e34 M5

[M-Theory]

Is there a best year? Are there any major problems to look out for? Anything like that?

[Alan]

They are all nice. They are all expensive to maintain. Buy a bad one and you will cry yourself to sleep at night trying to keep up with the bills.

If it has overheated stay away. Hints that it might have include new radiator or new waterpump. All the parts that are M specific like the suspension, brakes, gearbox, differential etc are all more expensive than their non-M counterparts.

They are expensive to maintain even when things break that are expected. When stuff goes that is unexpected it can be very expensive. Make sure it has the Frank Fahey Crank Hub nut as this can spin off at high rpm and make a real mess of things.

[ELIBEEMER]

Drive one...Well worth the money...

I love to drive mine...it is so JOICE, I highly recommend one, if you have the means..

[Mblaster]

Check out
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=12

[M-Theory]

Thanks all.

[randomg]

For some reason it wasn't mentioned that 95 had the s38 b38 with 340 hp, and the larger breaks, and I think the sportier seats (not sure about the last one, remember someone telling me that).

I'd say 95 was the best year.

[GG///M3]

i have friend who's thinking of selling his it's a 91 M5, with new rebuild from Vac Motorsports. :)

[DrewKeen]

The 3.6 is easier to mod than the 3.8

[5mall5nail5]

The 3.6 is easier to mod than the 3.8
...

really? why do you say that? same block... the 3.8L has different camshaft pulleys, larger displacement, etc.. but its a similar ecu and all, the b36 and b38 are equally moddable.

[Alan]

For some reason it wasn't mentioned that 95 had the s38 b38 with 340 hp, and the larger breaks, and I think the sportier seats (not sure about the last one, remember someone telling me that).

I'd say 95 was the best year.

You'd be buying a euro then as E34 M5 s in America were only produced until 93. Buying a Euro is nice but then you have to worry about it passing emissions every year.

[abakos]

'95 is the best year...but Euro only, some have been imported though. Had the BIG brake package...

[jimmyz2]

i have friend who's thinking of selling his it's a 91 M5, with new rebuild from Vac Motorsports. :).
I would buy ANYTHING from VAC.

[Gop-Dogg]

You'd be buying a euro then as E34 M5 s in America were only produced until 93. Buying a Euro is nice but then you have to worry about it passing emissions every year.
I don't have a problem passing the emissions test.

[GG///M3]

.
I would buy ANYTHING from VAC.
If you want more info pm me..

[Dark Helmet]

VAC = the shizzle.

a B38 is a shit-ton of money, maintenance is key, the top end rebuild is $$$$ so it you're near 100K on the clock, be sure its been done or you have enough money to do it... IIRC its like 8-9 grand.

[sdwhitney]

'95 is the best year...but Euro only, some have been imported though. Had the BIG brake package...


Difference between the 95 M5 (euro) and the 95 5401 Sport also named the Msport are here:

M540i http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=13#3
M5 http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=12

The 95 540i sport is pretty close to the standard 95 540i except suspension, braking and cosmetics. The 95 M5 (euro) had a complete different engine.

I would go euro.

[Alan]

I don't have a problem passing the emissions test.


I think texas has very easy emissions testing. Most Euro M5s I've heard of are very close to the limits on the DOT federalization tests. PA's emissions are rather stringent. Don't know how a well used euro would do.

Oh and btw, can we see some big pics of the E34??? :D

[Gop-Dogg]

I think texas has very easy emissions testing. Most Euro M5s I've heard of are very close to the limits on the DOT federalization tests. PA's emissions are rather stringent. Don't know how a well used euro would do.
That's possible. I think my car still has the Euro cats on too. :devillook You can always swap in US M5 cats ($$$$$$$ unless you can find used ones) or get an aftermarket high-flow cat (less $$$ and probably the best option as it would be an improvment to the car overall).


Oh and btw, can we see some big pics of the E34??? :D
Click on my sig to go to my web album. Then click on the 'Download' button to get the full-sized images.

[jimmyz2]

That's possible. I think my car still has the Euro cats on too. :devillook You can always swap in US M5 cats ($$$$$$$ unless you can find used ones) or get an aftermarket high-flow cat (less $$$ and probably the best option as it would be an improvment to the car overall).


Click on my sig to go to my web album. Then click on the 'Download' button to get the full-sized images.
I do not know why people think aftermarket cats are better than BMW cats.BMW cats are high-flow and are not inferior to after-market cats in any way.

[Gop-Dogg]

I do not know why people think aftermarket cats are better than BMW cats.BMW cats are high-flow and are not inferior to after-market cats in any way.
I didn't say the OEM Cats were bad, but BMW will give it to you hard and long when it comes to price.