540i E34, talk to me!

[ballisticz466]

So, I might be able to do a trade with my E36 for a E34 540i. But before I do this, I need to know what to look out for on such a magnificent vehicle. I don't want issues within a month or two.

So I'm hoping you brainy guys could offer some advice.

Dankie

 

[wikked]

One does not purchase an aging BMW without expecting maintenance bills...

 

[Dewald Basson]

One does not purchase an aging BMW without expecting maintenance bills...

Very true :rollsmile:

 

[ballisticz466]

One does not purchase an aging BMW without expecting maintenance bills...

Not expecting a perfect vehicle. Just asking if there are any common faults I should look for.

 

[Sankekur]

Suspension, in all likelihood nothing will have been changed so expect to have to change the thrust arms, the lower control arms, anti-roll bar end links, drag link, tie rods, idler arm bush, trailing arm bushes, diff bushes, pitman arms, shocks and rear springs.
Engine, expect to change all the gaskets on and around the the intake. Radiator will probably need replacing. Tappet cover gaskets will need replacing.
Apart from the "nikasil issue" the motors are pretty reliable.

Gearbox, auto, budget to replace it sometime as it will fail. Manual, gearbox is pretty much as strong as you get BMW boxes, but expect to pay 2/3 the value of the car to replace the clutch.

 

[Peter@AEW]

The above is based on first hand experience so deal with it in absolute certainty

 

[nirvash]

Suspension, in all likelihood nothing will have been changed so expect to have to change the thrust arms, the lower control arms, anti-roll bar end links, drag link, tie rods, idler arm bush, trailing arm bushes, diff bushes, pitman arms, shocks and rear springs.
Engine, expect to change all the gaskets on and around the the intake. Radiator will probably need replacing. Tappet cover gaskets will need replacing.
Apart from the "nikasil issue" the motors are pretty reliable.

Gearbox, auto, budget to replace it sometime as it will fail. Manual, gearbox is pretty much as strong as you get BMW boxes, but expect to pay 2/3 the value of the car to replace the clutch.

thanks for the info,
this is up top on my short list as weekend/fun car,
must be a manual, or pony up to do a manual swap..

 

[ballisticz466]

Baie dankie guys for the info and advice. Gonna meet up with the owner over the weekend.

my inspiration!

[video=youtube]

 

[Rammlied]

Have you driven the car yet?

1. If not, when you do, put it in drive or reverse. If the car doesn't start moving straight away, apply some throttle. If it then jumps into gear, this indicates problems with the valve body. If it has this problem, get it sorted asap as it will eventually cause the gearbox to grenade.
Though, better idea would just be to swap it to manual straight away. :=):

2. With the engine running, put your ear to the area at the back of the intake manifold. If there is a hissing noise, this would indicate a failed PCV plate. Leads to rough running etc.

3. Rust issues - Check below the rear windscreen on either side as well as below the front windscreen. Very problematic areas. Bottom of the doors love to rust as well.

4. As Sankekur mentioned - If you have a shimmy/steering wheel shake at around 80km/h, replace upper and lower control arms.

 

[ballisticz466]

We hopefully meeting up today. Thanx Rammlied for the advice, exactly what I was wanting to see. Will check on all the areas mentioned.

:ty::ty: