# Hey Bimmer guys v.E34 **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [November 2, 2006, 7:11am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602 "2006-11-02T07:11:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 7:11am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/1 "2006-11-02T07:11:56Z")
![http://images.autotrader.com/images/2006/11/1/211/791/1164026439.211791831.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg](http://images.autotrader.com/images/2006/11/1/211/791/1164026439.211791831.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg) [http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car\_id=211791831&dealer\_id=1959993&car\_year=1990&search\_type=both&num\_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=BMW&transmission=Manual&model=&distance=200&make2=&address=14150&advanced=y&certified=&max\_mileage=&max\_price=4000&sort\_type=priceDESC&min\_price=&body\_code=0&end\_year=2007&keywordsrep=&color=&start\_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style\_flag=1&cardist=184](http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=211791831&dealer_id=1959993&car_year=1990&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=BMW&transmission=Manual&model=&distance=200&make2=&address=14150&advanced=y&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=4000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2007&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=184) I’ve read enough and you guys have said enough that I know that an E30 or E36 with high miles would still be a kick ass DD/beater but nobody talks about the 5 series of around those years. Why? Obviously it’s heavy and thus slow, but still seems like it’d be a pretty nice DD. Are they as reliable? Just looking since it’ll probably be around a year before I can think about ditching my Jetta for an old Bimmer, but just wondering what you guys think of something like the 525 above. ---
**Author:** ![mike125k](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike125k/32/7282_2.png) [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 7:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/2 "2006-11-02T07:17:58Z")
Yes, they are pretty much just as reliable. The 525 uses the same motor as the 325 does. The 535 is a pretty stout engine as well. I kind of recall some issues with the early 540 motors due to the nickasil flaking off the cylinders, but I would research that a little more to confirm. [http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e34/](http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e34/) ---
**Author:** ![dmoffitt](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/dmoffitt/32/7455_2.png) [@dmoffitt](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/dmoffitt)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 8:20am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/3 "2006-11-02T08:20:21Z")
they are super solid cars, minus the v8 nikasil engine (540). ---
**Author:** ![brent\_strong](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/brent_strong/32/7203_2.png) [@brent\_strong](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/brent_strong)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 8:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/4 "2006-11-02T08:22:11Z")
If you can get a 535, it comes with arguable the most durable engine in the BMW linuep. The M30 is an absolute tank. They take well to boost too ;). The engine in the 525 is only slightly less solid, it has a timing belt instead of a chain, I believe, but other than that is probably about the same in terms of reliability. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 8:26am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/5 "2006-11-02T08:26:11Z")
What is it about that white one that makes it look so nice to me? Obviously the spoiler. Is it factory? The wheels go nicely. Is the front valance factory original? ---
**Author:** ![mike125k](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike125k/32/7282_2.png) [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 10:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/6 "2006-11-02T10:48:24Z")
The E34 525/528 uses the M50/52 motor which has a timing chain, not belt. The M20 was the engine that used a timing belt, it was in the E30 and E28. ---
**Author:** ![Coldaccord](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/coldaccord/32/7272_2.png) [@Coldaccord](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Coldaccord)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 10:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/7 "2006-11-02T10:53:34Z")
^wrd to the chain. the m30 is a great f’ing motor, too. IF you can find a stick shift 535, they are awesome ---
**Author:** ![brent\_strong](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/brent_strong/32/7203_2.png) [@brent\_strong](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/brent_strong)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 11:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/8 "2006-11-02T11:28:11Z")
> [@mike125k](#): > > The E34 525/528 uses the M50/52 motor which has a timing chain, not belt. The M20 was the engine that used a timing belt, it was in the E30 and E28. Ah, did not know that. I figured the E34 still had an M20 in it. :tup: good info. ---
**Author:** ![1sik\_bmw](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1sik_bmw/32/7341_2.png) [@1sik\_bmw](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1sik_bmw)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 12:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/9 "2006-11-02T12:26:04Z")
deff a great car…why because i have one, no major issues that i have had and its not rare to see one with over 250k on the clock ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 7:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/10 "2006-11-02T19:31:02Z")
> [@1sik bmw](#): > > deff a great car…why because i have one, no major issues that i have had and its not rare to see one with over 250k on the clock So how is it to drive? Still fun or does it feel like a 3500 pound mid-sized sedan with a small sedan’s motor? ---
**Author:** ![Coldaccord](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/coldaccord/32/7272_2.png) [@Coldaccord](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Coldaccord)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 7:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/11 "2006-11-02T19:41:36Z")
i would buy an e34 535 if they had fold down back seats. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2006, 7:02am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/12 "2006-11-03T07:02:13Z")
That white 525i is on Ebay. If it were this time next year I’d probably be bidding on it. [http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NO-RESERVE-1990-5-SPEED-525i-with-M5-STYLING-PACKAGE\_W0QQitemZ270049146031QQihZ017QQcategoryZ6008QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem](http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NO-RESERVE-1990-5-SPEED-525i-with-M5-STYLING-PACKAGE_W0QQitemZ270049146031QQihZ017QQcategoryZ6008QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) ---
**Author:** ![Shockwave179](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shockwave179/32/7496_2.png) [@Shockwave179](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shockwave179)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2006, 9:01am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/13 "2006-11-03T09:01:03Z")
> [@BikerFry](#): > > What is it about that white one that makes it look so nice to me? Obviously the spoiler. Is it factory? The wheels go nicely. Is the front valance factory original? The spoiler isn’t stock, and I lol’d at the M5 badge but yeah the wheels are borbets I think and the front facia is original. > [@mike125k](#): > > The E34 525/528 uses the M50/52 motor which has a timing chain, not belt. The M20 was the engine that used a timing belt, it was in the E30 and E28. Uh the M20 most definitely came in the early E34’s from 89 - 90 and then they switched over to the M50. ---
**Author:** ![1sik\_bmw](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1sik_bmw/32/7341_2.png) [@1sik\_bmw](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1sik_bmw)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2006, 9:02am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/14 "2006-11-03T09:02:52Z")
> [@BikerFry](#): > > So how is it to drive? Still fun or does it feel like a 3500 pound mid-sized sedan with a small sedan’s motor? drives amazing, feels heavy (hard to really get it sideways unless its wet and in 1st gear) but besides that it has enough pep to keep me happy but out of trouble ---
**Author:** ![zwarbyt](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/zwarbyt/32/7623_2.png) [@zwarbyt](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/zwarbyt)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2006, 9:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/15 "2006-11-03T09:32:41Z")
OoooOOO I can whore my pics: ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0427_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0427_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0428_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0428_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0430_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0430_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0433_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0433_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0434_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0434_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0435_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0435_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0437_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0437_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0438_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0438_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0443_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0443_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0444_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0444_%28Medium%29.jpg) ![http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0445_%28Medium%29.jpg](http://gci.goatco.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10005/100_0445_%28Medium%29.jpg) yes I love the car, being a diesel it has really good trq but falls on its face top end, 5 spd is awsome, car handles VERY well and stays flat despite its bulk (and mine) i love it as a dd ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2006, 10:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/16 "2006-11-03T10:33:24Z")
> [@zwarbyt](#): > > OoooOOO I can whore my pics: 🤣 The black on black is very sharp. The whole diesel motor thing is OK too I guess… :tup: Thanks for the info guys. E34’s have been added to my list of possible cheap DD Jetta replacements. ---
**Author:** ![1sik\_bmw](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1sik_bmw/32/7341_2.png) [@1sik\_bmw](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1sik_bmw)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2006, 4:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/17 "2006-11-03T16:09:17Z")
I only have a couple here on the work comp… ![http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/Eurotuner13/stacy.jpg](http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/Eurotuner13/stacy.jpg) This one is much hotter:gay2: :mamoru: ![http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/Eurotuner13/me2.jpg](http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/Eurotuner13/me2.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Shockwave179](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shockwave179/32/7496_2.png) [@Shockwave179](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shockwave179)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2006, 11:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/18 "2006-11-04T11:43:06Z")
> [@1sik bmw](#): > > I only have a couple here on the work comp… > > This one is much hotter:gay2: :mamoru: > > ![http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/Eurotuner13/me2.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/5/9/5928554578081d9f91e8a2f448684cbc3cafe14c.jpeg) Damn dude that car needs a drop. ---
**Author:** ![Scott](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/scott/32/7603_2.png) [@Scott](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Scott)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2006, 11:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/19 "2006-11-04T11:52:07Z")
My car handles pretty well. I can get it sideways pretty easily, but its very controllable. ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/hybridhatch/grayground.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/hybridhatch/grayground.jpg) ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/hybridhatch/blkbk.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/hybridhatch/blkbk.jpg) Stock wheels should be on soon. ---
**Author:** ![double\_j](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/double_j/32/7380_2.png) [@double\_j](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/double_j)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2006, 12:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602/20 "2006-11-04T12:33:42Z")
Looking at the above pics makes me wonder how an e34 compares in size with am e46. They look close! Man has the 3 series become a pig! [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/hey-bimmer-guys-v-e34/19602.md?page=2)