New to Forum, Trying to dicide which BMW?

[jester0401]

Hi All,
I am trying to decide which BMW would suite me.
The series that I have been looking into are the 89-91 E34 535i M30 engine or 92+ E34 525i M50 engine
I am under the impression that both are a wonderful, I haven’t driven either. I Have done a lot or research on both but I am still wondering what people have to say about the "+" and "-" of both, if any "-".

A few?’s
Are the Transmissions good? How long do they last with proper maintenance?
Does the M50/M30 engine have any problems that I should know about it?
How many miles should I consider reasonable, in purchasing either?
What to check for when purchasing?

Thanks very much, wonderful site, I hope to be on here a lot in the near future.:D

[Evan]

The E34 is better than 75% of the cars on the road today. You'll be happy with any one of the models you listed.

I own an M50 and an M60. They are both excellent cars. The transmissions are workhorses. The M50 has very little "get up and go" -- low on HP and torque. The M60 is a beast... I don't mind spending $50 a week on gas.

Try to find a car with less than 125K on it and with all maintenance records.
Do a forum search and a google web search for things to check for... you'll find a lot of info.

The trick is to find one that's been maintained properly and looks good cosmetically. Ideally, you'll find a 94 or 95 540 in excellent condition. Check the classifieds... there are two 540 for sale. One is an auto and the other is a 6-speed manual.

[angrypancake]

get a 535 5 speed if you can. for a PERFECT example get gordons car. you'll be the envy of most.

[angrypancake]

click here (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=20052&highlight=gordon)

http://vaxxine.com/gblawson/july1/5shaw2.jpg

[kyleN20]

way to spark the oldest debate in thread history, drive both, see what you like, and decide also id you want to turbo in the future. that oughta make it easier. m30 is known to last a LONG time though, not to say a m50 cant,

[ThoreauHD]

Or here:

540i

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140249&highlight=sale

[ThoreauHD]

All of these cars are so damn beautiful.. It's like .. I don't know, but I like it.

[Alexlind123]

Find a 535i for nice power. Get a 5-speed if you can. Chances are, if you limit yourself to a manual you wil be a long time looking.

[Skateparks]

how about this one- http://www.roadfly.com/bmw/classifieds/cars/detview.php?view=35896&sortby=&dir=

[angrypancake]

how about this one- http://www.roadfly.com/bmw/classifieds/cars/detview.php?view=35896&sortby=&dir=


didn't you just get that car?

[rob101]

way to spark the oldest debate in thread history, drive both, see what you like, and decide also id you want to turbo in the future. that oughta make it easier. m30 is known to last a LONG time though, not to say a m50 cant,
depends if you have the Uber "can't decide how big to make the rods, so make them massive" non-vanos M50 or not.

and yes this debate will never diiiiiiiiiie

[632 Regal]

17k it will be around for a while even with low mileage.

didn't you just get that car?

[jester0401]

I am thinking strongly about a 535i stick!
Thanks for all the interest, and fast replys
Hope this thread continues!

[Gayle]

http://www.bmw4life.com/buyingE34.htm

[ILoveMPower]

as far as i'm concerned, either the 535i/5spd or 540i/6 are the mecca's of E34's (besides the M of course).

both of which are pretty damn rare, and if you happen to get one, i doubt you'll ever want to get rid of it like the rest of us.

[ThoreauHD]

As a 530 owner, I have engine envy. But I plan to make up for it with my looks.