e34 pre-purchase FAQ.

 

My answers to some common questions asked by people looking to buy an e34.

 

 

What is the difference between an ‘i’, an ‘iA’ and an ‘iM’.?

All the cars are badged 5xxi on the trunk. The actual model number contains an extra letter. The iM cars are manual transmissions. The iA’s are automatics.  Most e34s sold in the US are automatics.

 

What are problems are common to all e34s?

Thrust arm bushings.

Raditor

Water Pump, esp. the plastic one used in some 525s.

A/C fan speed control.

 

Less common: Ignition lock cylinder. Fan clutch (most of the bad ones are long gone). Aux radiator fan sensor.

 Speed sender. 1989 cars have a problem with bad capacitors on the dash circuit board that causes erratic gauge operation. Some high milage 535s have a problem with the valve in the oil filter canester.

 

What else should I check?

Run a Carfax to verify the odometer and clean title. The hood, trunk doors and fenders should all have VIN number stickers that match the cars VIN number. If they don't match or say DOT-R, the car has been in a collision. That might be ok, but get an expert to take a close look for hidden damage.

 

How much does it cost to keep an e34:

I’ve posted the history of my 535i along with prices here.

 

What is up with the V8 engines?

The nikasil coating on the early V8 engine block in the 530i and the 540i reacted with high sulfur fuel found in some parts of the US.  BMW has fixed the problem and many of the V8 cars have had their engines replaced under warrantee.  Before buying a V8 car be sure to read http://www.530i.org/530i-Test.htm and http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/v8shortblock.htm

 

How long will the motor last?

The m30 engine in the 535i is amazingly durable. Cars running past 200,000 miles are common. I’ve heard of several well past 300,000. My 535i is at 220,000 miles and still running strong.

 

The m20 and m50 2.5L engines should be long running as well although the smaller engine does have to work a bit harder than the 3.5. The m50 is the better of the two.

 

As for the V8’s, I’m not sure.  The nikasil engines are troublesome, although some California cars (a low sulfur state) are past 100,000 miles. Most of the alusil engines are still too new to tell how they will do in the long run. A rebuilt V8 will cost about double a 6.   Personally, I’d avoid a high mileage v8. 

 

Which model should I buy?

All of the e34s are good cars. BMW only brought high trim cars to the US. Options like ABS, OBC (on board computer) came standard. Which model you get depends what you want and what you find.

Lets split them up by engine used:

M20 1989-1990 525i.  168 hp.  Best for your teenage daughter.

M30 1989-1993 535i           208 hp.  My personal favorite.  Power, durability, reasonably priced. Airbag is standard on US production cars. You may find an import without one...

M50, M50TU 1991-1995 525i.  186hp(?) A better 525.  Least expensive to maintain.

M60B30 1993-1995 530i.  Nikasil cars are best avoided. However 530i’s, even those with alusil engines, are often a bargain. Just remember that a new M60 engine will cost about double an M30.

M60B40 1993-1995 540i. Tons of power.  Nikasil engines are often problems.

 

What about the M5?

I’m not qualified to discuss the M5.  I’ve heard they can be expensive to run.  Checkout http://www.m5springboard.com.

 

The seller claims that his car is a rare version. Is it?

While the six-speed 540 sport is uncommon, only the M5 Touring (station wagon) is truely rare. BMW built about 500 and none were officaly imported to the US. There are a few private imports. I've seen asking prices between $30,000 and $40,000. If you happen to see one on the road, chances are it is an ordinary 525iT with M5 badges.