First time E34 owner

[clp180]

Hello,

Recently I obtained a 1991 525i. My friend had driven it on and off for the last several years but didn't want to take it with her to a large city when she moved. I, through a series of events, obtained the car from her father. It has turned out to be great for my first car since graduating college and I would like to keep it in top running condition.

I have several mechanical issues as well as some cosmetic. I would also like to know of a good place to find replacement parts and maintenance parts. I had a terrible time finding an oil filter. I would also like to know exactly what engine the vehicle has since it is the first year for the E34. When I changed the oil it took slightly over 5 u.s. quarts if that helps.

Cosmetically it needs the inner door panels replaced. Is there a good place to find new/used replacement with a decent price? I also need a piece of black trim for the front fender directly behind the wheel well and before the door starts, its towards the bottom. The worst part of the appearance is the rear bumper. It hangs at the area just below the passenger side rear well. I removed the wheel well cover and noticed the plastic piece that is mounted to the metal and where the corner of the bumper clips or slides into is broken. I need to know that part and where to find it. I also looked around the trunk for the rear bumper bolts and had trouble locating them.

Mechanically I would like to do a tune-up and replace the windshield wipers. Spark plug brands and where to find them along with the wipers would be helpful. Also looking for advice on the tune-up and what all to replace.

The worst mechanical problem is that a vibration begins close to 60mph and continues to close to 70mph. It worsens if the wheel is turned or the break are appiled. It sometimes makes the steering wheel shake. Any advice or possible reason for this would be great. I would at least like to be knowledgeable when speaking to the bmw service garage.

Thanks for all your help and I hope to keep this very clean and fun to drive late model bmw in top shape.

Cody

[healtoeit]

The e34 is my first car as well, and I can tell you you have made a great choice! You will NOT regret it!
these two sites are good looks ups hot "how to" projects

http://www.bmwe34.net/

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

This is place to look up parts

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/

And lastly a some good parts places are

http://www.bavauto.com/

http://www.pelicanparts.com/

this one isn't as good as the other two but it has some parts

http://www.summitracing.com/

Now guys correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't he have an M20 under the hood?

[healtoeit]

The worst mechanical problem is that a vibration begins close to 60mph and continues to close to 70mph. It worsens if the wheel is turned or the break are appiled. It sometimes makes the steering wheel shake. Any advice or possible reason for this would be great. I would at least like to be knowledgeable when speaking to the bmw service garage.
Cody

Thrust arms/control arm bushings will fix that. I replaced the whole arm when I did mine. To do just the bushings you will need a press to get them out of the "arm."

[RichG]

Now guys correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't he have an M20 under the hood?

The M20 was in the 525's until about July or August of 1990. My 1990 525 was made in July 1990 and has an M20. If only it were a couple of months younger...

[glen-sj]

Here is a link with all sort of information related to the E34.
http://www.e38.org/e34/

[JD525IA]

The e34 is my first car as well, and I can tell you you have made a great choice! You will NOT regret it!
these two sites are good looks ups hot "how to" projects

http://www.bmwe34.net/

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

This is place to look up parts

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/

And lastly a some good parts places are

http://www.bavauto.com/

http://www.pelicanparts.com/

this one isn't as good as the other two but it has some parts

http://www.summitracing.com/

Now guys correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't he have an M20 under the hood?

You forgot one of the best sources for decently priced parts:

http://www.bmaparts.com/

Yves and Patrick are very knowlegable and helpful.

JD

[ngruzevs@optusnet.com.au]

Welcome to another E34 owner.

It wont take you long to fall in love with your E34.
Last Feb I got hold of an an 89 535i, this being my first BMW. When I first got it I needed to spend some money on it, the thermo fan had seized, the auto gearbox needed new mounts and most rubber hoses needed replacing. Now it runs like a dream and I love it. If I had to replace it, I wouldn't know what to buy, maybe a E39 530i, but I still think the E34 looks better.

Anyway enjoy the car and the forum.

Hello,

Recently I obtained a 1991 525i. My friend had driven it on and off for the last several years but didn't want to take it with her to a large city when she moved. I, through a series of events, obtained the car from her father. It has turned out to be great for my first car since graduating college and I would like to keep it in top running condition.

I have several mechanical issues as well as some cosmetic. I would also like to know of a good place to find replacement parts and maintenance parts. I had a terrible time finding an oil filter. I would also like to know exactly what engine the vehicle has since it is the first year for the E34. When I changed the oil it took slightly over 5 u.s. quarts if that helps.

Cosmetically it needs the inner door panels replaced. Is there a good place to find new/used replacement with a decent price? I also need a piece of black trim for the front fender directly behind the wheel well and before the door starts, its towards the bottom. The worst part of the appearance is the rear bumper. It hangs at the area just below the passenger side rear well. I removed the wheel well cover and noticed the plastic piece that is mounted to the metal and where the corner of the bumper clips or slides into is broken. I need to know that part and where to find it. I also looked around the trunk for the rear bumper bolts and had trouble locating them.

Mechanically I would like to do a tune-up and replace the windshield wipers. Spark plug brands and where to find them along with the wipers would be helpful. Also looking for advice on the tune-up and what all to replace.

The worst mechanical problem is that a vibration begins close to 60mph and continues to close to 70mph. It worsens if the wheel is turned or the break are appiled. It sometimes makes the steering wheel shake. Any advice or possible reason for this would be great. I would at least like to be knowledgeable when speaking to the bmw service garage.

Thanks for all your help and I hope to keep this very clean and fun to drive late model bmw in top shape.

Cody

[Dave M]

Welcome,

You have the M50 engine.

Your issues are quite commen and most have been discussed at length. The search function in the top right of the forum will help you find the answers (you can search my posts for a door panel fix thread). If it doesn't feel free to ask again

And yes, BMA auto parts is a good start. Oil filters are ~$5.75

Dave M