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been harbouring thoughts now for a while.... it involves something comfortable, relaxed, large with a dirty great 6-pot motor. yes folks, i've been BMW-perving. started looking at E30's but then noticed the equivalent year 5-series is cheaper - people scared of big cars? only thing that bugs me about the 5's is the enormousness of them all, how are they to drive? also on carfolio I see they do a 520 which seems a trifle underpowered (120bhp), then a 520 24v which is nearer 170bhp. are these only in special editions? how can i be sure of getting one of the 24v models? is the 525 just a better option all round? and what of the 530, isn't it a V8? does it suck a lot of juice? and with regard to another thread - are their autoboxes any good? heck if i'm going to go all comfortable, i might as well get lazy too not buying just yet, just want to get a feel of what i'm keeping my eyes out for....
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Never trust a man Who names himself Trevor. Or one day you might find He's not a real drug dealer.
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BMW advice needed!arthurbrown
@GUEST
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I take it we're talking about the 87-95 e34 model? 24-valve versions are from '91 onwards I think... If you're not sure what your getting, a cursory glance under the bonnet should clear things up ( ;D ) The 12-valve is a little underpowered for it's size but they're impossibly smooth & lovely. Auto-box is a must for lazy cruise-athon Again only later 530 (and upwards) models are v8's .... good engines & no more thirsty than the old 3.0 & 3.5 6-potters. 5's aren't that big a car... but they're no-where near as sporty as the e30 3 series. They're cheap as chips as they're not the most economical car out there, and most will have interstellar mileages by now... although don't let this put you off. HTH
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youll be wanting an e34 then ;D www.bmwe34.net/the 24v ones are the later age ones i think wouldnt buy 520 120 hp in my 320 is not great so in heavier 5 youll be going slowly lol
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2001 HONDA CT110 (NOT RCV)
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Last Edit: Jan 1, 2006 11:32:12 GMT by ScotsDave
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I had a 525i E34 on a 90 which was the 12V engine with 170bhp. Excellent car with very good handling for something so big. Not that quick though. And I was tempted to look for a 535.
One thing to look out for is head gasket and head cracking problems causing oil and water to mix. Viscous fans fail allowing the engine to overheat and they don't like that.
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i think it's definately going to be a slushmatic, for the cruising factor as well as the fact they're loads cheaper - as long as it's a good box i don't mind, i was just worried about the price difference being because they're rubbish.
not really decided on a model apart from to steer clear of the 520 12v then really - i do like a bit of swiftness when i feel like it. the late 520 and the early 525 seem to have more or less the same power though - not sure i can bring myself to buy a V8 just yet. to be honest i'd rather get a luxxed-up 520 with electric leather aerials and heated ashtrays than a thrashed and worn 530.
thanks for the help guys.... time to start watching the bay! also found one (albeit a 525 td!) at my local salvage yard - don't wanna diseasel but it's the easiest place to go for a poke around one without the owner sussing i'm not buying.
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Never trust a man Who names himself Trevor. Or one day you might find He's not a real drug dealer.
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the ideal e34 is a 530i s/six. m20 2litres are ok, early 2.5s are prolific head crackers but quick (175bhp). 530's are about 190bhp and smooth as silk. 535i's are a fast motor with 215 bhp but not smooth. all 2.0/2.5 engines after 1990 are pretty good, post '92 VANOS cars being among the best. steering boxes need close inspection (£850 new), be wary of ones with big rims 'cos they knock the suspension out. hope this doesn't fill you with dread
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completely forgot about the very best e34. the 525i sport '90-91 with bilsteins, recaros and bodykit
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uh-oh, spanner in the works....
and it's E190 2.6 shaped.
dilemmas dilemmas.......
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Never trust a man Who names himself Trevor. Or one day you might find He's not a real drug dealer.
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том
Posted a lot
"If in doubt, flat out!"
Posts: 2,707
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its a good shape
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1988 V8 Rangey Bobtail :: 1968 Volvo Amazon 133 Ratrod :: 1977 Land Rover 88 :: 1985 Opel Monza GSE :: 1983 MKII Fiesta
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uh-oh, spanner in the works.... and it's E190 2.6 shaped. dilemmas dilemmas....... ha ha! Decisions Decisions! ;D
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well i've been trawling the 'trader and it seems on a budget of £6-700 i can get either a very early 90's 525i which may or may not be the 24v (there's a definate price jump around 1991 so i reckon the 24Vs are going for £200 or more over the 12v) or a similar age 190E 2.6.... the mercs on the whole look a lot better looked after, there's some desperately shabby 5-series out there!
trouble is the mercs aren't seen as cheap runarounds like old BMWs are so there doesn't seem to be the internet fanbase for them, certainly coulnd't find any forums.
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Never trust a man Who names himself Trevor. Or one day you might find He's not a real drug dealer.
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