95 E34 525 with 250,000km...

[clevershark]

I've seen an ad for a 1995 525 in the "cheapie classifieds" recently (kijiji, which is like craigslist). The car has 250,000 km on it (~155k miles). The guy's only asking $2k it (Canadian), which seems reasonable according to Edmunds. That being said, I don't think I've ever seen a car with that much mileage on it. How long are E34s supposed to last, assuming proper maintenance has been followed? Should I even be considering this? Is it likely to cost more to maintain annually than to buy?

[Mordan]

it is common. however be ready to pay for repairs. you probably will need to do the cylinder head if the engine has been abused

[Old Man Pete]

Mine's still going strong at 169000 miles, saw one advertised recently with a whopping 310000 miles on it!

[bubba966]

My car is coming up on 180k miles and is doing quite well. Should hit 300k or more no problem.

[Russell]

plus 1

[BMWDriver]

I've got beyond 411 000 kms. Engine is still doing great, and I can really have fun with it whenever I feel like it. You'll be lucky because you'll have the VANOS version of the M50 engine, which has better power management, especially for torque.

That being said, I bought mine 3 years ago and must have put above 4000$ in repairs in those three years for maintenance. The biggest area was the front wheels where the arms were changed, the tabs, and now it handles fine and stopped making noise on bumps. Water pump busted last summer. Brakes also changed all around as well as the whole muffler after the cat. And I can include winter tires in that amount.

Nothing like a good inspection to have a look at what you're buying and getting into.

I'm SUPER happy with the car, and I can expect to keep it for a good while yet since I do about 12,000 kms per year.

I'd recommend synthetic oil if it doesn't have it already.

Welcome !

[h2oyo]

I've seen an ad for a 1995 525 in the "cheapie classifieds" recently (kijiji, which is like craigslist). The car has 250,000 km on it (~155k miles). The guy's only asking $2k it (Canadian), which seems reasonable according to Edmunds. That being said, I don't think I've ever seen a car with that much mileage on it. How long are E34s supposed to last, assuming proper maintenance has been followed? Should I even be considering this? Is it likely to cost more to maintain annually than to buy?

My 1995 540i has 198K on it it runs strong and pulls well. I am very happy with my car. Yes I have spent some money on it but I bought my car for 1200 US and have installed a 5 speed an EAT chip B&B exhaust, rims and tires, water pump, I have just gotten my upper and lower control arms that I will try to get replaced here soon, and I have ordered a set of power steering hoses as there is a pretty bad leak. I would say I've spent in the 2500 range since I bought the car. I got a real good deal on the 5 speed. I am now looking for that same grreat deal on a 6 speed lol. I do love my E34 the style and everything else about it.
Johan

[BennyM]

I drove my last 525i till the 250,000 mile mark. It was consistently solid and dependable (though a bit noisy) up to about 210,000-220,000, then I stopped putting any money into it and limped to 250,000 at which point I sold it. Engine and manual transmission (both original) still ran strong. The new owner wants to fix it up and use it as a winter beater.

[bmwrp8]

i have 300,000 kms. on mine and still pulls great. engine and tranny (a/t) has never been overhauled (fingers crossed;)) only gaskets and seals and whatnot..

[pcross]

My 1995 525i has 237,000 miles on it and it runs absolutely great.

[repenttokyo]

over 400 000 km's on mine.

[angusbn]

Over 420,000 km on my '89 535i.

[e345spd]

m20 with 160k miles... this is the norm for bmw