BMW 5 series, E34 shape, opinions?

[Lankytim]

Due to the impending arrival of a mini-Lankytim Ive started looking around for a 'sensible' family hold all. I had thought about a modernish (i.e circa 2000) Astra or focus estate but Ive found that for similar money I can bag a nice early '90s BMW 5 series estate. I'm guessing one would be better screwed together and more fun to own than a more modern Astra or focus.

Ive had a look around sites like carsurvey.org and they seem to go down well in general but has anyone on the forum have any advice on what they are like to live with? I was thinking along the lines of a 520 manual estate.... mmm that'll do me nicely!

[Lewis]

I'd be inclined to go for the 2.5 over the 2.0 - the 2.0 has exactly the same running costs (parts-wise) as the 2.5 and only returns a few miles to the gallon more if that - but the extra 40 brake horsepower of the 2.5 go a long way to making that up.

Ideally you get one that is post-91 - as it will certainly have the later M50 straight six which is absolutely bulletproof but also has no timing belt - it's a chain - unliked the M20s. Consequently, it only needs plugs, filters, coolant and oil to survive. The earlier M20 is a much older engine and not as powerful or refined.

Barring replacement consumables with age and use, like discs, pads, shocks, tires and bushes - the only thing it should need is regular servicing. I've done 5000 in mine and had to do nothing to it so far. If you intend on keeping it it's potentially (if it's not been so well cared for, or not documented) worth changing the water pump/thermostat/hoses as it's about the only weakpoint in the engine.

A lot of it comes down to how well cared for the example you buy has been - buy a good one and it'll need nothing but servicing and reward you with sterling service - buy an uncared for one and it'll still soldier on indefinitely but ride, drive and generally feel much less of a car - and potentially generate a few large bills for replacement bushes or steering boxes, for example. Buy one with lots of options too, as they make the car much more enjoyable to own - pretty much everything on a 5 series was optional (you could get a V8 manual 5 with cloth, no aircon, manual everything and bog standard alloys for example...want more? You'd have to pay for it!).

Most tend to be pretty well equipped though - PAS, ABS, total closure, auxiliary heating, remote central locking, air con, cruise, on board computers, check controls, front and rear fogs, electric sunroof, one-touch windows, electric mirrors etc....so worth finding one with the right kit - if so inclined

The E34s are known as one of the most reliable and best-built BMWs ever - the catch to this is that so many of them have simply been run into the ground as they keep going indefinitely, so there are many shoddy examples out there - so buy wisely.

The later M50 engine (which you want ideally) looks like this:



...and the earlier M20 like this:



I am averaging 30.2mpg in my 525i manual at the moment - about 60:40 motorway/town work. Manual boxes are lovely and feel like they're from a much smaller, sportier car than the big 5. Auto boxes are excellent too and sometimes better if you're doing motorway cruising - as the auto versions have much taller gearing (an auto 525i is doing about 2200rpm at 70, a manual nearer 3000). Worth driving a few examples too so you can recognise a good one from a tired one - they should have sharp, accurate steering, feather light pedals, positive controls and a smooth, effortless drive with no odd noises or ride issues.

For example - mine's done 148,000 miles (with FBMWSH) and drives, well, perfectly. I'd say probably not far off new - no rattles, squeaks, irritating foibles - and it's been straight through the past 3 MOTs.......Probably be for sale soon though, something a bit more retro calls

Even my 540i's stood the test of time well - and that's done 180k!

Barring basic car buying tactics, there are 6 things worth looking for:

- Make sure it brakes well in a straight line and doesn't shimmy
- Test for excessive play in the steering
- Make sure there's no signs of excessive contact between the wipers and bonnet
- Ensure the car rides with no odd clunks or rattles, including under acceleration and takeoff
- Look for cooling system issues (i.e. water in coolant and vica versa)
- Check for any major corrosion

You can get 4WD E34's as well if you dig hard enough - the iX's - but they are a bit trickier to keep on the road due to the increased number of moving parts.

Real great pieces of kit though - and one of those "comforting" cars. You know exactly what it's going to do, and that it'll deliver - so when you get back to it in the middle of the night, when it's been sat in an airport carpark for 2 weeks and you smell that familar BMW musk as you get into it, you just know it's always going to get you home

[gr9]

I can only speak from running one for a few months and then robbing of it's engine but as a car it was excellent.

It was a 525i and the engine was great, powerful enough with good fuel economy.

I would try my best to find a well cared for example as alot of these are now going to the crusher for one reason or another.
Good load capacity and well built, if i needed an estate i would not hesitate in getting another.

DAN

[mudbitz]

owned a m50 engined bmw 525 i x the rare four wheel drive estate
best car i have owned
bit juicy but all the extras
lot of car for little money
pm me with your email address and ill send pictures

[Lewis]

......oh and put some throwing stars (E34 M5) wheels on it......they always look ace

Pics:

[BenzBoy]

I've had two, a 525i SE with M20 which was really rough, and a 525TD which was well cared for.
Get a well cared for example and it will be a pleasure. In the end I had to break the diesel one due to a dead gearbox, but having run it for quite a while before that, it was great. Handles really nicely, feels very solid and has great road presence. The ride is quite firm, but that's all BMW's I've found - they tend to be more "sporty" feeling than the equivalent Mercedes.

Don't be put off by thinking service parts are going to be expensive either - I've found them no more pricey than any other make. Plus there are stacks in the scrapyards to rob bits off should you need it.

Buy a well cared for, full service history'd example and you'll be laughing. Buy a ropey one and it'll bite you in the ass. Same as any car though I suppose!

[Lankytim]

Thanks for the great replies, very informative. I would indeed prefer a 2.5 but these seem to be more difficult to find in good condition and in the right price range. There does seem to be alot of abused dross to sift though however...

Looks like in order to make owning a BMW a pleasure FSH is definately needed!

[Lewis]

Don't forget that ones for 'the right price' turn up in 'normal' places too - Autotrader, Gumtree (just start in London, for example - search for 520, 525, 525i, 520i, BMW touring, E34 etc to turn up the poorly advertised ones), Classic car websites, Pistonheads classifieds - and there's a "for sale" section on the E34 board too:

forum.bmw5.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=85

[messenjah]

don't get an m20 520 ... ittl be a big bag of slow ... lol

[Lankytim]

the 2 litres are really that slow??

[messenjah]

i had a 520 ... it was curse word ... it was the most boring thing i have ever driven ...

even an e30 316 feels alot faster and more responsive ...

[Lewis]

Oct 27, 2009 20:04:19 GMT Lankytim said:

the 2 litres are really that slow??

The M20 2 litre one is - the M50 2 litre touring does 60 in near as makes no difference 11 seconds, the M50 2.5 in around 9 seconds Perfectly serviceable.

Oct 27, 2009 20:09:14 GMT messenjah said:

I had a 520 ... it was curse word ... it was the most boring thing I have ever driven ...

even an e30 316 feels alot faster and more responsive ...

I'd be suprised if it was anything else - given that it's a 1600-1700kg saloon with a little 6 pot engine - especially if it's an M20. That's not supposed to be a sharp, "fast" car in base trim, just a reliable daily that goes from A>B with minimal intruision and input.

Drive one that's an M-Technics equipped model, with one of the larger engines, and in good condition (because that's the killer with these) and it's a different story altogether...

[scoobypete]

my experience of these isnt very good I'm afraid but still thought id share it with you,i bought a 520i auto,drove it from exeter to glos where it promptly blew up quite dramatically when faced with a hill.............cracked the head clean in two...common prob on this model apparently but no one told me......

[Fiat Daft]

did any of these come with the alloy bottom end? if so they are known to have there problems,but yes a decent one of these would be nice i'm sure.

[surprisingskoda]

There was problems with earlier engines - up until late '91 or early '92, and i would avoid these. Watch out for metric wheels too although getting a set of standard wheels is not hard.

Things to go wrong also include:

the cooling is a service part - replace radiator and hoses minimum every 60k. waterpump if necessary. whatever you get, you'd be well advised to bleed the system thoroughly before use and also replace the radiator cap if in any doubt over its condition. check for runs down the side or bottom of the radiator.
It's very heavy and will eat suspension I've found. They're strut inserts and it's hard to see them leak - check each corner and budget £50 a corner if they aren't good.
If a touring, it may have Self Levelling Suspension (SLS). The pipes to this corrode, repairs and parts are REALLY dear, and it can be cheaper to convert the whole thing to coils, modify your PAS pump and ground the sensor out.
If it has the On Board Computer (OBC) check it works. It should also say 'check control' on the dash when in click 3 ignition on of the key.
green service lights at this point too, the more, the better, yellow or red: get serviced and reset light soon.
the rear doors will give bother usually, with central locking, electric windows, and most certainly the child locks and/or opening from inside, caused by a little tie rod that snaps easily.

A touring will have rear wiring problems - the wiring harness goes between the body and tailgate at the top right and will wear through every 3-5 years causing shorts and lighting faults. Replacement loom part: £153. Just ignore it, you can live without a rear wiper.
Rear trim can also be damaged on an unloved car.


Apart from that (lol) they are honestly a great car. I'm selling my black 525i Touring, which has all the best stuff but has cost me far too much to rebuild (EVERYTHING has been replaced in the last two years) but I will have another before long for sure.

I wouldn't call it a characterful car, but it is a reliable, comfortable, spacious, impressive and QUICK machine. In black and low its aggressive, in metallic red its subtle, in silver its still modern and in metallic green its rarer, sober and understated. In white its just a puke to keep clean, and a bit slab-sided...

anyway I could talk forever but I'm gonna go watch a film now

[Lankytim]

Cheers for the opinions/advice guys, its much appreciated! Mrs Lankytim is isnt particulary fussed by them unfortunately- ill have to talk her round.

[scoobypete]

if it was me id stick with volvos...I'm still missing my 850 big time.....

[Lankytim]

Ive had Volvos for years, fancy a change. I don't enjoy driving them, either.

[Darrel]

Lankytim I would say go for the change. Ive just picked up an early 520 2.0 saloon. Basically the ones that people above are saying is slow. don't listen. 520 M20 is fine. Mine is an auto and whilst its not quick off the lights once its rolling its pretty quick. Ive had many Volvo 240's and both the 2.0 and 2.3 isnt as fast as this. Also the beemer gives a bigger cabin space as opposed to the 240's that i find very cramped.
Mine was cheap as it needs a new interior and has a few electrical gremlims (Common on 520's). But its very comfortable (doesnt have hard suspension although some can depending on spec of car) and handles very well. I have great fun in mine as it loves corners although I'm not sure the touring may be the same.
I would say however economy isnt great. I'm averaging around 35-40mpg which ive been told is very good. Normally they give back around 28mpg and the 525 only a couple less.
Also mine has a 5 speed auto gearbox which does take some getting used to. A couple of times its left me in the wrong gear on hills etc and taken a while to drop down to the right gear.
However I bought mine as they score very highly in crash tests and I thought was a perfect cheap old barge to cart the family about. Oh and mine beaing 1989 means classic car insurance. £98 a year fully comp

[topcat]

I've got a '96 e34 525tds which I bought just for a trip to Germany,however it wasn't the boring old barge I expected, the ergonomics and general driving is very pleasant and it goes really well for a diesel. So I've hung onto it! Unfortunately I may need to buy a van soon so it will be up for sale in the near future.

The steering boxes can fail on these, mine did so I replaced it with a low mileage item, a real pig of a job. They can also be hard on bushes so if they've been changed this is a plus. The tyres are also really expensive if they have metric wheels, I ended up swapping mine for some e39 wheels, you can get centre bore correction rings on ebay for not much.