1991 BMW E34 525i (and some others from the fleet...)
Discussion
First post 
Ok, so I'll start from the earliest to the latest, so sort of a timeline of my vehicle history (skip to the end for the BMW then
). Must point out that many (most) of the cars i've owned were not legal, and were strictly for farm use well before I passed my driving test.
From the beginning - 1984 Suzuki SJ410
Lucky enough to get this on my 13th birthday, purchased "as a parts car" for the other Suzuki Jeep buggy project which never really came to much (still just a bare chassis, around 9 years on). I fondly remember getting so frustrated learning to drive this thing, stalling every few metres... Only car i've driven with a manual choke too.
Next up - 1997 Skoda Felicia
Had charm this one, even when one of the front spring platforms corroded through leaving the spring to carve a deep groove in the tyre... Best thing about it was its sheer determination not to die; Bought for £70, abused for a couple years by me, then it was MOT'd and back on the road again, before finally becoming so mouldy in the inside due to a leak that no one wanted it anymore. Would have one again, great wee cars. Always been a rally car in my mind.
Up to the big leagues - 1991 BMW E34 525i
No, this is not the one you've clicked on this thread to see, but instead the car that I've regretted getting rid of ever since I scrapped it. Sure, it wasn't long before it overheated after 10 minutes of abuse, and yes the sills were always threatening to turn to dust, but i had a BMW. And with hindsight it would have been useful for a parts car...
Not quite an upgrade - 1994 Vauxhall Corsa
Yes that's the best picture I have of it, and no that was not the result of me driving, but in fact my attempt at teaching a mate to handbrake turn
Never been a fan of Vauxhall's, and this one really just cemented that fact. Probably didn't help that the rear bench was fully soaked in cat urine... previous owner was apparently a crazy cat lady. Did have a mega day towing sledges with some friends when we had some snow though!
Little French tractor - 1997 Peugeot 106
To be specific, with a 1.5l Diesel! What a great motor, I remember driving it for the first time being alarmed by how low the redline was, something around 4k would be a guess, no idea really as it had no rev counter. What sticks with me with this one is the wonderfully agricultural engine note, and the massive dent in the side made by my head on a dirt bike
the bike was much worse off...
Emphasis on the Sport2007 Ford SportKa
First car for the road that I bought (ran my mums Clio for a while). Meant to sell it, but its still here in the shed and I don't really mind if it doesn't get a new home. Really great fun to drive, with super pointy steering and close range ratios, but gets tiresome on dual carriageways/motorways, hence the next car (not the van).
That turbo tho... 2000 Escort Van
Purchased this when it was slightly road legal, so actually ran it on the road just for the lols. Still gets use today, mostly moving logs/dogs around. Gets pretty exciting when the turbo starts making a noise somewhat equivalent to a hoover, yet still manages to make little to no power.
Good, but not great 2006 Ford Focus
Meant as a replacement for the Ka, the Focus was technically a good car, but it was just a bit plain. It was far, far more composed and refined than the Ka, but ultimately had to go. Can't really fault it, always felt just a bit heavy for the 1.6l motor to properly move.
Present day 1991 BMW E34 525i
Here we are, about 3 weeks in with my E34. This is the car for me, and i've known that since gettting rid of the first one! I'm pretty happy with the one I've got, mostly rust free (barring the front jacking points, i'll need to get that dealt with). Claimed only 66k miles, and the history backs that up, though the drivers seat is pretty ragged for that age, mechanically everything seems sound.
Knowing that provided the relatively weak cooling system is kept in check, the engines are good for 200k. I noticed in the first few days that the engine never really got upto temperature, so the first job was to replace the lot; New thermostat, water pump, radiator and drive belt on, the temperature needle now swiftly moves to the middle, and stays there. Very satisfying.
I think soon I'll be doing a service, and need to sort out the heater valve, since I only get hot right now (lucky its winter).
Driving it has been awesome. The first drive home (bought in Edinburgh, drove back to Aberdeenshire) I encountered plenty of snow on the back roads, and can confirm that RWD is mega fun. I say that now, I haven't binned it yet though
Ok, so I'll start from the earliest to the latest, so sort of a timeline of my vehicle history (skip to the end for the BMW then
). Must point out that many (most) of the cars i've owned were not legal, and were strictly for farm use well before I passed my driving test.From the beginning - 1984 Suzuki SJ410
Lucky enough to get this on my 13th birthday, purchased "as a parts car" for the other Suzuki Jeep buggy project which never really came to much (still just a bare chassis, around 9 years on). I fondly remember getting so frustrated learning to drive this thing, stalling every few metres... Only car i've driven with a manual choke too.
Next up - 1997 Skoda Felicia
Had charm this one, even when one of the front spring platforms corroded through leaving the spring to carve a deep groove in the tyre... Best thing about it was its sheer determination not to die; Bought for £70, abused for a couple years by me, then it was MOT'd and back on the road again, before finally becoming so mouldy in the inside due to a leak that no one wanted it anymore. Would have one again, great wee cars. Always been a rally car in my mind.
Up to the big leagues - 1991 BMW E34 525i
No, this is not the one you've clicked on this thread to see, but instead the car that I've regretted getting rid of ever since I scrapped it. Sure, it wasn't long before it overheated after 10 minutes of abuse, and yes the sills were always threatening to turn to dust, but i had a BMW. And with hindsight it would have been useful for a parts car...
Not quite an upgrade - 1994 Vauxhall Corsa
Yes that's the best picture I have of it, and no that was not the result of me driving, but in fact my attempt at teaching a mate to handbrake turn
Never been a fan of Vauxhall's, and this one really just cemented that fact. Probably didn't help that the rear bench was fully soaked in cat urine... previous owner was apparently a crazy cat lady. Did have a mega day towing sledges with some friends when we had some snow though!Little French tractor - 1997 Peugeot 106
To be specific, with a 1.5l Diesel! What a great motor, I remember driving it for the first time being alarmed by how low the redline was, something around 4k would be a guess, no idea really as it had no rev counter. What sticks with me with this one is the wonderfully agricultural engine note, and the massive dent in the side made by my head on a dirt bike
the bike was much worse off...Emphasis on the Sport2007 Ford SportKa
First car for the road that I bought (ran my mums Clio for a while). Meant to sell it, but its still here in the shed and I don't really mind if it doesn't get a new home. Really great fun to drive, with super pointy steering and close range ratios, but gets tiresome on dual carriageways/motorways, hence the next car (not the van).
That turbo tho... 2000 Escort Van
Purchased this when it was slightly road legal, so actually ran it on the road just for the lols. Still gets use today, mostly moving logs/dogs around. Gets pretty exciting when the turbo starts making a noise somewhat equivalent to a hoover, yet still manages to make little to no power.
Good, but not great 2006 Ford Focus
Meant as a replacement for the Ka, the Focus was technically a good car, but it was just a bit plain. It was far, far more composed and refined than the Ka, but ultimately had to go. Can't really fault it, always felt just a bit heavy for the 1.6l motor to properly move.
Present day 1991 BMW E34 525i
Here we are, about 3 weeks in with my E34. This is the car for me, and i've known that since gettting rid of the first one! I'm pretty happy with the one I've got, mostly rust free (barring the front jacking points, i'll need to get that dealt with). Claimed only 66k miles, and the history backs that up, though the drivers seat is pretty ragged for that age, mechanically everything seems sound.
Knowing that provided the relatively weak cooling system is kept in check, the engines are good for 200k. I noticed in the first few days that the engine never really got upto temperature, so the first job was to replace the lot; New thermostat, water pump, radiator and drive belt on, the temperature needle now swiftly moves to the middle, and stays there. Very satisfying.
I think soon I'll be doing a service, and need to sort out the heater valve, since I only get hot right now (lucky its winter).
Driving it has been awesome. The first drive home (bought in Edinburgh, drove back to Aberdeenshire) I encountered plenty of snow on the back roads, and can confirm that RWD is mega fun. I say that now, I haven't binned it yet though
Edited by garyjpaterson on Thursday 10th December 17:21
Edited by garyjpaterson on Thursday 10th December 17:26
Welcome to PistonHeads! Not a bad first post at all. The SJ410 photo made me chuckle, and I'm loving that most are in fields.
Looks like you're pretty hot with a camera too, that shot of your latest 525i is
It only took me a week to spank my first BMW into a curb, which put it into a garage for about a month while I was finding parts to fix it. Turns out ditch finders and rain don't go hand in hand, nothing to do with my driving ability I'm sure!
Look forward to seeing more photos and updates.
Looks like you're pretty hot with a camera too, that shot of your latest 525i is
It only took me a week to spank my first BMW into a curb, which put it into a garage for about a month while I was finding parts to fix it. Turns out ditch finders and rain don't go hand in hand, nothing to do with my driving ability I'm sure!Look forward to seeing more photos and updates.
Here's a few extra photos.
Here's where it'll no doubt be spending plenty of time - love that bonnet though
Hopefully going to get winters on these soon, just need some hub centric rings first. Good tyres on them already, so i'll keep them for next year.
What I love about working on this car, plenty of space to move around. The radiator literally take about 30 seconds to take out, only two clips holding it on! I can actually stand in front of the engine when the rads out
Old rad, bowing in the bottom, and leaking around the reservoir.
And the horrible plastic water pump is already disintegrating near the centre, glad its out before it gave way!
Here's where it'll no doubt be spending plenty of time - love that bonnet though
Hopefully going to get winters on these soon, just need some hub centric rings first. Good tyres on them already, so i'll keep them for next year.
What I love about working on this car, plenty of space to move around. The radiator literally take about 30 seconds to take out, only two clips holding it on! I can actually stand in front of the engine when the rads out
Old rad, bowing in the bottom, and leaking around the reservoir.
And the horrible plastic water pump is already disintegrating near the centre, glad its out before it gave way!
Small fix this weekend - I found the missing Heater Valve Spring!
Since replacing the coolant and radiator etc a few weeks ago, the heater has been playing up. I got the heater valve out and opened up to have a look, didn't look terrible, but could look better. After taking it apart and washing out, scrubbing away any rust stains with wire wool, it all went back together nicely, except I was missing one of the springs
Searched all over the place for it, but it was nowhere to be found. It had to be put back together without it, and sure enough the drivers side heating wasn't working properly.
I bought some assorted springs, and had ones pretty close, but they were too stiff and the heater was stuck on - not too bad in winter. However, working on the Ka this weekend, I found the spring in a toolbox! I hurredly put got the heater valve out for the 3rd time, careful not to lose anything and put everything back together.
Hope to get the car up to temperature tomorrow to see if the heating works properly. Tried taking it to work this morning, but couldn't get up the road with a few inches of snow, need winters tyres soon!
In other news, I replaced the Ka's thermostat/housing due to a suspected leak (much simpler on the BMW, more space to work with). All went well, except one of the bolts sheared when putting it back together
Looks like i'll have to drill it out.
Next job looks like the pitman arms on the rear of the BMW, not entirely sure what they do, but the bushes look shot. Looks simple enough too.
Since replacing the coolant and radiator etc a few weeks ago, the heater has been playing up. I got the heater valve out and opened up to have a look, didn't look terrible, but could look better. After taking it apart and washing out, scrubbing away any rust stains with wire wool, it all went back together nicely, except I was missing one of the springs
Searched all over the place for it, but it was nowhere to be found. It had to be put back together without it, and sure enough the drivers side heating wasn't working properly.
I bought some assorted springs, and had ones pretty close, but they were too stiff and the heater was stuck on - not too bad in winter. However, working on the Ka this weekend, I found the spring in a toolbox! I hurredly put got the heater valve out for the 3rd time, careful not to lose anything and put everything back together.
Hope to get the car up to temperature tomorrow to see if the heating works properly. Tried taking it to work this morning, but couldn't get up the road with a few inches of snow, need winters tyres soon!
In other news, I replaced the Ka's thermostat/housing due to a suspected leak (much simpler on the BMW, more space to work with). All went well, except one of the bolts sheared when putting it back together
Looks like i'll have to drill it out.Next job looks like the pitman arms on the rear of the BMW, not entirely sure what they do, but the bushes look shot. Looks simple enough too.
Now owned the E34 for about 3 months now, and I'm enjoying it more than ever.
If did leave me stranded at work, which was frustrating but satisfying to sort out myself (with the help of various BMW forums...). I'd expected a fuel pump issue, but turned out to be an electrical issue (my least favourite type).
Other than that, it's been pretty smooth going. Gave it a quick service, and just gradually going through replacing bits that need it. Check these pitman arms, definitely past their best!
Winter tyres have certainly proved their worth, although the aftermarket OZ wheels have been a bit troublesome; the little stalk that you screw the centre cap to makes it pretty much impossible to balance!
Eventually got fed up of the judder at speed and with risk of snow kinda dissipating, I changed back to old (read on average 13.5 year old
) tyres. Grip levels are dramatically lower, fun on low speed bends but not great for other road users safety. 5 new Toyo Proxes CF2's are on their way as we speak, I've heard good things about them.
Mileage is rising probably faster than it ever has in its life; I've done more miles in it these past few months than its done over the few years before.
If did leave me stranded at work, which was frustrating but satisfying to sort out myself (with the help of various BMW forums...). I'd expected a fuel pump issue, but turned out to be an electrical issue (my least favourite type).
Other than that, it's been pretty smooth going. Gave it a quick service, and just gradually going through replacing bits that need it. Check these pitman arms, definitely past their best!
Winter tyres have certainly proved their worth, although the aftermarket OZ wheels have been a bit troublesome; the little stalk that you screw the centre cap to makes it pretty much impossible to balance!
Eventually got fed up of the judder at speed and with risk of snow kinda dissipating, I changed back to old (read on average 13.5 year old
) tyres. Grip levels are dramatically lower, fun on low speed bends but not great for other road users safety. 5 new Toyo Proxes CF2's are on their way as we speak, I've heard good things about them.Mileage is rising probably faster than it ever has in its life; I've done more miles in it these past few months than its done over the few years before.
Had some fun on the old tyres for the last time; found a road which hadn't been treated with grit/salt so was a perfect send off.
Spotted an F10 at work , so had to park next to it for comparisons sake. I was actually surprised, there's not as much in it as I'd thought.
5x New Toyo Proxes CF2's on now.
Spotted an F10 at work , so had to park next to it for comparisons sake. I was actually surprised, there's not as much in it as I'd thought.
5x New Toyo Proxes CF2's on now.
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