Opinions on E34 530i v8
Discussion
I had this 535i Sport for a few years. I know its not quite the same but it was a great car 
The 530i V8 had problems with Nikasil bore linings (I beileve).
Check for replacement engine by BMW. Rumour has it that the V8's don't handle as well as the straight 6 owing to the extra weight and they're a fair bit thirstier. Cruise would be an option I guess. Look for wear on suspension and bushes. Check all the electrics work, esp the central locking. If you can find a well specd and well looked after one they could make a rocking good purchase.
Having said that, I'd say a 540 or a 535 would be a better bet, IMHO
>> Edited by 800 on Tuesday 5th July 17:34
The 530i V8 had problems with Nikasil bore linings (I beileve).
Check for replacement engine by BMW. Rumour has it that the V8's don't handle as well as the straight 6 owing to the extra weight and they're a fair bit thirstier. Cruise would be an option I guess. Look for wear on suspension and bushes. Check all the electrics work, esp the central locking. If you can find a well specd and well looked after one they could make a rocking good purchase.
Having said that, I'd say a 540 or a 535 would be a better bet, IMHO
>> Edited by 800 on Tuesday 5th July 17:34
800 said:
it all
I've had a 1995 540i Touring for a year. The only problem so far was a geriatric battery. Quick, but doesn't feel like 286bhp because its heavy, so a 530i (218bhp) might feel a bit lethargic. Mine averages 22mpg and on a gentle motorway it'll break 30mpg.
The Nicasil problems were due to high sulphur levels in fuel. Because sulphur levels are now far lower you will probably be safe to assume that any car that was going to have a problem will have had it already. Some engines were replaced by BMW with the later Alusil block.
The other problem with the V8s, which is less well known, is that the oil pumps bolts come loose. They ought to be checked every few years.
I used to own a chipped E34 540. 306BHP and 440Nm. (325 lbf-ft)
That was plenty fast enough. It did 170mph on the German motorway and has given many a sports car a good run for the money. Acceleration 0-62mph is in the high 6-second bracket.
The car is heavy. It is more a cruiser than a corner hunter.
But if you want a luxurious car with a lot of punch it is the prefect choice.
As for the 530 V8, it is the same weight but less power.
I would advise you to go for the 540.
That was plenty fast enough. It did 170mph on the German motorway and has given many a sports car a good run for the money. Acceleration 0-62mph is in the high 6-second bracket.
The car is heavy. It is more a cruiser than a corner hunter.
But if you want a luxurious car with a lot of punch it is the prefect choice.
As for the 530 V8, it is the same weight but less power.
I would advise you to go for the 540.
Vitesse39 said:
Snore-mobile
I really don't like mine (93 L Manual), nothing happens under 3000 revs and then not all that much for a 3L V8.
Consump 26 ish on a long run up the M40/M6 up to Scotland
Totally characterless - hasn't even heard of charisma
Great just what i want, new baby on the way and i feel i am growing out of certain cars.
Besides its for the wife...
Anyone got anything constructive to say along the lines of the origional question?
Cheers
Well, I haven't got a 530i... but I did own a 730i (1994 model, three litre) and now have an E34 540i.
Standard suspension is a bit soggy thought that could be the age of mine. I'm just having that swapped for M-tech spec stuff, so we'll see how it peps up. Steering a bit lifeless - steering box, not rack & pinion. Handling essentially good, though watch the tail in the wet.
Love the engines though: a little reserved, but a great noise nonetheless, and basically strong in my experience although ancilliaries can let go. Oil pump bolts worth checking, ditto water pump & radiator (plastic hose joints, feh). And it is true to say that they're a little flat under about 3000rpm, although it's all relative to the pull from there to 6000. They're 4 valve/cylinder engine, so that's no surprise.
And they're made from girders...
Standard suspension is a bit soggy thought that could be the age of mine. I'm just having that swapped for M-tech spec stuff, so we'll see how it peps up. Steering a bit lifeless - steering box, not rack & pinion. Handling essentially good, though watch the tail in the wet.
Love the engines though: a little reserved, but a great noise nonetheless, and basically strong in my experience although ancilliaries can let go. Oil pump bolts worth checking, ditto water pump & radiator (plastic hose joints, feh). And it is true to say that they're a little flat under about 3000rpm, although it's all relative to the pull from there to 6000. They're 4 valve/cylinder engine, so that's no surprise.
And they're made from girders...
800 said:
Rumour has it that the V8's don't handle as well as the straight 6 owing to the extra weight and they're a fair bit thirstier.
I dont see why since the V8 is All Alloy and shorter than the long cast iron six? Its only a 3.0L V8 though so it's not going to be terribly fast, but should still have 'adequate' poke for day to day commuting.
r988 said:
Rumour has it that the V8's don't handle as well as the straight 6 owing to the extra weight and they're a fair bit thirstier.
I dont see why since the V8 is All Alloy and shorter than the long cast iron six? Its only a 3.0L V8 though so it's not going to be terribly fast, but should still have 'adequate' poke for day to day commuting.
Yes i thought the v8 would be atleast the same weight in not lighter than the six.
Im sure someone will have the numbers kicking about.
800 said:
I had this 535i Sport for a few years. I know its not quite the same but it was a great car
The 530i V8 had problems with Nikasil bore linings (I beileve).
Check for replacement engine by BMW. Rumour has it that the V8's don't handle as well as the straight 6 owing to the extra weight and they're a fair bit thirstier. Cruise would be an option I guess. Look for wear on suspension and bushes. Check all the electrics work, esp the central locking. If you can find a well specd and well looked after one they could make a rocking good purchase.
Having said that, I'd say a 540 or a 535 would be a better bet, IMHO
>> Edited by 800 on Tuesday 5th July 17:34
That interior looks scarily farmiliar!! She wasn't blue with an M badge on the front and a personalised number plate ending in NNK was she!!??
slim_boy_fat said:
Yes i thought the v8 would be atleast the same weight in not lighter than the six.
Im sure someone will have the numbers kicking about.
1988 530i (six): 1593kg, 188bhp
1992 530i (V8): 1565kg, 218bhp
So the V8 car is actually a bit lighter.
But interestingly a 535i auto is 90kg lighter than a 540i auto - presumably differences in equipment levels, and maybe the 540's (five-speed) gearbox is heavier.
wizzpig said:
I had this 535i Sport for a few years. I know its not quite the same but it was a great car
The 530i V8 had problems with Nikasil bore linings (I beileve).
Check for replacement engine by BMW. Rumour has it that the V8's don't handle as well as the straight 6 owing to the extra weight and they're a fair bit thirstier. Cruise would be an option I guess. Look for wear on suspension and bushes. Check all the electrics work, esp the central locking. If you can find a well specd and well looked after one they could make a rocking good purchase.
Having said that, I'd say a 540 or a 535 would be a better bet, IMHO
>> Edited by 800 on Tuesday 5th July 17:34
She wasn't blue with an M badge on the front and a personalised
number plate ending in NNK was she!!??
nope, diamond black, still owned by a friend of mine down the road
800 said:
800 said:
I had this 535i Sport for a few years. I know its not quite the same but it was a great car
*pic*
The 530i V8 had problems with Nikasil bore linings (I beileve).
Check for replacement engine by BMW. Rumour has it that the V8's don't handle as well as the straight 6 owing to the extra weight and they're a fair bit thirstier. Cruise would be an option I guess. Look for wear on suspension and bushes. Check all the electrics work, esp the central locking. If you can find a well specd and well looked after one they could make a rocking good purchase.
Having said that, I'd say a 540 or a 535 would be a better bet, IMHO
She wasn't blue with an M badge on the front and a personalised
number plate ending in NNK was she!!??
nope, diamond black, still owned by a friend of mine down the road
The interior looks identical to the one I had, even the creases in the seats. Looks dam fine in Black
two large Bongo's please bar man!! slim_boy_fat said:
Who has one on here?
What are they like to own?
Do they have cruise as standard?
Service costs?
ello slim, i have a 535 and its been an utter joy to own. i've had to call the AA out once in 5 years, and despite it being an 89' car with 121000 miles on the clock it still drives fantastically well...
i guess i have paid between £400 -£700 for a full service each year, the year that cost £700 i had a fair bit done to the car to improve the steering, which was a bit wooley.
i dont think anything comes 'as standard' on these cars, you had to pay extra for anything you wanted (i think this is the case but dont quote me), for example, the chap that bought mine new only had the 'quick-flick' electric option on the drivers window and the sunroof, the other 3 windows will only open if you keep your finger on the button...
i couldnt recommend them any higher, top motor...
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