Second thoughts.. E34 ownership

[fujioko]

Let me start by saying I do like my e34, however I have issues. Being a minimalist I naturally preferred an automobile with less gadgets. My e21 had power mirrors and nothing else. No air, no radio, nothing.

Anyway when this E34 came along I was in the mood for an upgrade, so I jumped on the deal. I sold the E21 to offset the cost of the 525.

After 8 months of the E34 I find I certainly try to enjoy the car, however I’m finding the car is just not my style. I have to admit there is a certain grin factor that is addicting and has kept me from doing something stupid… such as selling the car.

This particular five series forum is the worlds best! If it had not existed then perhaps I would have moved on long ago.

Ok, first of all the 525 is way too fast for me.. Yeah, go ahead and laugh. Seriously I purposely put myself in underpowered cars because I have been known to drive too fast. It seems the speed alarm is always beeping at me (nice feature).

Second, the car seems too big…. Of course I knew that when I bought the car.

Third there are way too many gadgets. (99% of them actually work ). My biggest issue is the power windows.. I cant stand them. I prefer the hand crank.

The dilemma is what to do. The E34 is a toy in my stable and not my main transportation. Freedom in choices is a luxury I DO have. Of course I have the option of doing nothing, perhaps I need to spend more time with the car?.

If somehow I decide to take the “next step” then I would most likely sample an E30 or E39. I wont go back to the E21.

The good news is no mater what, there will always be a black 5spd BMW in my garage.

[brosher]

Sounds like an E30 might be more up your alley. If you want something slow look for a E30 318i with a stick. It'll be fun to cruise around in and get great MPG. Good luck finding an E39 with hand crank windows.

[winfred]

if you don't like gadgets you will despise a e39, a e30 is a good ride, i don't suggest a 84-85 318 as they are A pretty crappy to start with, B seriously beat on and C old and worn out, twin cam 318s ain't too bad but watch out for timing chain guide wear, it starts off with a noise and ends with a head rebuild when it throws the chain and dribbles the valves off the pistons, 325i's are quite fast with little massaging, 325e's are quick enough but the under 5k redline is a fun killer but they getting old (newest one is about to be 20 years old) the 88 325 aka the super e is little of both, the S models have trip computers sport seats and posi track diff's

[ILoveMPower]

Definitely scoop up an E30, try to get either the M20, or if you want less power, M44 (I believe this is the 318 you want).

I don't know how your 525 is too fast for you, I'm always yearning for more power myself

[horseheadnebula]

Man, if a 15-year old medium-luxury car is too much for you, then...

[Thayne]

Man, if a 15-year old medium-luxury car is too much for you, then...

Agreed! I would suggest a E30. I have had two of them and they should be great for you.

[BillionPa]

convert to LPG (lose some power, save lots of money on gas!)

convert power windows to hand crank (can this be done?)

325tds anyone?

[Qube]

A 318is e30 will be right up your alley If not, go ahead and grab a 518 (blasphemy!)

[bagpuss]

How about an E28 or E12 ? The crappier specs came with cranky windows and there's certainly not too many gadgets on an E12 ! (Might only come in a reddy/brown colour thesedays though !). E30's are nice, solid old tools generally, I just sold a 325i and it went very well, but you mightn't have liked it, it had power windows, but no 'gadgets' really so you might have half-liked it if you stayed in 2nd gear. I recon a nice 518 (old carb version) E12 or E28 will do you perfectly ! Cheers.

[fujioko]

Wow, I thought I would get seriously flamed… not so. Thanks!

Most of all, I would hate to lose this group if I decide to trade in the 5’er for a 3’er.

Anyway I haven’t given up on the five yet…. Although I’ll keep an eye out for a black E30 318 with a five speed. Ya never know.

The road is filled with ignorant dumb asses, I find it hard to keep my cool if I’m driving something with a bit of power. Many years ago I decided not to be the solution but just become part of the problem. I bought a 3 cyl Geo Metro. With the metro I really had to work to keep pace with traffic. I found the drive more relaxing. Yeah, it sounds .

Anyway the family forbid be from getting another Metro (not that I would).