E34 Question: Help!

[ILoveMPower]

I'm interested in buying an e34. I'm looking at the different models, and obviously am leaning towards the 535 (I've heard some bad things about the V8's). I'm just curious, is the power difference really that great between say, the 525 and 535? I'm also curious about 5-speed (or 6 in the sport pkg 540) vs. auto. If you've driven one, both, all, PLEASE! I need your input...

The only E34 I've driven was a 525i automatic touring, although I do get to stare at my dad's m5...

[munichman]

525i doesnt really have enough engine to push that heavy of a car, go for the 535i. the 5 speed 535i is a blast to drive, my buddy has one and its a fun car. i havent driven an e34 540i though. no matter where you go make sure you check the radiator.

[ILoveMPower]

Thats what I assumed... but how much more power does the 2.5 from the 525 have compared to the 325 motor? Although they are prolly much lighter, the 325's are definitely quick cars so I would assume although the 5 is heavier, it would still be pretty nimble.

[munichman]

the engine for an E34 5er 89-90 and an E30 325i are the same M20 engine. from 91-95 the 5er had the M50 engine, i believe that is the same as the E36 325i. the E34 has a stiff chassis which is nice on the autocross but it is heavy if you're worried about straight line acceleration. if you really want a fun car to work on look for an E28 535i, a guy in my bmwcca chapter has one and it is amazing, if you are looking for something to build up over time it would probably be a better choice than the E34.

[hammerfang]

would u guys say that a 92 525 with a stick and 112k miles would be a reliable car?

[Scorp965]

The early M50-powered 525i's were non-vanos, so watch out for this... I would greatly lean towards the 535i/5spd over a 525i - the 3.5L "big six" M30 is a bullet proof engine that responds well to boost (if you're feeling saucy in a few years), and in stock form it is a perfect match for the size of an E34. Would an M50-powered 525i be reliable? sure, but it would also be underpowered...

Here is the E34 I used to own, a 3.6L 1991 M5:



Full AC Schnitzer body kit, 17" Fittipaldi wheels, a fun cruiser...

[Calypso34]

I've driven an M20 525i, the 535i, and the M60 530i and 540i's... all but the 525i had enough power to pull the car well... the 540i most definitely has adequate power, you will blow off most sedans on the road when you lay into it, as well as embarass plenty of buzzy little ricerockets. Braking is BMW-standard.
Insurance is not bad on these cars, but can you afford the gas? These cars get thirsty, the 540i especially. Get used to carrying around $50 or $100 notes for filling one up.

[hammerfang]

i hate to say this but power is not the most important thing for me right now, im gonna be a junior in college and paying for the car myself, two years from now when i graduate and get a real job making some decent money im gonna go out and get something nice, until then i want a reliable car thats good on gas (im even thinking 318) but is still fun to drive, the acceleration would def be nice and if i could get a car that has a decent sized engine thats great, but if not its no big deal cause the smaller engine should save me money on gas

[Scorp965]

I had the M5 in high school

Look for a 535i/5spd or an E28 535i/5spd for a reliable cruiser.

[95325is]

yeah if you can aford a 540 i would get that my mom has a 525 5 speed and it is pretty slow bu pretty fun to drive

[bmwm3n528]

540i's are lazier cars...incredible cruisers, way too much power up top for most people. Most M60s have been replaced, the few that haven't and have over 100k are usually 'good ones' or have been babied. I've also seen a small pattern of M Sport 540i's (late production '95s) that still have their Nikasils.

Find a Alusil swapped 540i/6 that's been taken care of or a 535i/5.

[hammerfang]

what is the nikasils and alusil?

[munichman]

it was the coating used inside the cylinders, US grade gas has more sulfur causing the nikisil to degrade. it was only used in V8 and after '95 alusil was used because of the degrading of nikisil.

[LSDRider]

The only 5 I've ever driven was my friends 87' (e28) 535is auto and it pulled pretty damn hard in sport mode.

[hammerfang]

i wouldn;t mind an e28 but i can't find an stick 535s that i'd want to buy, most of them r in bad shape with way too many miles