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Thread: Buying my first E34.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Adelaide, Australia
    Posts
    404

    Default Buying my first E34.

    Hi, ive been doing alot of reading on various sites, and reading alot of reviews about the E34, and i really like how the car looks as well

    http://www.thecaryard.com.au/2.html

    Ill be inspecting that car this weekend.
    The man on the phone told me that the car has 190,000km on it, and had te motor rebuilt 4,000km ago.

    When i drive it, and inspect the car, what should i be listening for, and looking for.
    Ill have an RAA inspection done as well, but advice from BMW owners would really go a long way in helping my decision

    Thanks heaps in advance.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    451

    Default

    This list helped me a bit when I was looking for my E34.

    http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/troubl...will_break.htm

    Hope this helps.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,027

    Default

    Good Luck with this! Take a close look at everything including:

    door rust (bottoms of doors rust through)
    drive train vibration
    front end "shimmy" (worn bushings in the suspension)
    shock/spring wear
    oil consumption

    I've also noticed that the fuel pump likes to retire and that's a $300USD part here.
    The water pump should have been replaced with one that has a metal (not plastic) impeller.
    Overall, these are great cars but the truth is that they are expensive to maintain in terms of time and money.

    Make sure you check for service records.. if they are missing, skip the car.

    Ask the seller for the paperwork from the recent motor rebuild.. if that's missing, skip it...

    Good Luck!
    1994 540ia|Oxford Green Metallic|Lemforder|KYB in H&R|18" OE Staggered M-Parallel with Pirelli P-Zero

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Holly Springs,North Carolina
    Posts
    516

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael999
    Hi, ive been doing alot of reading on various sites, and reading alot of reviews about the E34, and i really like how the car looks as well

    http://www.thecaryard.com.au/2.html

    Ill be inspecting that car this weekend.
    The man on the phone told me that the car has 190,000km on it, and had te motor rebuilt 4,000km ago.

    When i drive it, and inspect the car, what should i be listening for, and looking for.
    Ill have an RAA inspection done as well, but advice from BMW owners would really go a long way in helping my decision

    Thanks heaps in advance.

    THe link they gave you is a great start.
    Also, I would look for the following things:

    • Check service history thoroughly (very,very important).
    • Have a BMW technician do a pre-sale inspection.
    • Test the brakes at highways speeds and see if the steering wheel shakes.
    • See how it accelerates from a stop (smooth, hesitantly ect).
    • Make sure one touch features for the windows and sunroof work without issue.
    • Does the transmission shift smoothly.
    • Does the CD changer work.
    • Do the doors (and trunk and gas door) all lock from the drive door when you use the key.

    Hope this helps.

    Michael
    Mustbr8kfree
    1995 525i, Shadowline,EAT chip, Alpine

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Montreal, Canada
    Posts
    520

    Default

    if there are no maintenance records (or details on this "engine rebuild 4000k ago")
    then be wary.

    It could cost a fortune to bring up to par a problem child BMW...
    If the records are there and look good, that is worth it's weight in gold.
    ^°^ ><((({º>°°

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Vancleave, MS
    Posts
    629

    Default Yeah.... M30 engine (one in the car you're considering...)

    is known to be just great, but does require it's routine maintenance intervals be followed... I'd be VERY hesitant or else very sure what that engine rebuild is all about... there are lots of M30 engines w/tons of miles and still strong and tight... (granted I've an M50 engine... but ask other 535 drivers...)
    1993 / 525ia / M50TU / EAT / Sachs / Infiniti Kappa & Basslink / super clean / Style 5s wearing Pilots / Mobil 1 everywhere / long road ahead

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Adelaide, Australia
    Posts
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    Default

    Wow thanks for the quick replies.
    Ill make sure i check those things you guys listed.

    Im not sure how i go about getting a bmw technician to check the car, but i can get my RAA to do a 100 point check.

    The guy told me that the 5xx cars fuel pumps dont last very long, and he said he replaced it after he got the car traded in to him as it died.

    again, i look forward to seeing it

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,027

    Default

    get paperwork on everything he said he changed.. buying a used car is dirty work... buying a used car from a dealer is FILTHY
    1994 540ia|Oxford Green Metallic|Lemforder|KYB in H&R|18" OE Staggered M-Parallel with Pirelli P-Zero

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    758

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael999
    Ill have an RAA inspection done as well
    In Oz we have RACV, NRMA, etc, who provide a service like your describing. IMHO they cost a fortune to get done and they know jack-**** about BMWs, getting a BMW tech to check the car is a far better option. You don't have to go to the nearest dealer as there are very good independent shops around.

    ,
    Greg
    E30 318iS & BMW K1200LT

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Adelaide, Australia
    Posts
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    Default

    GJPinAU, Where would i locate a BMW tech that will drive out to do an inspection?
    I live in Adelaide SA, so neither RACV or NRMA available to me.

    Should i contact a BMW dealership?

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