BMW 5 series, E34 shape, opinions?

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

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

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!

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

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.



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...

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.

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

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