BMW E34 : Buying advice? 4K Driving Vids of My E34 2020

Velociti .:R

Velociti .:R

New member
Hi All

Good to see so much information on this site.

Always been a fan of the BMW E34, and looking at buying one of these. With the preference being a an E34 540i .

Just wanted to know if there is already a thread on what to look out for when purchasing one of these vehicles.

The 540i's specifically. Are parts still easily available, and is general costs still reasonable for a car of this age. Any common problems to look out for .

I am currently searching for one.

Thanks in advance..
 
Velociti .:R

Velociti .:R

New member
Thanks. Looks good.

Not in Johannesburg, but asked a friend to go check it out for me so long.

Anything I should look out for.


Thanks again
 
AdiS

AdiS

Well-known member
Velociti .:R said:
Are parts still easily available, and is general costs still reasonable for a car of this age.
Click to expand...

From what I understand, no on both accounts. Many of the parts are not held in stock, and sometimes no longer available. For the parts that are available, they can get very expensive.
 
Budleigh

Budleigh

Member
What parts do you mean? General service bits are readily available from Goldwagen/Masterparts, or from the agents and they dont cost an arm and a leg. I owned mine for 7 years and I never struggled with finding any parts for it.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
 
T

tyu333

Member
Budleigh said:
What parts do you mean? General service bits are readily available from Goldwagen/Masterparts, or from the agents and they dont cost an arm and a leg. I owned mine for 7 years and I never struggled with finding any parts for it.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


Fully agree. I own one and I don't struggle for parts. The only thing you might struggle with is tyres if you still have the original 15's. They are available but need to be ordered.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Velociti .:R

Velociti .:R

New member
Thanks guys for the responses.

Just trying to do my homework. Just want to also make sure the car has no major mechanical issues. No real rust issues.

The tyres I have been told need to be replaced. Its also missing a fuel flap cover, this I would need to find one and have it colour matched,

For services etc, is it best to go to BMW themselves for older cars?

I believe that only 75 of these models are in SA, and I noticed one on this forum.


Thanks
 
Zound

Zound

///Member
That 540i Manual looks like a great project car. Unfortunately, it seems to need a lot of TLC.

I didn't see what the mileage was but in restored original condition, I think that could be a worthwhile investment since the manuals are so rare.

It seems to be an individual colour? I haven't seen that colour on an E34 before.

For services, stay away from the dealers, unless you're forced to buy parts there. Rather take the car to a reputable BMW specific service shop (eg: Tune Tech, Ross Duncan, Gizmo@Garage46 etc)
 
B

bmw69

Member
Control arms and bushings are a common thing on these cars.
Check for vibration or wobbles, if i remember correctly you can normally feel it around 60 to 80 km/h while cruising or when braking.
Rust i don't think is a major issue unless the car has been neglected and water has been sitting in an area.
i got mine in a very bad condition but was all due to normal wear and tear items that hadn't been replaced and budget fixes done and now that i am looking after it, it has been reliable and most parts are still available from BMW.
Mine is a M50TUB25 engine so i can't comment on the V8 but its been very reliable.
Check the cooling system though because a lot of people recommend that it gets replaced every 10 years.
 
T

tyu333

Member
Velociti .:R said:
Thanks guys for the responses.

Just trying to do my homework. Just want to also make sure the car has no major mechanical issues. No real rust issues.

The tyres I have been told need to be replaced. Its also missing a fuel flap cover, this I would need to find one and have it colour matched,

For services etc, is it best to go to BMW themselves for older cars?

I believe that only 75 of these models are in SA, and I noticed one on this forum.


Thanks
Click to expand...


Just make sure the engine has power, otherwise you are potentially in for hectic repairs for the engine. As soon as you get it I would suggest you service and replace all the filters.

Next inline is all the rubber gaskets on the intake manifold & the pcv valve need to be replaced.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
ashley

ashley

///Member
Hi
E34’s will handle high mileage, I’ve bought two 540I’s both with over 300000kms one they. First one was a learning curve. The first one was not cared for, and did cost me abit to get it right. Second one is still early days, only bought just over a month ago,. Driven it also every day! Luckily its history is well documented on the forum and it was very well taken care of by its two previous owners. It is in better nick than a 10 year old Z4 I just looked at on a Dealer Lot !!!:skit:
I’m on number 4 of the E34 ownership over the last 8 years, a 1989 535I auto (my late’ Mum’s) – a lazy rust bucket, now my #racecar. Number two was a 1993 525I – m50 motor – the best one to own if on a budget, sold it with over 400000kms on the clock, it still returned 8.4l per 100 on the open road at 120 to 140 km/h, I admit I have a heavy foot! Both the 540I’s where pleasure to drive.
All I can add, look out for rust, in the Front and rear pillars, the first 540’s boot was repaired twice, but the computer boxes under the back seat got flooded, killed the car for me, moved onto a E39 540i, E39 feels like a boat compared to the E34. I still prefer the E34’s drive to any other Bmw I’ve drive over years,
I also check the toolbox, just a personal thing. See if you can get a service history, E34 will be a classic soon, and documentation with a classic, adds value, plus you know what’s being going on , if it has been cared for or not.
I’ve owner many different cars over the years, I keep come back to a 5 series , E28 will always have a sweet spot with me, but E34 one enjoy the most , so I will be looking a touring (station wagon) E34 one day. Soon (evil grin)
Good luck with your search, Hope you find a nice clean model, they are out there!!:rollsmile:
 
rsgordini

rsgordini

Active member
Hey just a heads up i know this dealer and he repairs accident cars on site..

So just be careful.. inspect for paint respray etc..
 
Velociti .:R

Velociti .:R

New member
Thanks all
Great advise,

Will look out for all that's said.

Thanks for the heads up, did not get a good feeling when speaking to the dealer. So will inspect for any paint respray or accident damage.

Will however keep searching for a good E34, at this stage I am happy even if its not any of the high powered versions. Just want a neat one, that is manual and does not require too much major work.

After my first project car, I learnt lots.

Also , not sure in Port Elizabeth where would be a good place to have these cars serviced.

Thanks, will keep everyone posted when I view this car.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

RyanJooste
discussion BMW Purchase
Replies
7
Views
929
msm
msm
D
discussion 2012 X3 2.0d buying advice
Replies
12
Views
2K
///M Individual
///M Individual
cos_mo
discussion X2 M35i pre-purchase advice
Replies
0
Views
768
cos_mo
cos_mo
S
Buying advice required E92 M3
2
Replies
34
Views
6K
922-ZN
922-ZN
S
Advice required buying E92 M3
2
Replies
23
Views
4K
922-ZN
922-ZN
Top