BMW E34 TD Thinking about buying one, advice please!

And if you're thinking of selling something Diesel and auto without all the DMF etc. gubbins or even a E34 TD, let me know. Also if you can suggest something better.....?

Think the biggest problem will be finding one...

there is a dmf, unless you get an auto, they arent known for failjng like most of the later fwd cars though.

they run a vp37 pump much like all the early tdi vw's, electronically controlled mechanical pump, fly by wire pedal, only thing to look for on them is pump seals leaking, a tenner for a seal kit and some faffing will fix it.

I'd be wary of any with tuning bodges, they can be chipped though, improved mpg in an auto as it didnt have to shift down to hold pace.

mpg from mine as a poorly auto was mid 30's commuting, will crack into the 50's on the motorway, hoping its improved now i have converted to manual.

the auto boxes arent the greatest, bmw stated they were sealed for life, zf say they certainly aren't, mine was playing up at 74k having been a london car for years, most get to 100k before playing up, so budget in an oil change andand filters if you get an auto.

the rest is typical E34 fare, avoid sunroofs if you can, the sills are more likely to rot on them.

I owned an e34 TD a few years ago. MPG on the autos is pretty poor for a diesel so I wouldn't expect much over low 30s unless you're doing lots of motorway miles. I found myself wishing I had the intercooled TDS - more powerful, and more tuneable. As Welshpug said, the VP37 pump is fly-by-wire. I'll add that the throttle position sensor inside the pump can give problems as the track wears and it doesn't sense where the pedal is. Used to happen on mine and my current e39 TDS has the odd hiccup with it sometimes too.
The TD came with the GM 4L30E auto gearbox which is a bit fragile compared to the ZF box in the TDS. It's what killed mine in the end.

My e39 525TDS touring is livelier in comparison to the TD. It's a manual so the MPG figures are better, but not a patch on newer diesels. The looks aren't (in my opinion) as handsome as the e34 but still not a bad looking motor.