My New e34 525i and Todo List

[mikob]

I purchased it like this for $2k:


Went to the junkyard last weekend, scored new headlight assembly (I had a cracked lens) for $30, and rims+tires for $450. Cleaned and waxed it. I think I spent 1.5 hours to get to the original silver color on all the rims:

• To Do List
• Pass VA inspection
• I need to get a new drivers seat mine wont go back up and its missing the leather on the back
• Fix steering issue (seems loosey goosey)
• Fix coolant leak
• Flush/Replenish all fluilds
• New rear brake pads

A question:
Why the two keys? Two identical looking keys; one can only open the doors, and one can only start the car. Why do they do this? Isn't this frustrating finding the correct one everytime we drive?

[pundit]

The two keys issue is most likely due to the ignition switch lock barrel being replaced sometime in the past.
My 535i has two keys.
I suppose I could have had the ignition lock keyed the same as the doors but I figured it would cost a few $$$ besides when the ignition lock jammed I had to get a new lock and replace it pronto to get the car going again.

[genphreak]

Yep, just need to re-key the barrel, take it out and take it to a locksmith. I've done the door-locks before, they can be done at home but there are 3 of them, and removal is tougher. The barrel you may be able to do yourself, but I don't know if it is easy to do.

[Bo525i]

Pretty good barrel writeup here: Jon Evans - Door lock barrel replacement

[mikob]

Thanks guys thats really helpful. I don't have the old barrel so I won't be able to swap. I'll look into rekeying the barrels.

[Russell]

if these wheels are off an e39 you will need hubcentric adapters or you will get vibration issues. search the forum or Google for more details. Car looks good, what year is it?

hate to say it, but most e34s have loose steering. Questionable design and wear and tear seem to be the issue.

[mikob]

Interesting. I actually took them off another e34 at the junkyard, but who knows where they came from before then? I haven't felt any vibration issues even on the highway. Is it something you usually hear? I see a lot of solutions around, but I don't know how to diagnose without actually precisely measuring the wheel hub.

[Russell]

Interesting. I actually took them off another e34 at the junkyard, but who knows where they came from before then? I haven't felt any vibration issues even on the highway. Is it something you usually hear? I see a lot of solutions around, but I don't know how to diagnose without actually precisely measuring the wheel hub.

if you have no vibration you may be ok. Is there a BMW logo and part number on the wheel? if so, they are OE and you can use RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog to see what BMW they fit. However, i suspect these are aftermarket wheels designed to fit your car.

[BennyM]

Those wheels look awesome.

This might help with the loose steering.
BMW E34 Website

There is also a big nut under the dash on the steering column that some people have found loose, but in my 10 years of experience owning E34s, I've never had to tighten that one.

[cvcdx]

Nice car.. looks like your off to a good start

Fellow recent 525i owner

Is yours a 5spd or auto?