e34 Vital's ... Still going strong!

[e34.535i.sport]

I was always impressed by the beauty of these cars, but only since owning one have I been blown away with the build quality and how well they age. Mine is 19 yrs old now, and from the looks of it still going strong. There's not many cars out there now this age, never mind in 'working' condition! Here's the 'vitals' that've been checked since I bought it!

Compression Test:
HIGHEST POINT REACHED (psi)
#1 - 180
#2 - 180
#3 - 190
#4 - 190
#5 - 186
#6 - 186

SETTLED VALUE AFTER SEVEN CRANKS (psi)
#1 - 173
#2 - 173
#3 - 181
#4 - 186
#5 - 180
#6 - 182

Engine Vacuum
Vacuum = 19 inches/HG (apparently between 16 and 22 is expected for a good motor - Cheers Whisky! )

Fuel system Pressure
FP = 41psi with the engine off (spec'd @ 43psi)
= 36psi with engine running, which is
Residual pressure seems pretty good too.

I'd be really interested to see what figures are like out there for the rest of you... Anyone as boring as me who feels like posting them it would be most appreciated!

[johngreenedc]

I have a 192 525i with 176k miles, manual. I had it in at my son's auto shop when it was missing on one cylinder a few months ago. (Problem was a bad coil.) They tested the compression (I am not sure peak v. settled) and told me it was 185 +or- 2 lbs all across the board. This car will become my son's car as I just got a used e39 530i.

I fully expect the next 20 to 30 k miles to be trouble free as most of the problem areas have been dealt with within the last 2 to 3 years. New clutch at 165k (original), new thrust arm bushings at the same time along with tranny mounts, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket; in the last few months a new radiator, thermostat, water pump last year, all new hoses, new brake rotors and pads front and rear; new fuel pump two years ago.

Fingers crossed, but the car drives very well, tight and solid with no squeaks or rattles, and still averages 19 mpg.