Talk me into (or out of) an E34......

[beady]

First post here, nice forum and informative members you’ve got here.

I need some help being talked into (or out of) an E34. Here’s the situation: my wife and I are having our first child next year. Her mother has offered to be our nanny as we both have full time jobs. Problem is that the in-laws live 70 miles away. My father-in-law doesn’t want my mother-in-law racking up the miles on their late model 4Runner, so we need to provide her a car. I figure that I’ll end up driving (as a second vehicle) whatever car we buy for her in several years once our child is in school. The drive is probably 15 miles small country roads, 15 miles of 35-45mph roads with some stoplights and the remainder interstate miles. She’ll probably put 90,000 miles on the vehicle over 3 years. So….

The “logical” choice is to buy her a mid-late 90’s Camry or Accord.

But, I’m a car nut and boring cars don’t appeal to me. I’ve done quite a bit of research and have narrowed the E34 choice down to one of the sixes, for ease of maintenance and fuel economy. A ’94 or ’95 525i would be my top choice, preferably with under 100K miles, under 80K would be even better. MIL wants a slushbox, so I’ll have to make that concession even though I’d never buy a slushbox vehicle for myself.

I’m a very good hack mechanic, so the car would never be touched by anyone but me.

How do the E34 slushboxes hold up after 100K miles? How about when they are pushing 200K? Will it need a service/rebuild? That’s one thing I may not be able to accomplish myself.

I’ve been a BMW fan since my parents bought a ’92 E36 325is (silver/black, 5spd, LSD (sports package I think), 6-spoke (style 10) wheels, sunroof) new in 1992. My mother, sister and I flew to Munich (from England, now live in the USA) and picked the Bimmer up from the factory. I personally drove it through 7 countries over 5 days across Europe. The coupe is still running strong @ 175K miles.

I’ve read the “What goes wrong”, “What to look for in an E34”, etc already. I guess I’m wondering how much maintenance it’s going to likely require. Not that I can’t perform or afford the maintenance, I just don’t want the MIL hacked off at me if the car I get her always needs me to fix something on it.

Am I out of my mind for even considering getting her an E34?

Thanks,

Mike

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

since you seem to plan on maintaning the car yourself, it shouldn't be too bad of a deal.

Just remember your Mother-in-law is driving it, so keep up on the maintenace or you'll be on the couch.

[billb]

there's always something that can go wrong.

We own a '95 525i, the most trouble-free (I suppose) of the bunch. However:

Cooling system refreshes every 60k miles are almost mandatory.
Brakes are good for 50k miles.
Suspension rebuilds every 100k.
Our transmission has had services at 30, 60, 90, and 140k miles. No issues yet (knock wood).
Good, crashworthy cars.
Fuel economy can be good with a light foot (24 city, 32 highway is what we get)
Can be picked up for $2000-$6000 depending on year, condition, and how proud of it the owner is :)

[525SEI BRIT]

I’m on my 2nd E34. First was a 1988 525SEI Manual 142,000 miles, very soled car. Needed new head gasket after coolant wasn’t bleed properly and I replaced the shot dampers apart from that it was perfect and never once let me down. So much so that after 4 years I (graduated) upgrade to my current 540 6 speed 192.000 miles. still feels like new and is an absolute joy to drive, no problems so far but I have replaced most of the rubbers just to tighten things up during spirited driving.

I’ve just got back from a 4 day trip to Dublin Island (from London) were I hired a Ford Mondeo 2.2TDCI Estate Titanium. to do a job for my dads company.

Bering in mind this is a brand new 2006 virtually flagship Ford. I cant believe how disappointed and underwhelmed I was with the experience. Ok so it’s got a couple of new toys MP3, cup holder, no… that’s about it! But the driving experience was just lacking, it was nosey, unrefined and the tork steer, through the steering wheel all over the place. Safe I'm sure but just down right annoying!

I came away understanding why ive grown to love BMW so much. The ford simply hasn’t moved on much further than my first ever car a 1983 £100 Serria Ghia. And has yet to catch up with a 10 year old Bimmer.

Still is was comfrey than a transit and nicer to drive than the step moms Grand Cherokee!

If you can find a better car in this price bracket then buy that. I couldn’t!

[Incantation]

well.. the e34 is simply the best car ever made.. nuff said

[swenpro]

I just don’t want the MIL hacked off at me if the car I get her always needs me to fix something on it.

Am I out of my mind for even considering getting her an E34?


If it was for your own use, I'd say go for it. But if the daily driver isn't in love with the car, she is not going to be thrilled when small things keep showing up. I always have little things I'm fixing. BMWs are high maintenance, and I won't deny it. Additionally, I know there are all of like 2 on this forum, but I personally have never met a woman who likes her E34. Generally speaking, it's a guy's car.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

as long as I keep fixing it...

[Barry]

My experiences with my 535i E34...
The front suspension is the most infuriating and frustrating part of this car!!If I sell it,this would be the reason!
I enjoy the advanced electrical system WITH its reliability..Ive never had something electrical go wrong that could not be sorted quickly and relativity cheap..
Its heavy on fuel,but the car as a whole is worth it.

Just that friggin front end!!

[Paul in NZ]

Since i have had my car i have had new thrust arm bushes installed,and have had no real problems since with the front end.I have a few little electrical problems and some isues related to the distributor cap on my M30.Other than that no problems.However we are talking about old cars....make sure you get one that has been much loved.I am sure they are the best long term prospects.They will go forever but in the meantime need more input than the Honda and Toyota

[attack eagle]

honestly... you are talking about buying a car, and spending money on petrol and insurance for this car...

How much is daycare where you are at? If it is less than $600 a month you are better off with daycare.

If I read you right you are talking about 140 miles a Day, assuming your MIL is caring for the child at your house and not taking it home to heres and then back again.

LEt's be realisitic, you might get 30, you might get 20. Be a pessimist. Figure 20 and $3 a gallon gas.

that's 21 dollars a day, just in gas. That's 105 a five day week. I'm sure you can find a very good daycare for that much a week... and do you really want your MIL raising YOUR kid? I assure you that you do not. This is inviting a third person into your marriage essentially.

pardon my french but F- that. You are making no sense unless you are being henpecked into it. Women don't have a monopoly on the child care gene and you have the right to say, "that would be great, but its just too expensive and inconvenient for everyone. grandmothers should spoil their grandkids occasionally, not be saddled by them daily." It's a nice out.
You also have to think about the possibilty that your MIL might wake up sick one morning. A daycare will have a substitute, you would not.

And whatever you do, don't get her an e34.

[rickm]

If your MIL is going to drive it make it a simple yet safe car. A camry is a very viable option. My folks have 2 and Dad logs a ton of miles on his and has had no problems.

When we had our kid my wife went to flex time and I changed my hours so we didn't have to deal with outside childcare so often. We ended up hiring a nanny who lived 10 minutes away. She was a swim instructor and knew CPR (something for your MIL - ask her to take an infant CPR class!). I don't believe in daycare, I see too many horror stories (I work for a DHHS agency).

Another thing, how long is MIL going to want to drive 140 miles/day for? What happens if she's sick or the weather is poor?

Good luck.

[beady]

Thanks for the responses guys.

My MIL would come to our house to look after our child. My wife lived far away for the last 10+ years, and we just moved back to this area in the last 2 years. So, her parents are still very excited to have her "close" by. Both her parents are rescue squad paramedic volunteers in the small county they live in, and my MIL is a dietician. So they are both medically qualified to handle most emergencies.

I'm not being henpecked into the MIL thing; I think it a 500X better option than letting someone I don't know raise my child. I'd expect to pay $400+ a week for decent child care/nanny, so buying a car plus paying for gas comes out cheaper than that in a year or less. Besides, my MIL was the one who offered.

Since it is a long drive each day, that's part of the reason I thought it'd be good to get her a nice car. So she's not tired and worn out just from the trip.

As far as bad weather, etc, my wife is a pharmaceutical sales rep and she sets her own hours. I can also work flextime if needed, so if things came up one of us could stay home if required.

Can I just buy aftermarket bushings for the front end? I've installed polyurethane bushings in pretty much every suspension control arm in my 300ZX. They were considerably cheaper than stock and hopefully won't wear out as quickly. They also communicate much more to the driver; great for a sportscar, but maybe not for a commuter/luxury car.

I've got 6-8 months to make a choice and find the right car, which gives me options.

Thanks,

Mike

[Russell]

Ice and snow is a consideration if the MIL is commuting every day. IMO, even though I own a 95 with traction contorl, I would feel better if my MIL was driving something with 4 wheel drive.

I would consider a 2001 4-runner. More money but a safe vehicle as it has traction and stability control. Downside is fuel and vehicle cost. Another tought is a Subaru.

[beady]

Ice and snow is a consideration if the MIL is commuting every day. IMO, even though I own a 95 with traction contorl, I would feel better if my MIL was driving something with 4 wheel drive.

I would consider a 2001 4-runner. More money but a safe vehicle as it has traction and stability control. Downside is fuel and vehicle cost. Another tought is a Subaru.

We live in the very southernmost part of Virginia; not that much snow/ice usually. She halready owns a 2003 4Runner she can drive on the days there is inclement weather.

Thanks,

Mike

[beady]

My wife is now acting no-so-happy about a 10+ yr old vehicle for her mother. Sigh.

What about a '97-'98 528i auto? My research shows they are a very good car also, if a bit less reliable than the late E34's. If I have 6-8 months to look, is it reasonable to hope to find a '97-'98 E39 with less than 100K miles for $7K-ish?

Can you fit the 17" wheels from an E46 on an E34 and/or E39? Haven't checked the offsets yet.

Thanks,

Mike

[Russell]

Bimmer mag has a buyer's guide for the e-39. It was published in August 2005. Check NADA, Kellys etc. for regional pricing. I think your price at $7K-ish may be a bit low.
BTW, the 97 supposedly had teething problems being the first year for a new car. However, they should all be sorted out by now. Anyway just my thoughts. BTW, I assumed your MIL had a NEW 4-runner.

[beady]

Bimmer mag has a buyer's guide for the e-39. It was published in August 2005. Check NADA, Kellys etc. for regional pricing. I think your price at $7K-ish may be a bit low.
BTW, the 97 supposedly had teething problems being the first year for a new car. However, they should all be sorted out by now. Anyway just my thoughts. BTW, I assumed your MIL had a NEW 4-runner.

Do you have a copy of that article you wouldn't mind emailing me? I Googled, but can't find it online anywhere.

I've only been looking for cars for a week or two. I have found a few low-priced E39's; mostly from individuals, and high mileage though. $7K seems to be about the low end based on KBB, etc. I might get lucky if I find someone wanting to get rid of their car quickly. Probably dreaming though :-)

Thanks,

Mike

[Russell]

you have mail. However, no digital copy.

[beady]

you have mail. However, no digital copy.

Thanks, you've got mail also.

Mike

[Gayle]

If it was for your own use, I'd say go for it. But if the daily driver isn't in love with the car, she is not going to be thrilled when small things keep showing up. I always have little things I'm fixing. BMWs are high maintenance, and I won't deny it. Additionally, I know there are all of like 2 on this forum, but I personally have never met a woman who likes her E34. Generally speaking, it's a guy's car.

Au contraire. I love mine. Here in SoCal you see lots of women driving them.

I talked my husband in to buying a 90 525 in 2000 as a 4th vehicle in our 2 person family. The reason was so we could haul our extended family around more easily than in our other 2 door vehicles (our kids have wrinkles). We wanted something the infirm could get in and out of easily and could accommodate the visiting family members with children. We are dedicated 5 speed people and there are not a lot of 4 door 5 speeds to choose from. After we got it, we loved it.

When hubby wanted to move on to an SUV, I wanted to keep the 525 cause it was such a great car. Then I found my 535 which is a better twin of the 525.

They are high maintenance and there are always little things that need to be fixed. If she knows that and understands that those things go to your "honey do" list and if you fix them promptly, what would she care?

As cars go, you could not find anything that would be easier to deal with as far as the car seat issue. (Translates to back saving).

Swenpro's comment about her liking it does have a point. You might want to take her on a test drive. She will be happier if she was part of the decision.

To appreciate an e34 you almost have to understand the automotive niche it fills. It is a luxurious sporty autobahn cruiser. It survives accidents well. It puts a lot of steel around you without a big footprint. If she is happy in a 4 runner, the size of the e34 should be ok for her. They handle well compared to other cars. Safety and comfort appeal to women. Make sure your MIL understands this about the e34.


Edit: I just told my husband about this post. He said, the answer is e34. Now what is the question, because the answer is always e34.:D

[swenpro]

ah, Gayle... was waiting for you to come around! :D

[Gayle]

ah, Gayle... was waiting for you to come around! :D

Of course. I have an opinion about everything--even things I know nothing about.:D

[Gayle]

My wife is now acting no-so-happy about a 10+ yr old vehicle for her mother. Sigh.

Mike

Your wife needs educating. These cars are better built than today's POS. The engines easily go to 300,000-400,000 miles. Show her this thread.

How many miles on your e34 (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=28786)


All the stuff that breaks at 60,000 on american cars breaks at 100,000 in these cars. It is the automotive equivalent of buying an older home where the cabinets are real wood instead of particle board and the 2 x 4s were still really 2 x 4.

We are biased, but most people here would argue that the e34 was the best BMW ever built. It was the height of german engineering before they went overboard and got stupid.

[beady]

Your wife needs educating. These cars are better built than today's POS. The engines easily go to 300,000-400,000 miles. Show her this thread.

How many miles on your e34 (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=28786)


All the stuff that breaks at 60,000 on american cars breaks at 100,000 in these cars. It is the automotive equivalent of buying an older home where the cabinets are real wood instead of particle board and the 2 x 4s were still really 2 x 4.

We are biased, but most people here would argue that the e34 was the best BMW ever built. It was the height of german engineering before they went overboard and got stupid.

I feel the same way. My 1991 300ZX (last body style made) has excellent build quailty. The fit/finish, quality of interior plastics, etc are still all so much better than (pretty much) any new domestic car you can buy. Besides wear items like bushings/tires/brakes/shocks/springs/clutches/etc, pretty much the only things I needed to replace while driving it for 125K miles (bought it w/ 95K) were alternator, power steering hose (which killed the alternator) and radiator. At 100K miles it was still pretty much a new car.

It made it to 222,000 miles before a rod bearing went out. Still not sure why; only one bearing failed catastrophically and the others just show even wear. I'm in the midst of a Twin Turbo conversion on it right now :-) Anyway, it still tracks like a train, and handles sooo well that I can't see parting with it even though it is up in miles. Not to mention it is such a gorgeous looking design.

I'm sure a 5er would be the same way.

Unfortunately my wife is the kind of peson who "wants it now", and having little issues that come up which need to be fixed doesn't appeal to her. My ragged '88 Wrangler which I've had for 12+ years doesn't help her perception. In the last year it has has all kinds of stuff fail and leave me stranded. I seem to end up working on it at least once a month, if not more. And right now it is just sort of barely hanging in there. I can't drive over 50mph or so, or the drivetrain comes apart on me and I have to pull the rear drive shaft and limp home on the front axle in 4WH, lol (think the output shaft bearings in the transfer case are shot). Mind you the stuff it does need isn't usually very expensive, and a whole lot cheaper than a car payment + sales tax + property tax + insurance for a newer vehicle. That, and the Jeep "experience" is one of those thing that it's hard to describe in words. Nothing like having the top off all summer.

I'm going to try to talk her into going for some test drives in an E34, E39, Accord and Camry and see how that turns out.

Mike