Help with my first bmw E34 or E36

[dwarfy123]

Hey guys.
Im looking into purchasing my second car, and its gonna be a BMW. My freind has a e36 325i, and I am in love with it.
I have been debating between to cars for awhile now.

1. 1998 E36 328i M-Package Coupe 100xxkm (60xxx miles). 6 month warranty. 14,800 CDN

2. 1995 E34 540i 170xxxkm (100xx miles)
11,000 CDN

Now, I should mention that I like the look of the E34 better. It is an older car however, and will not great on gas. The E36 is newer, but not as roomie, and more expensive.

Also keep in mind I live in Canada, and this car will be winter driver.
Both cars are manual transmisson.

Now, I dont want to start a big flaming war about what chassis is better or w.e, im just wondering your opionions on which vehichal is better suited for me. What kind of mainanence am I looking at? If I buy the E34, I have about 4k for repairs etc.

Thx alot for your help

[boshmark]

Check out the e34 forum and post your question ther also. There is a great deal of knowledge on the 540 and I'm sure you will get some pointers in the right direction.

[MMmmmpower]

Well being an e34 owner I would have to say go with that car. Alot of my friends drive e36's and in my opinion they are getting played out!

The 328i is a good car, resonable power, good handeling all around good city driving car. And your right this car will deffinitly be better on gas.

You metioned it was older but I mean its only 3 years older, the only reason it will not be great on gas is that big 4.4 L V8. Also alot of those V8's were known to have problems on them

If I were you and you liked the e34 styling better, why not go with a 525i? Same styling, better on gas, easier to find mods for it. Being in Edmonton too the e34 has more clearence than the e36 which means less bottom outs on snow banks, speed bumps, shitty potholes(there's a ton!)

Where's this e34 for sale? I might know who's it is and could tell you some history on it. Good luck with the search

[beamer3]

If I look at circumstances to the winter, I will go certainly for e34. But purely on appearance I will go for e36. At us in the Netherlands correctly the components for e34 are more expensive as for e36. Success with purchase.

[dwarfy123]

Hey guys, thanks for your replies
The 540I i was looking at was on buysell, but it got taken off this week

Arent the 525i's pretty slow? (no offence)
Im looking for something with some good power.

[beamer3]

E34, 525 weighs, however, what also sees of course and that you in the fuel consumption. But at you the petrol is not this way very nevertheless expensive?? Hahaha… here in the Netherlands pay you for 1 litre 1.35€ that are approximately $ 1.77 for a litre

[MMmmmpower]

Hey guys, thanks for your replies
The 540I i was looking at was on buysell, but it got taken off this week

Arent the 525i's pretty slow? (no offence)
Im looking for something with some good power.

Any pre 92 525i's are pretty slow as they had the m20 engine, which only had around 125hp. All 92 and above come with the M50, the same engine that was used in the 1992-1995 e36 3 series. They came with 189hp and 189 ft lb tourqe. It is a really easy engine to work on, and mod parts are readily available through the e36 community.

Personally I'v raced my buddy in his 97 328i and have beat him before, but hes also beaten me. The races were always close though. But if you looking for something with good power deffinitly get the 540i, its really in a different class than the 328i and 525i

[CVGTURBO86]

Go for the E36...yes they have their issues but the E34 540 is a total nightmare if it hasnt been properly maintaind. goodluck with your search none the less

[digitaldragon03]

If gas isnt an issue, go for an E34.

[C P Squared]

e34, they look cooler

[makaveli2k]

Any pre 92 525i's are pretty slow as they had the m20 engine, which only had around 125hp. All 92 and above come with the M50, the same engine that was used in the 1992-1995 e36 3 series. They came with 189hp and 189 ft lb tourqe. It is a really easy engine to work on, and mod parts are readily available through the e36 community.


the m20 part is not true, they had 168hp before 91. there are different versions of the M20, we got the M20b25 which powers into the 160's while the M20B20, and B27s powered in the 120's.

BTW I own a 89 525i so I know this :)

[MMmmmpower]

the m20 part is not true, they had 168hp before 91. there are different versions of the M20, we got the M20b25 which powers into the 160's while the M20B20, and B27s powered in the 120's.

BTW I own a 89 525i so I know this :)

Ah I see, thnx for clearing that up I wasnt aware there were different spec m20's

[Mervon]

Ive had an e36 325, and currently drive a m3. These cars are plenty of fun and decent on gas. My dad also had an e34 525 5 speed and the power was legit. Def a fun car to drive. If you like the styling and comfort of the e34 i recommend u go with the 525

[sausrigging]

Any pre 92 525i's are pretty slow as they had the m20 engine, which only had around 125hp. All 92 and above come with the M50, the same engine that was used in the 1992-1995 e36 3 series. They came with 189hp and 189 ft lb tourqe. It is a really easy engine to work on, and mod parts are readily available through the e36 community.

Personally I'v raced my buddy in his 97 328i and have beat him before, but hes also beaten me. The races were always close though. But if you looking for something with good power deffinitly get the 540i, its really in a different class than the 328i and 525i

Dude, your friend cant drive! No way a non vanos m50 in a e34 keeps up with a m52 e36, auto or not!

[CVGTURBO86]

Dude, your friend cant drive! No way a non vanos m50 in a e34 keeps up with a m52 e36, auto or not!
+1 that is like saying a M52 E36 wit han intake could run with a S50 M3:confused

[MMmmmpower]

Dude, your friend cant drive! No way a non vanos m50 in a e34 keeps up with a m52 e36, auto or not!

Yeah he's deffinitly not the best stick driver. The only reason I'v beaten him is my launch, which he clearly does not know how to do. If we are both even from the launch he usually starts pulling away in second gear. Just because you have a faster car doesnt mean its always faster :shifty ALOT has to do with driving