adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Jan 17, 2016 18:38:23 GMT
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I can blame many things for buying this car. I could blame the fact I had some cash sitting around from the sale of my Saab, I could blame myself for buying a nice convertible just as the weather turned cold, I could also blame Rafftank for having a very nice 525i sport but ultimately I've done the man maths and I shall attempt to justify my reasons for another daily The RX7 has a small boot and is a bit too clean to use for all the dirty drives down to the unit with the MG in?.. Ah curse word it, I had the money, E34's are cool, this one turned up for a good price, what did you expect me to do It shall serve a very useful purpose in helping me move the bigger stuff around that isn't entirely practical to get in the RX7. The RX7 isn't going anywhere, having the E34 will allow me to do a couple little jobs on it to really tidy it up to the mint car I think it can be So to the car, I'd been looking around at various dirt cheap estate cars with a view to getting something to cheaply run without giving me too much trouble. Saw a few cheap E39's around but quite a lot of electrics on them to go a bit squiffy, plus insurance wasn't all too favourable. Then got onto the E34's. Small engine ones seem to avoid the BMW drifta tax of the bigger engined cars but to be honest, most E34's seem to be a pretty good deal at the moment. Saw this car pop up on Gumtree, looked good in pics, Oxford green is a colour I'm quite fond of. Had the small 6 pot with a manual gearbox, so I figured it was worth a look. Drove down to Gloucestershire mid week to have a look round it, handed over a deposit then on Friday got a lift down with the aforementioned Matt in his E34 to collect it Some shots both of us took of the two together The car drove back very well, quite a bit slower than my last few cars but can make progress and make a nice little 6 pot growl while its doing it I'm only the cars 3rd owner! The 1st owner had it from new in '95 up to about '08 when the chap I bought it from got it, and theres a nice amount of paper work with it to show its been looked after. The guy had two other E34's (a 525i touring and 525ix touring) which I took as a nice sign that he was aware of their potential faults To that end, the head gasket failed on it last year at which point it had a new one as well as a metal impeller water pump which is something I don't have to worry about now A couple of other nice touches, its had a leather interior swapped in which is in great condition, its also got aftermarket reverse parking sensors fitted which work nicely and theres even a little display on the ceiling in the boot so I can see a readout of how far I am from an obstacle when looking in the rear view mirror. It's also got the electric double sunroof which works and doesn't leak! Its on its original metric Style 7 wheels (I've also been given some spares to make two sets in total) I'll likely replace these with imperial ones at some point mostly because of tyre availability and stuff Its also got the original dealer plates still fitted which are awesome! They're a bit tatty with age but if they get too far gone I'll find somewhere to replicate them as its a nice touch Anyway, thats enough words, have some pics Plans for it are likely to be very tame in line with its intended use, but I'll always look to improve little bits and bobs, wheel change is highly likely once I work out how saleable (or not) metric wheels are
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Last Edit: Mar 5, 2019 18:03:59 GMT by adam73bgt
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Jan 17, 2016 23:02:01 GMT
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That's lovely , the nearside wiper looks a bit high though, have you checked the spindle for wear ?
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72 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400. 95 BMW E34 525i Manual. 80 Lotus Elite, sold 86 Mk4 Escort RWD V8, sold
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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That's lovely , the nearside wiper looks a bit high though, have you checked the spindle for wear ? Cheers I did ask the seller about it and was assured it didn't clonk on the bonnet and in using the wipers this morning it all seems nice and quiet, does look a little high mind, but then Matt's one looked the same as well so wasn't sure if thats just how they are, to a certain extent?
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Jan 18, 2016 11:38:44 GMT
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That's lovely , the nearside wiper looks a bit high though, have you checked the spindle for wear ? Cheers I did ask the seller about it and was assured it didn't clonk on the bonnet and in using the wipers this morning it all seems nice and quiet, does look a little high mind, but then Matt's one looked the same as well so wasn't sure if thats just how they are, to a certain extent? Mine is definitely broken! There are witness marks on the wiper where it has clashed with the bonnet and taken paint. I've got some replacement arms sitting in the living room, I should really clean them up and fit them... So yeah, I wouldn't use mine for reference
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1995 BMW E34 525i Sport - Avus Blue on the outside, brown and crusty on the inside! 1998 BMW E36 328i Sport - Daily Commuter
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Jan 18, 2016 12:06:52 GMT
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Nice, the mega sunroof makes the car for me. I didn't realise BMW did such a thing in the nineties.
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If at first you don't succeed........ ....Don't try skydiving!
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Jan 18, 2016 12:20:06 GMT
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Cheers I did ask the seller about it and was assured it didn't clonk on the bonnet and in using the wipers this morning it all seems nice and quiet, does look a little high mind, but then Matt's one looked the same as well so wasn't sure if thats just how they are, to a certain extent? Mine is definitely broken! There are witness marks on the wiper where it has clashed with the bonnet and taken paint. I've got some replacement arms sitting in the living room, I should really clean them up and fit them... So yeah, I wouldn't use mine for reference haha yeah that is a good point, but I meant more in the general design of the passenger arm being higher than the drivers one? I think mine did sit a little lower than yours but still higher than the drivers side, if that makes sense? It doesn't hit anyway so I'm happy Adambt ha yeah I've yet to have a proper play with it, I'll have to get some pics of it open, its a bit quirky
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Jan 18, 2016 23:10:22 GMT
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Mine is definitely broken! There are witness marks on the wiper where it has clashed with the bonnet and taken paint. I've got some replacement arms sitting in the living room, I should really clean them up and fit them... So yeah, I wouldn't use mine for reference haha yeah that is a good point, but I meant more in the general design of the passenger arm being higher than the drivers one? I think mine did sit a little lower than yours but still higher than the drivers side, if that makes sense? It doesn't hit anyway so I'm happy Adambt ha yeah I've yet to have a proper play with it, I'll have to get some pics of it open, its a bit quirky Not 100% sure but i think on a non worn set up the arms should sit level and under the bonnet line. Only asked as mine is totally buggered, as mentioned the spindle wears and the arm starts to hit the bonnet, to stop the arm hitting the bonnet someone takes the arm off and moves it round a few splines, hence the arm being higher, wipers will still work fine, it's just annoying, very common E34 problem. Unworn spindle assemblys can still be found on breakers, from what i've gathered it's best to change the whole lot and a bit of a swine of a job. The spindle assembly can still be bought new from BMW but i've heard it's around £400
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72 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400. 95 BMW E34 525i Manual. 80 Lotus Elite, sold 86 Mk4 Escort RWD V8, sold
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Jan 19, 2016 12:28:45 GMT
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markgenesis sounds about right! My assembly is so worn the shaft actually wobbles, causing the blade to angle as it moves backwards and forwards - sounds like nails on a chalk board!! I've got a new assembly to put in but in, but it was a pig to get out of the donor car... adam73bgt you should come over for a cleaning/work session at some point, I want to see this roof in action
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1995 BMW E34 525i Sport - Avus Blue on the outside, brown and crusty on the inside! 1998 BMW E36 328i Sport - Daily Commuter
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Jan 21, 2016 19:09:49 GMT
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Not much to update on the 520 as I get towards the end of its first week with me, I've been using it everyday for work this week and its been pretty faultless, there are a couple of niggles which I can pretty easily sort out Today I thought I'd remove the faded bonnet badge and replace it with the one the seller gave me Unfortunately the replacement was a bit smaller and didn't fit But using the part number off the back and the realoem.com site, I've worked out the badge I need to get. Have ordered a couple of the grommets too, just to make sure it'll be fastened down securely While at the front of the car, I changed a couple of bulbs that weren't working and a couple that had poor output Old headlight bulb and standard sidelight on the far side, a Halfords 'extra blue' (white in reality) and LED sidelight on the nearside, yet to go for a drive with them fitted but looks brighter already I made some use of the cavernous boot space the other day when I got a new TV, seats folded really easily and flat which is nice Also got a couple of pics of the two dailies together Thats about it really, I've been trying really hard to not think about modifying it although I have looked at the odd set of wheels.. Purely for practicality reasons of needing imperial tyres of course! As a side note, are metric wheels worth anything? I'm gonna have two sets to get rid of Other odd jobs to do on the car include, finding the source of a couple of rattles, changing the ipod cable from the radio into the glovebox for a USB extension so I can put a USB stick in there and perhaps lubricating the back of the steering wheel somehow so it doesn't rub on the cowl and make an annoying noise sometimes I'd also like to change the oil as it was done recently but 5w-30 was used and it seems these engines like something a bit thicker. I also could do with lubricating the throttle cable a bit as it seems a bit sticky when its really cold And a slightly bigger job I may look at.. The car feels a bit flat power wise, I know its the small engine in a heavy touring but it still doesn't feel entirely right so may look to do a DIY refurb of the VANOS unit with new seals unless I can find a specialist to do it for a cheap price! Might have some wheel news soon
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Jan 21, 2016 19:22:07 GMT
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Sticky throttle could be the throttle body gummed up, and flat performance can be caused by a duff cam sensor, won't put the light on but will store a fault code.
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hamps
Posted a lot
www.medwayrscentre.co.uk
Posts: 2,077
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Jan 21, 2016 19:41:33 GMT
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Nice ride had a few e34's, love em DMB graphics will do you a set of original dealer plates, match the font if needed and even replicate the dealer sticker.
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Jan 21, 2016 19:55:35 GMT
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Sticky throttle could be the throttle body gummed up, and flat performance can be caused by a duff cam sensor, won't put the light on but will store a fault code. Ah cool, shouldn't be too much work to get the intake pipes off and give it a clean so I may have a crack at that. Interesting about the cam sensor too, the previous owner had a new crank sensor on it not long ago as well as a chip from a place near Birmingham as it was struggling on some of the hills near him.. The cam sensor seems cheap enough, might have a go at one of those before delving into the VANOS Thanks Nice ride had a few e34's, love em DMB graphics will do you a set of original dealer plates, match the font if needed and even replicate the dealer sticker. Cheers I'll probably give them a shout when these get a bit too tired, would be really happy if they can do the dealer sticker too, its such a little thing, but the fact its still got them makes me want to keep them
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hamps
Posted a lot
www.medwayrscentre.co.uk
Posts: 2,077
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Jan 21, 2016 20:01:42 GMT
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Sticky throttle could be the throttle body gummed up, and flat performance can be caused by a duff cam sensor, won't put the light on but will store a fault code. Ah cool, shouldn't be too much work to get the intake pipes off and give it a clean so I may have a crack at that. Interesting about the cam sensor too, the previous owner had a new crank sensor on it not long ago as well as a chip from a place near Birmingham as it was struggling on some of the hills near him.. The cam sensor seems cheap enough, might have a go at one of those before delving into the VANOS Thanks Nice ride had a few e34's, love em DMB graphics will do you a set of original dealer plates, match the font if needed and even replicate the dealer sticker. Cheers I'll probably give them a shout when these get a bit too tired, would be really happy if they can do the dealer sticker too, its such a little thing, but the fact its still got them makes me want to keep them When I was doing the resto work I used to buy loads, they used to do a set inc tax disc holder, but we don't really need those anymore lol
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Jan 22, 2016 23:03:54 GMT
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A friend of mine had a 520i saloon a couple years ago that became renowned for being awfully slow, no more was thought about it and the car was eventually sold. I've just bought one myself off of another friend, but it seems far quicker and I'm confident it's had nothing done to it. Well, as quick as 150hp in such a car can feel.
Regardless, your issue sounds similar to the one he potentially may have had with his. Be interested to see what you do to solve it.
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Stu
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,913
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Jan 24, 2016 17:45:25 GMT
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Looks lovely! Great shape the E34 touring, better than the E39 to my eyes although I quite like those too. Looks a great example.
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'89 BMW E30 325i Sport, '04 MINI Cooper S, '09 Volvo V70 D5
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Jan 24, 2016 20:29:08 GMT
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terribleoness Yeah sometimes it feels awfully slow but then sometimes its more bearable.. I'll probably start with the cam position sensor and see where I go from there Stu Cheers! Yeah I quite like both to be honest, the E39 looks good particularly in M-sport guise to my eyes. Unfortunately the insurance was a bit more for me on any E39 so a '34 it was. But I agree they look better so I'm pretty happy Gave the car a much needed exterior wash today by borrowing some (most) of the space on Rafftank 's driveway The paint on the car is really good for its age, just a couple little spots that let it down Did fit the new badge today though I may have also sorted some new wheels for the car.. They're going to need a refurb so nothing new for me there
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Jan 24, 2016 21:38:46 GMT
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That's a tidy looking car for its age.
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Jaguar S-Type 3.0 SE
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Feb 17, 2016 20:47:04 GMT
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Delayed response from myself but cheers keithyboy Unfortunately the E34 hasn't seen much use lately as its intermittent running issue has degraded slightly to the point where I was unable to start it last week! With perseverance it will start now, but it idles lumpy and something just doesn't feel right. So I'm hoping to get it into a garage tomorrow to see if any engine fault codes can be read which will hopefully give me a clue to start tackling it! In slightly happier news though, I have been doing a little shopping for it.. A search through Gumtree turned up an E34 autodimming rear view mirror being sold near me for very cheap so I've taken a punt on it and will have a bit of a wiring project there I also turned to Gumtree for a set of wheels, but after paying for them, the seller never sent them and disappeared! So I'm recouping my funds through Paypal which is an annoying inconvenience but a good reminder to always send money as paying for goods if buying parts through Gumtree, Facebook or the like! Anywho, after that setback, I have bought another set of wheels and they're arriving tomorrow
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Feb 17, 2016 21:24:02 GMT
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^if I'd known, I would have pointed you in the direction of a chap about 20 miles up the way from you who has broken a couple of well specced E34s in the last couple of weeks
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,867
Club RR Member Number: 58
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Feb 17, 2016 21:36:12 GMT
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^if I'd known, I would have pointed you in the direction of a chap about 20 miles up the way from you who has broken a couple of well specced E34s in the last couple of weeks Is he just north of Leicester by any chance? Recently sold a silver 525i I think it was? As the guy I got the mirror from up there had a shed full of E34 stuff
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Last Edit: Feb 17, 2016 21:41:04 GMT by adam73bgt
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