I think i want an e34

[BimmerXTC]

I have an e46 right now which I bought CPO and have two years left on the loan. I'm getting tired of making the payments and just packing on the miles (I drive about 90 miles a day).

I've been noticing the e34's lately, and really liking the style. I can get one fairly cheap, and just use it as a commuter until I find a job closer to home or move closer to the job.

Couple of questions though:

What kind of mileage should I expect to get from each of the 3 engine choices? I would most likely be looking at the 525i. I have a '02 325Ci and get about 26 average, could I expect that from an e34?

Is there any maintenance issues that are specific to the e34? I've owned two separate 1992 e36 325i's and I am used to the typical window reg, sunroof, coolant sensor, water pump, type issues. Anything else I should know?

[BimmerXTC]

ok, you can ignore the second question, the e34 FAQ is pretty detailed.

But what kind of mileage is everyone getting?

[Analog]

525 owners usually average around 25 with conservative driving.
535 is usually around 17-20
530 and 540 are both around 17-20

[DuRWooD]

~16 - 17 MPG M30, 5 speed, 3.91LSD. FYI When I'm driving it regularly, maintenance add up to car payments on a newer car as well.

[BimmerXTC]

~16 - 17 MPG M30, 5 speed, 3.91LSD. FYI When I'm driving it regularly, maintenance add up to car payments on a newer car as well.

do you think its safe to say that a 1995 525i with around 100k miles would incur a bit less maintenance costs if driven regularly?

[Aindriu]

~16 - 17 MPG M30, 5 speed, 3.91LSD. FYI When I'm driving it regularly, maintenance add up to car payments on a newer car as well.

Oh my God! :eyecrazy

[DuRWooD]

do you think its safe to say that a 1995 525i with around 100k miles would incur a bit less maintenance costs if driven regularly?

haha, yes indeed. Still will need maintenance, but they improved things in the 6 year difference.

[4500 RPM]

do you think its safe to say that a 1995 525i with around 100k miles would incur a bit less maintenance costs if driven regularly?

The '95 525i manual can be said to be bulletproof as far as older BMWs go. It's very similar to the engine you have in your current car.

The automatics go in these cars, avoid them unless you're like me and a few others on the board and swap them for manuals.

I would say that maintenance costs will be similar to an '02 325ci with similar mileage. Suspension bushings, cooling systems, etc. all very similar.

No subframe problems, etc. on these cars. There's no real weak spot except for automatic transmission life and general wear on bushings.

It will get similar mileage, maybe a smidge less. I can get 33 MPG if I'm going 55-65 MPH and consciously doing everything possible to save gas. In town it's about 15 MPG but that's on par with all cars this size.

Highway at 80 it's about 25 MPG, maybe a tad more. Great highway cars.

[E34nication]

in my 540-6 w/ a 3.15 rear end @ 80mph on the highway I get about 26mpg.

[Frzninvt]

Averaging about 25 MPG with mostly highway some city mixed in maybe 75/25 and that is chipped with a 5-speed manual. Avg around 75-80 MPH on the highway. Long hauls on the highway get me in the 28-30 MPG depending on speed. Girlfriend has a '05 325xi Auto w/tiptronic and I pull better MPG's which is amazing. Good maintenance also comes into play. Fresh plugs, oil & filter, O2 sensor, clean air & fuel filter, MAF sensor and throttle body. A bottle of Chevron Techron every other O/C helps too. Hardest thing is to resist want to drive it spirited!

[PorscheH6]

About 16 in the city, and 27 on the highway with an automatic 540i. I'd get a 540i - Great power with similar gas mileage to a 525i, and I dare say better than a 535i. If you drive in a spirited manner and want an E34 that consumes less gas, buy a 540i. An underpowered car that has to be revved the piss out of to go anywhere will get less mileage. Just forget about the 530i, crappy mileage and still underpowered. not one of BMW's best engines to say the least.

Price wise, all good condition 5xx's go for around $4-$7K anyway, so I'd just get a 540i. I originally was going to get a 525i because I thought they'd be loads cheaper but people were actually loading off the V8's for less than what the 525i's cost.

The only real "problem" I can see with the E34 are crapped out steering boxes.

[BMRSEB]

About 16 in the city, and 27 on the highway with an automatic 540i. I'd get a 540i - Great power with similar gas mileage to a 525i, and I dare say better than a 535i... .
Oh boy.. :eatpop: :D

[PorscheH6]

Well, I meant better gas mileage than the 535i.

I'd prefer a manual 535i over an auto 540i, I think. Actually I think it'd be around a coinflip.

[Goat128]

Just forget about the 530i, crappy mileage and still underpowered. not one of BMW's best engines to say the least.



Jee thanks. I guess all 530's should just dump there cars in the river then?:shifty



530 and 540 are both around 17-20

thats well below what i get.

[PorscheH6]

Hey, I'm sorry. But can we agree that they are not exactly powerful and don't exactly get great mileage? For the same price I'd take the 540 over a 530. From what I've observed, regardless of if it's a 525i, 530i, 535i, or 540i, they are all about the same price given they are in the same condition.

I guess I just worded it wrong. There are better buys than the 530i.

[Goat128]

Ha! Its ok.. I was looking for a 540 too when i bought mine, but it just was a good deal at the time and in best condition. Sure if I was looking now it would be different but the OP has to decide whats best for his needs. Certainley the 540 will give you more power and the 525 will give you better mileage.

[NMMR]

hey guys how many miles are the 535i auto tranny good for usually??

[BimmerXTC]

525i definately suits my needs much better. Gas mileage, plus it would be the one and only daily driver, and it tends to get nasty in the winter months up here in the northeast. The extra power is not going to help, especially with no DSC.

[eightynine535]

......I'd get a 540i - Great power with similar gas mileage to a 525i, and I dare say better than a 535i............



Please tell me this statement is you weak a$$ try at a joke?!!!:nono

[E34nication]

i kinda always thought the 535's were gas hogs as well :dunno

[PorscheH6]

What do you find a joke? I don't understand...

[BMRSEB]

i kinda always thought the 535's were gas hogs as well :dunno
Well, it is old technology where gas consumption wasn't the priority. :dunno I still like them though.. :)

[clevertd]

i kinda always thought the 535's were gas hogs as well :dunno

I came from a fullsize Bronco, it's all relative:stickoutt Mine will get about 19 around town, up to 25 on the highway with the MAF and 3.91LSD.

[E34nication]

I came from a fullsize Bronco, it's all relative:stickoutt Mine will get about 19 around town, up to 25 on the highway with the MAF and 3.91LSD.

that's a lot better than i was expecting... for some reason i thought they got around 17-18 combined.

[Sixdown]

Heh, I get 15-22 mpg in my M30 535iM, and that's without a heavy foot. I drive in Washington DC most of the time, so mileage is really bad. You could probably get around 17-24 if you really try. I would go for the 525i 5-Speed if I was entirely concerned about gas mileage. Add a chip and it can possible improve a slight amount and get you some needed power. The main benefit of the M30 engine in the 535i is the torque and the ease to work on.

[renemesis]

I came from a fullsize Bronco, it's all relative:stickoutt Mine will get about 19 around town, up to 25 on the highway with the MAF and 3.91LSD.

Does the MAF positively or negatively affect your mileage? 19 and 25 sounds pretty darn good for a 535.

[swright442]

I average 23.8 in my 525i daily driver. That's mostly in traffic so I can't complain. On a long trip with no stops it's prolly closer to 30 at 80mph on cruise control. The car is high maintenance but I kinda dig messin' with it every weekend. Reminds me of being a Harley owner:)

[clevertd]

that's a lot better than i was expecting... for some reason i thought they got around 17-18 combined.

It was getting that when the rubber hose between the FPR and fuel line was leaking profusely:D


Does the MAF positively or negatively affect your mileage? 19 and 25 sounds pretty darn good for a 535.

I've driven it with a very light foot, we'll have to see how it does once I get it back together. It seems some people get worse mileage, while others observe an improvement. Mine has been the latter.

[Binjammin]

Jee thanks. I guess all 530's should just dump there cars in the river then?:shifty


Exactly. All the pain in the ass of working on a v8 car with all the performance of the m50 cars... I understand why BMW built the 530, it's a no brainer when it comes to assembly line complexity, but so far as ownership goes? If I were forced to own a 530 I'd rip the rondells off and stick Hyundai badges on to hide my shame.

[tonyroc14]

Exactly. All the pain in the ass of working on a v8 car with all the performance of the m50 cars... I understand why BMW built the 530, it's a no brainer when it comes to assembly line complexity, but so far as ownership goes? If I were forced to own a 530 I'd rip the rondells off and stick Hyundai badges on to hide my shame.
:nono

[Binjammin]

:lol

Don't you wag your finger at me, you've got a b40! :D

[screwbiedoo15]

I'm one of those people with a 535i that usually gets around 17-18mpg combined. I've been trying to drive with a lighter foot so we'll see how the mileage is then.

The strange thing is our other 535i gets around 24-25 on the highway cruising around like 80mph on long trips. For whatever reason, that 535i gets much better gas mileage than mine

[Aindriu]

The 3.5litres are I6's that are made to go all out. Same as what they used to make in the 6 Series (which they are now putting in the Z's).

If you're looking for a primary car that you use all the time I personally would suggest a 525i...but realistically I would just go looking at 5Series and just get whatever is the best condition for the cheapest price. Don't limit yourself too much.

[Aindriu]

I'm one of those people with a 535i that usually gets around 17-18mpg combined. I've been trying to drive with a lighter foot so we'll see how the mileage is then.

The strange thing is our other 535i gets around 24-25 on the highway cruising around like 80mph on long trips. For whatever reason, that 535i gets much better gas mileage than mine

Another example of making sure you get a healthy engine. A good working 525i will cream an abused 535i. If your going for the V8 or the 3.5litre 6 make sure you test alot out because they are either strained from the constant abuse or in perfect condition because they are put under little if they have been used by someone that just gets from A-B.

Big blocks you want to make sure that they can accelerate 'effortlessly' if you feel any strain at all then its knackered.

[Goat128]

:lol

Don't you wag your finger at me, you've got a b40! :D

I was gonna give you a different finger...

[Binjammin]

I was gonna give you a different finger...


It's ok, I get that all the time from people like you.



















I can see it in my rearview mirror :evil2

[attack eagle]

540. most effortless power of the 5 engines.
can get as good gas mileage highway as any of them.
downsides: two of everything means usually about twice the maintenance cost for a DIY owner compared to the i6s

535: second most effortless power of them.
not quite as good gas mileage as the 540 and 525 freeway (in general).
Older design, slightly more maintenance intensive (distributor, rotor, valve adjustments) than the 525. Not hard to work on by any means just IMO not as easy as the m50 525

M50 525 depending on whom you talk with equal or better mileage than the 540
very little maintenance, you are familiar with the engine already. Far easier to change plugs on compared to the m30 in terms of access and not burning your hands!

m60b30 530: all the maintenance of a 540 v8. none of the power.
generally the 540is say they get better mpg by 1-2 freeway.

m20 525. all the old school engine headaches of the m30, none of the power... :)
and it is an interference engine with a timing belt. Proactive replacement on purchase and every 50k is mandatory. my least favorite.

[E34Mekanik]

There are 6 E34 engine choices, no?
M20B25
M30B35 (!)
M50B25 (non-vanos)
M50TUB25
M60B30
M60B40
A '95 525i is perfect for some who "thinks" they want an E34.

[PorscheH6]

7, actually.

S38B36 :D

That is, of course, for the U.S. market. :mad

[mrsharp]

540. most effortless power of the 5 engines.
can get as good gas mileage highway as any of them.
downsides: two of everything means usually about twice the maintenance cost for a DIY owner compared to the i6s

535: second most effortless power of them.
not quite as good gas mileage as the 540 and 525 freeway (in general).
Older design, slightly more maintenance intensive (distributor, rotor, valve adjustments) than the 525. Not hard to work on by any means just IMO not as easy as the m50 525

M50 525 depending on whom you talk with equal or better mileage than the 540
very little maintenance, you are familiar with the engine already. Far easier to change plugs on compared to the m30 in terms of access and not burning your hands!

m60b30 530: all the maintenance of a 540 v8. none of the power.
generally the 540is say they get better mpg by 1-2 freeway.

m20 525. all the old school engine headaches of the m30, none of the power... :)
and it is an interference engine with a timing belt. Proactive replacement on purchase and every 50k is mandatory. my least favorite.
I wonder how much easier it is to change plugs on the m50 cause it's pretty damn easy on the m30. Although I wouldn't be changing my plugs while the engine is hot.

[screwbiedoo15]

Another example of making sure you get a healthy engine. A good working 525i will cream an abused 535i. If your going for the V8 or the 3.5litre 6 make sure you test alot out because they are either strained from the constant abuse or in perfect condition because they are put under little if they have been used by someone that just gets from A-B.

Big blocks you want to make sure that they can accelerate 'effortlessly' if you feel any strain at all then its knackered.



Mmm I think you took something from my statement that isn't there. Yes the other 535i gets better gas mileage, but my m30 is much more powerful than the other m30 (yes it has a MAF whereas the other doesn't but even when they were both just chipped my car was quicker than the other). So, for whatever reason it's a stronger engine, just doesn't get as good of gas mileage.

[mrsharp]

Another example of making sure you get a healthy engine. A good working 525i will cream an abused 535i. If your going for the V8 or the 3.5litre 6 make sure you test alot out because they are either strained from the constant abuse or in perfect condition because they are put under little if they have been used by someone that just gets from A-B.

Big blocks you want to make sure that they can accelerate 'effortlessly' if you feel any strain at all then its knackered.
Actually an m30 can take more abuse than an m50 and m60 combined. /thread

[Stir Fry A Lot]

Actually an m30 can take more abuse than an m50 and m60 combined. /thread

Thus the beauty of displacement. /thread

[E34Mekanik]

7, actually.

S38B36 :D

That is, of course, for the U.S. market. :mad

I can't believe I forgot the M5 motors.
+
S38B36
S38B38
And all the variations in the global market (UK's M30 turbodiesel), Euro 520i, Canada's M540i (possibly different from the US M60B40?)

[E34nication]

afaik canadien m60b40 is the exact same as the US motor.

[m60b30530i]

Exactly. All the pain in the ass of working on a v8 car with all the performance of the m50 cars... I understand why BMW built the 530, it's a no brainer when it comes to assembly line complexity, but so far as ownership goes? If I were forced to own a 530 I'd rip the rondells off and stick Hyundai badges on to hide my shame.


:bawling:killshot:

[attack eagle]

I wonder how much easier it is to change plugs on the m50 cause it's pretty damn easy on the m30. Although I wouldn't be changing my plugs while the engine is hot.
like changing plugs on any DOHC engine. remove coil packs insert tube thru valvecover, turn.

no bending over trying to get boots off the back two without burning your hand

[mrsharp]

like changing plugs on any DOHC engine. remove coil packs insert tube thru valvecover, turn.

no bending over trying to get boots off the back two without burning your hand
I admit that does sound quite easy. I guess I was just surprised because everyone told me that working on Bmws is sooo hard lol. I was a severe newb back then (only 5 months ago). I actually remember when I worked at a garage that refused to service bmws because the mechanics said they were to hard to work on. I've found mine much nicer than my old s10.

[Binjammin]

I admit that does sound quite easy. I guess I was just surprised because everyone told me that working on Bmws is sooo hard lol. I was a severe newb back then (only 5 months ago). I actually remember when I worked at a garage that refused to service bmws because the mechanics said they were to hard to work on. I've found mine much nicer than my old s10.

I work with a guy like that. He's pretty green to the business, and very (unfounded) opinionated when it comes to cars. Very Ford fanatical. We had an e39 msport that sold from the dealership get towed back in a few days later. It had had a serp belt tensioner sieze and completely shred everything in the front of the car. Belt, tensioner, an idler, plastic fan clutch fan... the kid drove it and overheated it, so thermostat and water pump too. (pump as a good idea while doing everything else while we were in there, the car had something like 100k on it.

So the kid in the shop starts off with "those things suck, they're so hard to work on) the usual. I'm like dude... 32mm nut, remove fan clutch and shroud...look how roomy it is now. Still not enough to sway his opinion. I don't know what I can say to him to convince him they're the easiest thing in the world to work on...

[mrsharp]

I work with a guy like that. He's pretty green to the business, and very (unfounded) opinionated when it comes to cars. Very Ford fanatical. We had an e39 msport that sold from the dealership get towed back in a few days later. It had had a serp belt tensioner sieze and completely shred everything in the front of the car. Belt, tensioner, an idler, plastic fan clutch fan... the kid drove it and overheated it, so thermostat and water pump too. (pump as a good idea while doing everything else while we were in there, the car had something like 100k on it.

So the kid in the shop starts off with "those things suck, they're so hard to work on) the usual. I'm like dude... 32mm nut, remove fan clutch and shroud...look how roomy it is now. Still not enough to sway his opinion. I don't know what I can say to him to convince him they're the easiest thing in the world to work on...
Hhaha, it's true. For me at least, every thing I've had to do is fairly easy in nature just as long I you take the time to do it correctly (not including the stuff that wont come off cause it's been there for the last 18 years:mad).

[attack eagle]

I admit that does sound quite easy. I guess I was just surprised because everyone told me that working on Bmws is sooo hard lol. I was a severe newb back then (only 5 months ago). I actually remember when I worked at a garage that refused to service bmws because the mechanics said they were to hard to work on. I've found mine much nicer than my old s10.

I thought the same until I learned different as a teenager working at an import garage (much better than mercedes, and rwd volvo imo, far easier than anything else!!!). And now after two years of ownership (in 9 hours :cool), I am amazed at how easy they are to work on, and how the parts fit and come apart easily after 16 years, how the connectors are always different so you can't screw up.

[skylinergtr]

all this hate to the 530 is making me and my car sad:(

[mrsharp]

all this hate to the 530 is making me and my car sad:( Don't be sad cause you still have a fairly quick car. A touch more power than me. The thing is that when people hear v8 they expect something really big not 3 litres. There are a fair amount of mods for your car though that can boost hp.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

We're just funnin with you. At least you have more low end power.

[Russellc]

do you think its safe to say that a 1995 525i with around 100k miles would incur a bit less maintenance costs if driven regularly?

On my 95 525i I spend about $1000 to $1,500 a year for all maintenance including brakes, tires, struts, tune-up, etc. I track EVERYTHING expense wise in a spreadsheet and am very picky about the car. I tend to over maintain a bit as it is my daily commuter.

I average about 23-24 mpg mixed driving with about 28-30 mpg at highway speeds of 55-75 mph.

Be warned at about 100,000 miles is when the maintenance/replacement of items like struts, thrust arms and other msc work picks up.

[Aindriu]

Actually an m30 can take more abuse than an m50 and m60 combined. /thread

You mis-understand the advice I'm giving here, lol. I'm trying to say to avoid cars that have signs of abuse. Regardless of how well it can take it.

When cars have been abused the power of the engine is worse, the fuel economy is worse and the up-keeping costs more as well so in the long run it's worth spending a grand or two more to get one that is in absolute top knick...belive me it's a big mistake buying a car with faults and thinking "I'll just get that fixed".

[mrsharp]

You mis-understand the advice I'm giving here, lol. I'm trying to say to avoid cars that have signs of abuse. Regardless of how well it can take it.

When cars have been abused the power of the engine is worse, the fuel economy is worse and the up-keeping costs more as well so in the long run it's worth spending a grand or two more to get one that is in absolute top knick...belive me it's a big mistake buying a car with faults and thinking "I'll just get that fixed".
I guess to me it just depends on the problems. I mean if the car doesn't have proper compression than yes, you should probably avoid that engine unless it's a good enough price that you can afford to fully rebuild for less than it would cost to find a better one. I in fact bought a car with many problems and I've slowly been getting it together. I agree that it's much easier to spend money on a nicer better maintained engine but with that said assuming you plan on keeping the car for a while, it's going to need a rebuild newer or later if you're really keeping it in top knick. I'd just rather buy cheap now and then get all the rebuilding out of the way. Now if you're not mechanically inclined or your not planning on keeping your car for many decades then Aindriu is very right. Buy the very best condition engine you can afford.

[Winkie]

all this hate to the 530 is making me and my car sad:(
I have a 520i and it is so sad I would love a 530:buttrock

[94530inh]

Exactly. All the pain in the ass of working on a v8 car with all the performance of the m50 cars... I understand why BMW built the 530, it's a no brainer when it comes to assembly line complexity, but so far as ownership goes? If I were forced to own a 530 I'd rip the rondells off and stick Hyundai badges on to hide my shame.



My 530=Faster, Better looking, Better Sounding, Newer than your 535. And you also have a 318i, everyone doesnt need a fast car.


When I saw that post I was so disappointed.

[Jcbe34]

My 530=Faster, Better looking, Better Sounding, Newer than your 535. And you also have a 318i, everyone doesnt need a fast car.


When I saw that post I was so disappointed.

meh.. 530's aren't faster than 535's. Wide grill vs, narrow is based on opinion and my 535i sounds better than my 540i ever did. The m30 is much easier to work on also, which was the basic point of his post

[94530inh]

Why was it so hateful? 530is are great cars. With time technology got better and BMW decided to axe the m30 for an m60 that made more power, with less displacement.

Also, my 530 is easy to work on, I do all the work myself with ease.

[T444E]

Why was it so hateful? 530is are great cars. With time technology got better and BMW decided to axe the m30 for an m60 that made more power, with less displacement.

Also, my 530 is easy to work on, I do all the work myself with ease.

More power with less torque.

[Jcbe34]

Why was it so hateful? 530is are great cars. With time technology got better and BMW decided to axe the m30 for an m60 that made more power, with less displacement.

Also, my 530 is easy to work on, I do all the work myself with ease.

I'm not being hateful you just sounded arrogant and I was correcting you because you were wrong. I did all the work on my m60 as well, and I did a lot of it. I've owned the m30 car much longer and haven't had to do near as much to it because there just simply aren't as many common problems.

[Binjammin]

My 530=Faster, Better looking, Better Sounding, Newer than your 535. And you also have a 318i, everyone doesnt need a fast car.


When I saw that post I was so disappointed.

Wow man you obviously missed the humor in that post. I suppose when you take it out of context it looks like a standard troll post, but like much of the posting here (e34 section of bf.c) there's a lot of joking going on. I stand by what I said btw. The 530 came to be because it was a cheaper assembly line option to have the two top tier engine choices be basically the same engine. The m30 had been around for a million years and wasn't going to be passing the new emissions standards that were coming into effect, so it was a no-brainer to kill it off and replace it with a small displacement version of the 4 liter v8. So far as power, it's pretty much on equal footing with the m30. It's a heavier car due a lot to the extremely heavy tranny bolted to it, so whatever power differences there may be, power to weight is in the m30's favor.


So far as the 318 goes, I love that thing. I rip it to redline at every single shift. It may not make much power, but when I end up pulling the engine/tranny and putting them in the 02 project I've got in the works for the winter, a chip and I'll be in almost decent power territory, in a car that weighs less than the e30 it's coming out of. I'd love to be able to find a set of cams and build a 12.5:1 stupid high compression m42 out of it, with a little bit of work to get it to wind out at almost 8krpm. I'd love to see 200hp out of it, which isn't unreasonable. Not exactly a ton of power, but it should be a ton of fun.

I've also got a cadillac with a hugemongous engine in it. I've been considering replacing it with a blown 4.6 Norstar, but lately I've been thinking of an m70 in it, just for fun. We'll see what spring brings for that beast. I don't need to go fast in all of my cars, but I'd like the sensation of speed in most of them. That's more fun anyway.

[Analog]

I wish I had I6 that made the same power. Or maybe a pushrod V8.

The DOHC M60 is a wide wide motor and a bitch to work on. They sound great though :)

[attack eagle]

I miss my 4 cylinder 2.0... made more torque than the B30!!!
I'd rather have an m50b32NV. ;) maybe i'll get lucky and find an s52 with a cracked block cheap one of these days.

[PorscheH6]

Don't be sad cause you have a slow car.

Fixed.

[funnyman06]

Soo much hate on the B30, you guys are funny, all of the above cars are faster than the truck i normally drive, so you cant complain. Id love to drive my 525i instead of the truck normally, its amazing what weight can do. BMW 190 HP 180ish ft/lbs weight ~ 3500lbs. Truck 175HP 330ft/lbs weight ~ 5600lbs.

So you see, any bimmer is better than no bimmer. id take a B30...

[Aindriu]

I have a 520i and it is so sad I would love a 530:buttrock

I actually felt sorry for you until I saw you own a 840i...Lucky bastard, you cant get them cheaper than $22,000 even now here in Australia.

[94530inh]

I'd rather have the m60, simply because of how smooth it is. The e34 body is a luxury car, and i'm glad it came with a v8. Not to hate on the M30 though, i'd just rather have that motor in an e24. The e24 would be my "fun" happy shifting car.