39, two owners, not so nice but still it seems a good car. Both manuals.
I was looking to buy an E39, as I would like a car with a more modern feel than my 328i E36, but a look to that E34 has me thinking again.
Is it an E34 a too "old school" car compared with the E39? I´m talking about refinement, comfort and steering/gearbox/pedals feel; of course fuel consumption, equipment, safety, etc. will be a lot worse.
I´m looking forward to replace my 328i, its engine seems rough to me despite mechanics always tell "it seems fine".
I was looking to buy an E39, as I would like a car with a more modern feel than my 328i E36, but a look to that E34 has me thinking again.
Is it an E34 a too "old school" car compared with the E39? I´m talking about refinement, comfort and steering/gearbox/pedals feel; of course fuel consumption, equipment, safety, etc. will be a lot worse.
I´m looking forward to replace my 328i, its engine seems rough to me despite mechanics always tell "it seems fine".
E34 is a great car but I bought an E36 as it seems the E34 is quite a bit larger and heavier without having much more space for people in the back.
The M50 2.5 motor is quite a peaky unit and needs working beyond 3500-4000rpm to deliver most of its power. I found it lacking in low to mid rev torque compared to the M52 2.8 even in the lighter body of the E36 325 I briefly owned so I guess the extra weight of the E34 won't help. It is a tough and nice-sounding engine though.
I reckon an E34 would work better with the M30 3.5 motor or else the later 4.0 V8.
The M50 2.5 motor is quite a peaky unit and needs working beyond 3500-4000rpm to deliver most of its power. I found it lacking in low to mid rev torque compared to the M52 2.8 even in the lighter body of the E36 325 I briefly owned so I guess the extra weight of the E34 won't help. It is a tough and nice-sounding engine though.
I reckon an E34 would work better with the M30 3.5 motor or else the later 4.0 V8.
B234R said:
Big bump! I have the chance to buy a very nice 1995 oxford green 525i E34 Vanos, one careful owner, that looks great. And another chance for a 2001 artic silver 525i E39, two owners, not so nice but still it seems a good car. Both manuals.
I was looking to buy an E39, as I would like a car with a more modern feel than my 328i E36, but a look to that E34 has me thinking again.
Is it an E34 a too "old school" car compared with the E39? I´m talking about refinement, comfort and steering/gearbox/pedals feel; of course fuel consumption, equipment, safety, etc. will be a lot worse.
I´m looking forward to replace my 328i, its engine seems rough to me despite mechanics always tell "it seems fine".
As above, I'd rather have a good E34 than a bad E39. Funnily enough mine are the other way round - the 39 is the good one and the 34 was the bad one. My E34 is a 520i so not fast, but even as one that I tried to drag back to being nice (and generally succeeded) it was still a good car. Certainly feels more solidly built than the E39. My word of caution with an aged E39 is that are quite highly strung, whereas the E34 is a bit more hardy. I keep looking at my E39 and thinking "how much longer can I daily this"I was looking to buy an E39, as I would like a car with a more modern feel than my 328i E36, but a look to that E34 has me thinking again.
Is it an E34 a too "old school" car compared with the E39? I´m talking about refinement, comfort and steering/gearbox/pedals feel; of course fuel consumption, equipment, safety, etc. will be a lot worse.
I´m looking forward to replace my 328i, its engine seems rough to me despite mechanics always tell "it seems fine".
Comfort wise the E34 is fine, clearly not as well insulated as an E39 but I don't think that detracts from the experience. Like you say toys are sparse, although an SE will have central locking, heated washer nozzles, heated door mirrors, and a heated driver's door lock (and maybe Aircon) so for all year round motoring they are ok, and you can always upgrade the audio system. Although even standard once it gets above 3500 rpm an M50 engine just sings!. Just watch for rust, as I have recently found out to my cost
BGarside said:
E34 is a great car but I bought an E36 as it seems the E34 is quite a bit larger and heavier without having much more space for people in the back.
The M50 2.5 motor is quite a peaky unit and needs working beyond 3500-4000rpm to deliver most of its power. I found it lacking in low to mid rev torque compared to the M52 2.8 even in the lighter body of the E36 325 I briefly owned so I guess the extra weight of the E34 won't help. It is a tough and nice-sounding engine though.
I reckon an E34 would work better with the M30 3.5 motor or else the later 4.0 V8.
Yes, I was surprised it isn´t much more comfortable in the back than the E36.The M50 2.5 motor is quite a peaky unit and needs working beyond 3500-4000rpm to deliver most of its power. I found it lacking in low to mid rev torque compared to the M52 2.8 even in the lighter body of the E36 325 I briefly owned so I guess the extra weight of the E34 won't help. It is a tough and nice-sounding engine though.
I reckon an E34 would work better with the M30 3.5 motor or else the later 4.0 V8.
Trouble is there aren´t a lot of 535is and it seems they like a drink, the same with the V8s (I don´t expect a lot of mpg in a 525i). Of course a manual 540i would be great but that´s even more difficult to find than a good 535i.
Triumph Man said:
As above, I'd rather have a good E34 than a bad E39. Funnily enough mine are the other way round - the 39 is the good one and the 34 was the bad one. My E34 is a 520i so not fast, but even as one that I tried to drag back to being nice (and generally succeeded) it was still a good car. Certainly feels more solidly built than the E39. My word of caution with an aged E39 is that are quite highly strung, whereas the E34 is a bit more hardy. I keep looking at my E39 and thinking "how much longer can I daily this"
Comfort wise the E34 is fine, clearly not as well insulated as an E39 but I don't think that detracts from the experience. Like you say toys are sparse, although an SE will have central locking, heated washer nozzles, heated door mirrors, and a heated driver's door lock (and maybe Aircon) so for all year round motoring they are ok, and you can always upgrade the audio system. Although even standard once it gets above 3500 rpm an M50 engine just sings!. Just watch for rust, as I have recently found out to my cost
Do you mean that the E39 is a more fragile, or delicate car than the E34?Comfort wise the E34 is fine, clearly not as well insulated as an E39 but I don't think that detracts from the experience. Like you say toys are sparse, although an SE will have central locking, heated washer nozzles, heated door mirrors, and a heated driver's door lock (and maybe Aircon) so for all year round motoring they are ok, and you can always upgrade the audio system. Although even standard once it gets above 3500 rpm an M50 engine just sings!. Just watch for rust, as I have recently found out to my cost
The E34 I´m looking has enough toys: electric windows all around, driver´s airbag, leather and an air conditioning that works.
As I said, I would like a car with a more modern feel than my E36, but if the E39 can be a money pit more easily than the E34, I would reconsider it.
Thanks a lot.
B234R said:
Triumph Man said:
As above, I'd rather have a good E34 than a bad E39. Funnily enough mine are the other way round - the 39 is the good one and the 34 was the bad one. My E34 is a 520i so not fast, but even as one that I tried to drag back to being nice (and generally succeeded) it was still a good car. Certainly feels more solidly built than the E39. My word of caution with an aged E39 is that are quite highly strung, whereas the E34 is a bit more hardy. I keep looking at my E39 and thinking "how much longer can I daily this"
Comfort wise the E34 is fine, clearly not as well insulated as an E39 but I don't think that detracts from the experience. Like you say toys are sparse, although an SE will have central locking, heated washer nozzles, heated door mirrors, and a heated driver's door lock (and maybe Aircon) so for all year round motoring they are ok, and you can always upgrade the audio system. Although even standard once it gets above 3500 rpm an M50 engine just sings!. Just watch for rust, as I have recently found out to my cost
Do you mean that the E39 is a more fragile, or delicate car than the E34?Comfort wise the E34 is fine, clearly not as well insulated as an E39 but I don't think that detracts from the experience. Like you say toys are sparse, although an SE will have central locking, heated washer nozzles, heated door mirrors, and a heated driver's door lock (and maybe Aircon) so for all year round motoring they are ok, and you can always upgrade the audio system. Although even standard once it gets above 3500 rpm an M50 engine just sings!. Just watch for rust, as I have recently found out to my cost
The E34 I´m looking has enough toys: electric windows all around, driver´s airbag, leather and an air conditioning that works.
As I said, I would like a car with a more modern feel than my E36, but if the E39 can be a money pit more easily than the E34, I would reconsider it.
Thanks a lot.
To be honest any old BMW has the potential to be a money pit!!
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