Looking to purchase E34, 525,535,540i

[Isibonelo]

I'm considering purchasing an E34 and need advice on what to look out for. Have fallen in love with the shape and want to do proper research. Any advice welcome.

 

[Missioner]

Try to avoid the 520/5i with the M20 motor, I felt they were a little under powered for the E34 body. The big six motors (530i 535i) are nice and torqey and make for a nice cruiser. As these are quite old now parts might be more difficult to get.

Personally I prefer the M60 engine. It was available in two flavours, namely the 530i and 540i. The down side is that they are more expensive to repair/rebuild. That said 540i, because V8.

 

[JayDrft]

Hi Iso,

I currently have a e34 525i with the Multivalve motor(Not M20)...non vanos motor.

It really is a nice car...my experience tells me that for its age, its still very solid...cruising on the highway is a dream, a bit lazy around town - but you shouldnt do more than 60kph...

All the best on your search.

BTW - What price range you looking at?

 

[Ricky318i]

I've got a E34 535i with the M30B35 motor.

Quick enough around town, Fast enough on freeway. Heavy on fuel. I get about 16l/100km.

Parts are not as easy to come by as the 525i M50, but if you look, you will find. Agents still have everything, at a price, of course.
If you want power, then go for the 530, 535 or 540i V8. 525i will dissapoint you in that respect.

Be prepared to spend R30k - R40k for a good example, R60k for the best one in the country.

If I had to choose, I would go for a 1995 late model 525i with all the bells and whistles. Make sure you get air bags, CD shuttle, nice interior and a gearbox that works. :uhoh:

The interiors on these cars can be neglected by previous owners. :hammerhead:

 

[Isibonelo]

https://www.olx.co.za/m/ad/bmw-535i-e34-ID162Fjr.html?code=ce93662413
This one looks to be in good shape.

 

[Isibonelo]

I've got a E34 535i with the M30B35 motor.

Quick enough around town, Fast enough on freeway. Heavy on fuel. I get about 16l/100km.

Parts are not as easy to come by as the 525i M50, but if you look, you will find. Agents still have everything, at a price, of course.
If you want power, then go for the 530, 535 or 540i V8. 525i will dissapoint you in that respect.

Be prepared to spend R30k - R40k for a good example, R60k for the best one in the country.

If I had to choose, I would go for a 1995 late model 525i with all the bells and whistles. Make sure you get air bags, CD shuttle, nice interior and a gearbox that works. :uhoh:

The interiors on these cars can be neglected by previous owners. :hammerhead:

how long have you had yours?

 

[Henry330i]

Have a look here this one might be up for sale.


http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=44282

 

[tyu333]

E34's are very nice cars. I suggest you get a late model 540i with all the bells and whistles which doesn't need a lot of work. I've got a 96 540i and I use it as my daily. Love it to bits, here's some pics of it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ricky318i]

I've got a E34 535i with the M30B35 motor.

Quick enough around town, Fast enough on freeway. Heavy on fuel. I get about 16l/100km.

Parts are not as easy to come by as the 525i M50, but if you look, you will find. Agents still have everything, at a price, of course.
If you want power, then go for the 530, 535 or 540i V8. 525i will dissapoint you in that respect.

Be prepared to spend R30k - R40k for a good example, R60k for the best one in the country.

If I had to choose, I would go for a 1995 late model 525i with all the bells and whistles. Make sure you get air bags, CD shuttle, nice interior and a gearbox that works. :uhoh:

The interiors on these cars can be neglected by previous owners. :hammerhead:

how long have you had yours?

Two years. I've done a lot of work on mine because I got it for cheap.

If you can get one that is in a very good condition, you don't need to spend as much money as I did (do).

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk