What things should I consider before purchasing an E34 M5 (91-93)

[BavarianBeast]

Just last week I got in an accident and totaled my m3 , so I need to buy a new car. My budget is about 15k, and I'm looking into getting an E34 M5, seeing as that I've just always liked that car. The thing is, I couldn't tell you a thing about that car. When compared to an E36 95 M3, is the E34 M5 a better or worse car overall. Less reliable, more reliable? Less expensive to maintain, more expensive to maintain? And also, what things should I have checked out on the car before purchasing it. Does it have the same typical problems like the e36 such as trailing arm bushings, shock mounts, etc? Any feedback is helpful. Thankyou.
-bill

[unesential]

Body structure is more sound than an e36. The motor needs to checked for leak down and compression as that is what makes the car. If motor is done its big bucks. Tranny can also show signs of wear.

[Breakerbacker]

Build quality of the E34 M5 is much better than the E36 M3. You will be very impressed with the interior fit and finish, especially of the later E34 M5's. Overall is it a better car? That is a very subjective question. They are just different cars.

Common problems, aside from the motor and tranny, will be typical E34 issues. Upper control arm bushings seem to not last in the E34. The M5 does have a specific bushing, but you can use the 750iL bushings that most use in the E34 as an upgrade. Tie rods will wear, sway bar links, struts, guibo and on and on. Just like any E34. If the M5 you are looking at has EDCIII (most US didn't I think) then replacing struts can be very pricey at $2500 for all 4.

The motor and tranny are a whole nother story. Have a good independent shop do a prepurchase inspection for you if you are serious about buying the car. They can do a compression test, and leakdown test. The leakdown is def. more important then the compression alone.

Does the PO have any records to share with you that may give some info as to how the car was maintained? If it is a grey market car, do some investigating with your car insurance company as they may not want to insure it. Maybe ask someone from the M5 board, or someone who owns an E34 M5 to go and look over, test drive the car with you.

Good luck, and find a nice one. You will love it.

Greg

[540Greg]

This site is essential for the new M5 buyer. All the info you'll need to make your purchase and fall in love is here:
M5 FAQ

We also have a large group of M5's in the bay area. It's been called the M5 Mecca.

Greg S.

[scoutmasterdave]

I will be buying a 91 M5 in the next week or so - I just had it checked out by my mechanic. Actually, the 91-93 do NOT have the EDC - they just have the self-levelling rear (which you can swap out if you desire). The one I'm buying is black on black, with M Parallels and smoked tails - it is HOT.

The FAQ link mentioned above will tell you everything you need to know - it's an awesome resource.

(pardon the horrible picture - it's a camera phone)

[Mblaster]

pic's of E34 M5's just make me all warm and fuzzy...think I'll go for a drive, it's been a tough week.

[Eddy@ApexRaceParts]

if your any reason you don't like those wheels ill buy em

[Euro_M5]

Dan Mr. MBlaster,

Are you coming to Crystal Cove tomorrow?

[Mblaster]

Dan Mr. MBlaster,

Are you coming to Crystal Cove tomorrow?

Doubt it...going to a wedding and have to leave around 11:00.
I'd rather go to CC though. Nxt weekend going camping w/ the family and week after that looks like the Greg interior swap/pizza/beer fest at my house.

[BavarianBeast]

Thanks for the help guys

[de Witt]

I will be buying a 91 M5 in the next week or so - I just had it checked out by my mechanic. Actually, the 91-93 do NOT have the EDC - )

Not if its a euro.....