E34 buying hints

[gizmo.mp3]

So I've sold my old Polo, I've pondered, reflected and cogitated and decided that what I really want is an E34 5-series.

Forgetting the 518i and 520i (because if I want to go that slowly I can walk) and the 540 because that's just silly, I'm left with the 525 (12v, 24v or VANOS), 530 (M20 engine), 530 (V8) and 535 (M20 or M50). I'm fully aware of the 'Nikasil' issue with the 530 V8 so I'll probably just avoid one of those.

Found an ad for a 530 6-cyl and will try to go and see it later tonight. In the vast and friendly experience of PH: what do I need to look out for when buying one of these?

I'm not a mechanic - I usually just do the basic stuff like looking at the oil and water for mixing, and watching out for smoke - and though I know a 12-15-year-old car will have foibles I'd rather avoid a money pit; so any advice is appreciated.

edit: And on 535s, what do advertisers mean by 'EH'? "1990 BMW 5 SERIES 535i SE 4dr EH Auto Saloon" for example. Can't find what the abbreviation stands for...
Thanks

Edited by gizmo.mp3 on Thursday 31st May 16:50

[Mustard]

Firstly dont right off a late M43 Engined 518i(quite torquey low down and economical) or 24v M50 engined 520i (good cruiser) both are often maligned but unfairly and will certainly prove adequate after a 1.3 Polo.

Pick of the bunch though is a late 24v M50 engined 525i which provides a very adequate 190bhp odd and with manual transmission is very capable

Ideal car....

autotrader said:

1995 M Reg BMW 525i SE Manual, Saloon, 76,000 miles, Metallic sky blue. Adjustable steering column/wheel, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Child locks, Colour coding - Body, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric sunroof, Front armrest, Head restraints, Power assisted steering, Rear armrest, Radio/Cassette, Rear headrests, Anti theft system, Colour coding - Interior, Electric windows, Foglights, Remote locking. grey velor trim, one private owner last 8 years, gauranteed only 73,000 miles with complete BMW maindealer service history, 8 BMW service spamps in service book,last serviced at 72,737 miles in febuary 2007, this car is a real stunner, price reflecs mileage and condition, very hard to find in this condition, £2,195 Tel: [phone] or 07815 713020 Distance £2,195

Linky



If i was in the market, this is where i'd probably be heading, at around £1800 it would be an excellent buy! Only thing to sort is to ditch the metrics in favour of some 15" or 16" rims (either BBS style or later E39 rims)

Big six 530i/530i's are getting on in age, only produce slightly more power and are heavy on petrol, and finding one worth buying could be challenging

EH refers to the gearbox (electronic/hydraulic) control with switchable programme for economy / sports or manual

[Mustard]

Or this one

autotrader said:

1995 BMW 5 SERIES 525i SE 4dr Saloon
Price:
£1,800

Features: 63,554 miles Manual DIAMOND BLACK Petrol 4 Door Saloon M reg (1995) Full Description: Glossary of Terms
Manual, 63,554 miles, Diamond Black Excellent condition. Black leather / Air-Conditioning, Power steering etc. Battery and tyres hardly used. Radio / Cassette / CD Changer / Electric windows and Central Locking. A wonderful second car, a fantastic bargain for any BMW lover. Genuine low mileage . FSH. £1,800. No Dealers

Private Seller:
Contact number: 07836 671292

linky



AIR CON & Leather!!!

Yes you can buy E34's alot cheaper, but my advice is buy one with a pedigree, with the last owner having owned it several years, buy a good one and it'll last for years and provide very cheap motoring, buy a snotter and the car may have been cheap, but it'll cost you long term!

BUY ON CONDITION, SERVICE HISTORY & MILES NOT PRICE!

Edited by Mustard on Thursday 31st May 19:11

[Job38]

Listen to the man ^ he knows his 'mustard'.

However, I would add, that although the 'big 6' engines are getting on a bit, they are very, very reliable (despite the drink problem).

[gizmo.mp3]

Thanks guys.
It's not so much the Polo that I'll be comparing them to, as the Civic VTi that I also had until recently and sold to sort out my cash flow

[Mustard]

Put your prejudices aside and take a punt on this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

at sub £1500 I'd take a gamble and buy it blind (subject to looking over on colection of course)

Sounds a proper proper car!