(newbie) Advice on buying '94 520i se.

[E34 520i]

Spotted this (http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=356044) not too far away from me. I'm in the market for a 520i or a Merc w124 2.0 of similair age/spec. I'm much more familiar with Mercs as I have w201 190e but I also rate E30/E34 era BMWs.

I'll be getting in touch with the seller looking for history, better pix etc and hopefuly will be able to arrange a viewing/drive for early next week.

As the M50 2.0 was never sold in USA the thoughts of anyone reading in Europe/Oz etc are most sought after! :)

Mike.

[SharkmanBMW]

seems a little $$$, but I am not in your area! for 3300 pounds, roughly 6k usd,
here you would get my 540, (I ship too):p

if all the history is available, it is worth a look, after all... it is a manual, a major bonus!

[E34 520i]

Thats €3300 euro not Pound£ Sterling. Which is about 3600 USD I think.

Mike.

[DaveVoorhis]

I've heard some folks describe the 520i as being a bit unsatisfying in the power department, but I've got an E28 520i with the M20 engine and it gets out of its own way adequately enough. The 520i you're looking at has the M50 engine, which has a bit more oomph. Drive it. If you like the performance, there's nothing to worry about.

[SharkmanBMW]

Thats €3300 euro not Pound£ Sterling. Which is about 3600 USD I think.

Mike.


you're correct! it is actually just over 4k usd.

but the point reamains... maintenance history is everything, it could need another couple $$k in parts to get it smooth, or it could be raring to go.... check on it!
have a look here for what to look for...
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/what_will_break.htm

[wingman]

Looks like a nice bit of kit. The M50 520i may be a bit sluggish. There's a lot of car to get about with less power than my M20 525i. The other thing with the 520i is that a lot were company cars bought for economy and (from my understanding) to keep within the 2ltr tax bracket. As a result a lot tend to be fairly basic spec. The interior shows an analogue clock and from what I can see no power windows. It all comes down to what you are looking for in car. I'd be more inclinded to get the 525i with better spec as standard.

[Zeuk in Oz]

I certainly agree that the E34 is a much more satisfying car to drive than the W124.
I would also look at an E39 523i, if the price makes them worth buying, but after 4/98 build to avoid the Nikasil problem ! :)

[Uber Soldat]

I own a '92 520i. The guys are right about power. Little underpowered, mine having the m50 engine.
Although having had my car chipped and cams done, the power is alot better. Getting about 81kw to the rear wheels.

Mine came with a very basic OBC, with only temp,date and time functions.
Everything is electric including a sunroof.

Not a bad car at all, although i would recomend getting 525i.

[E34 520i]

OMG An Analogue clock! :eek:

Its got electric windows, specs do vary between markets.

Power is not an issue, it going to be a commuter vehicle which can carry me about in some comfort. I wont be crossing continents in it (that what the Aston Martin is for! ;)).

Whats the story with the timing chain, is it "for life" a la Merc duplex chains or only for about 60,000 miles?

Mike.