If you had to do it all over again with an e34..

[ChewToy]

Which one would you get for a daily driver? Or would you even get one for a daily driver? I have a 94 camry with 170k miles and it's been a tank but not the most attractive vehicle on the road. I'm thinking about getting an e34 but not sure I want the headaches of another german car Looks like some 95 540i's got new engines because of a recall. What about the other motors from the 525 or 530 or 535? Are those ok? Is the gas mileage pretty close between all of them? I know the 6 speed 540i is highly sought after but maybe an auto would make a better daily driver?? hrm...... Any input appreciated.. even if it's telling me to keep the faithful camry

[sdwhitney]

Which one would you get for a daily driver? Or would you even get one for a daily driver? I have a 94 camry with 170k miles and it's been a tank but not the most attractive vehicle on the road. I'm thinking about getting an e34 but not sure I want the headaches of another german car Looks like some 95 540i's got new engines because of a recall. What about the other motors from the 525 or 530 or 535? Are those ok? Is the gas mileage pretty close between all of them? I know the 6 speed 540i is highly sought after but maybe an auto would make a better daily driver?? hrm...... Any input appreciated.. even if it's telling me to keep the faithful camry

I say find an E34 540i/6. A perfect daily driver.

There is no traffic in Ky anyway right?

It would be the perfect luxury/performance combo for running moonshine through the night....j/k

[E34nication]

I like my e34 540/6 as a daily driver for now. Will be looking for a different daily driver at the beginning of next year... I just couldn't leave it stock so it is getting to the point where it won't really be all that practical for full-time around town driving.

[romeox929]

I'd go for a 93-95 535iM...tired of driving auto and has the balance of power between all the other 5er's (525,530,535,540,m5)...the 525 aint kickin!

unless a M5 was available then

[Brodee]

I just bought a '92 525i 5-speed car as my daily driver. It has the m50 so power isn't too bad and it's reliable and half way cheap to service. I wanted to get a 540/6 but the maintenance scared me, and I have my e30 for track use so I didn't need a speed demon car for daily use.

[KB535i]

I'd go for a 93-95 535iM...tired of driving auto and has the balance of power between all the other 5er's (525,530,535,540,m5)...the 525 aint kickin!

unless a M5 was available then

Wasnt 93 the last year for the 535i?

[Lee in Ottawa]

I'd go 535i but i'm bias. The M30 simply put is bullet proof, not to say that the 540 isn't but i've had 2 5's now with a M30 and high miliege with no real problems to speak of.

[Hypr5]

Wasnt 93 the last year for the 535i?

yes

[lovemye34]

id say it depends how agressive of a driver you are. if you like racing around and pulling off the line faster, get the 540. if you would prefer to just cruise though, get the 525, probably with an auto cause it doesnt seem like you are up for all the shifting.

[Gunslinger]

I'd probably get another 525, but this time in manual, and with a different color combo.

I would want a 1995, but I would have to look very hard at the maintenance issues versus a 1991-1993.

I put a lot of miles on my DD- 20-25K/yr. If I drove fewer miles, it would probably not be my weapon of choice.

[flyeryan]

I'd go 535i but i'm bias. The M30 simply put is bullet proof, not to say that the 540 isn't but i've had 2 5's now with a M30 and high miliege with no real problems to speak of.

I'm biased too, but I love my 535. Enough power, plus good mileage, and an engine that is bulletproof (especially w/ the 5 spd) AND fairly easy to work on. Plus all the cylinders are lined up, like they should be, instead of at some funny angle.

[flyeryan]

and high miliege with no real problems to speak of.

How high of mileage are you talking? I'm curious cause I'm at 144k almost, and I know it's got a lot left, but I was wondering how much.

[MaloventEvil]

for a daily driver that you just want to keep for a long time and not have much of a problem, get a good 535 or 525. If you really want to pay for that extra zip, get the 540. (but for a DD, you typically want a people mover that is comfy, and a 535 does that with style to spare)

[MaloventEvil]

How high of mileage are you talking? I'm curious cause I'm at 144k almost, and I know it's got a lot left, but I was wondering how much.

i was at 200K when i had to replace my driveshaft -- the only "big" item up to that point (head gaskets and suspension and a couple radiators aside)

[MaloventEvil]

overall, if i had to do it again, i would get the 535 again in a heartbeat. WELL worth the money; just make sure to get it checked out before you buy.

[525iT_Feen]

Put it this way.
I own a 1993 525i Touring and after 203,500 miles I can still say I would do it all over again. The maintenance is nothing for me, but thats because I get good price deals and do the work with my dad at his job(shop).

I love this car(despite it being a rust bucket). I would suggest it to anyone looking for a good, comfortable, daily driver.

[Johnny540]

i was at 200K when i had to replace my driveshaft -- the only "big" item up to that point (head gaskets and suspension and a couple radiators aside)

How much did it cost to replace your driveshaft?

I think mine's acting funny.

[Lee in Ottawa]

How high of mileage are you talking? I'm curious cause I'm at 144k almost, and I know it's got a lot left, but I was wondering how much.

I had a e28 535 that was close to 400k km and my e34 is around 230k km

[bimmer freaks]

I have an e34 535 with 198,500 miles and the car runs like a beast. I run it pretty hard at times and it just keeps on going...I don't understand it? Doesn't smoke at all and is very inexpensive to maintain. I did have a 540 for a while and the torque was incredible and very smooth. That 540 cost some cash to maintain, big problem when you are in college, but it definetely hauled ass. If you have the cash then purchase a 540 and be ready for higher maintenance costs. If your budget is tight, buy the 535 (wait for a 5-speed).

[323I Junkie]

I would save about 3k
Borrow about 12 grand from the bank signature on 4 years

Buy a 535M
Install real M-ps, not the knock off shit
Would install a stage II TCD kit and then a performance lightweight clutch and flywhee, griffin radiator and fans, window tint, and a real CD changer with real speakers. I would buy the blacked out lights, and hardwire a VI

when I paid off all that at my leisure, I would go with a 3.9 stroker and larger turbo, and let every supra in my sight burn in hell