How to Buy an E34 5 Series BMW | Things to Look out for Before Purchasing!

  Рет қаралды 40,222

M3nameisjosh

M3nameisjosh

2 жыл бұрын

I get questions all the time asking me what I think of certain E34s, what to look out for, what needs to be addressed, and so on and so forth. So I wanted to make a one stop shop video going over everything you should check before purchasing a BMW E34 5 series. These are the things I check and make sure of before I make the purchase. I hope this helps people!

Пікірлер: 96
@DeadEndRestorations
@DeadEndRestorations 2 жыл бұрын
Definitely a big fan of the e34 myself - the classic proportions, aggressive quad round headlight nose, and the raw driving feel make it one of the best bmw sedans ever made!
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
YESSSIR!
@savoknezevic5554
@savoknezevic5554 2 жыл бұрын
This video is awesome bro.I'm planning to buy my dream car e 34 soon,thank you for this video.
@brianaust8897
@brianaust8897 2 жыл бұрын
Good rundown! A couple notes- The door seal strips bought for E39 fit but just need to be trimmed down. They’re only like 80$ each though. On the M60 Nickasil- it’s pronounced “Nick a sil” ;) like nickel. (It’s a nickel/silicone coating on the cylinder walls and it really worked..Unless exposed to high sulfur gas which prevailed in the NorthEast especially till about 1999-2000. On those blocks, the replacement wasn’t ever done as a recall, but as a “service action” and customers actually had to have a complaint to get a new block. All they had to say was “it idles rough”. I’d bet only maybe 30-40% were ever replaced. Lol my e32’s was replaced with yet another Nickasil in 1993 and it has been fine for 160k more miles 👍 If you are buying an automatic (yeah yeah manual effing swap lol) try to find out if it has been serviced. If it has-it means someone was paying attention or had a damn smart mechanic. 👍😜
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
I didn’t know any of that about the Nickasils! Thanks for adding all that! I wasn’t born yet at the time so wouldn’t know! LOL
@clarence968
@clarence968 2 жыл бұрын
Good vid bro, loving my 540i rn
@Moosekeys
@Moosekeys 2 жыл бұрын
As someone who JUST bought a 93 525 thats a leaky sumbitch, it was reassuring to hear at the top of the video that leaks can be fixed, parts replaced etc. I was starting to second guess my purchase but I bought it to be a project for my son and I and am excited to tackle it now.
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Everything can be fixed!
@user-qk9xy5sl1t
@user-qk9xy5sl1t 2 ай бұрын
Keep it up. It will get better.
@paulcristobal6411
@paulcristobal6411 2 жыл бұрын
Dude thanks so much for this. I'm about to check some e34's out this week and this video couldn't have made it much more timely!
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help!
@Anirossa
@Anirossa 2 жыл бұрын
On the M50 I'd add; Added chance for electrical issues (more toasty wires), water pump with plastic fins that breaks if not changed often enough, plastic theromstate housing as added weak point besides what was said in the video. And all cooling systems with plastic components in BMW weak points in general ofc, as mentioned. On the M30 and M20 the plastic weak point is the radiator, often goes bad between the expansiontank on the side and the aluminium radiator or the plastic outlets where the hoses are connected. On the M20 and M30, I'd say its a higher chance of warping the top if not letting them heat up properly, meaning higher likelihood of headgasket, also valves do need adjusting as they are older more mechanical tech. Can also tick if the tube spraying oil on the cam gets clogged from poor maintenance, but that goes back to all engines I guess.
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Good info here!
@Heyimmabot
@Heyimmabot 2 жыл бұрын
Ur content on bimmers is so genuine I have a 93 (e36) 325i keep the bimmers alive it’s a dying breed
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you man
@knnuckles1459
@knnuckles1459 2 жыл бұрын
One that I'm looking at right now got an engine swap to a 540i Any advice on what to look for if the engine swap was done properly? Thank you !
@parkersmith9924
@parkersmith9924 15 күн бұрын
im picking up a 95 in about a week, i cant wait
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719 Жыл бұрын
Hey josh i love the 525i
@j.collett2364
@j.collett2364 2 жыл бұрын
If I saw this before I bought mine I probably would’ve passed. You’re absolutely right, everything can be fixed. I’m on my 2nd M30, manual swapped, whole HVAC system, all hard lines, suspension, front jack points etc. The only constraint is one’s desire and means to fix everything. If there’s ever a car that’s worth bringing back on the road, an e34 is a strong candidate. Btw, was amazed your beat up parts 525 has a positive terminal cap.
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Exactly! And dude I know right!!! Everyone is missing that and then the junkiest of cars are the ones that have it LMAO
@MattyMattsBavarianBuilds
@MattyMattsBavarianBuilds 2 жыл бұрын
😆E34 King of ! Nice to meet you! I'm the #1 BMW E34 Wagon enthusiast on the interweb! 🤣
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Hahahahhahs
@dbox8526
@dbox8526 2 жыл бұрын
Bruh that wagon is so badass
@MattyMattsBavarianBuilds
@MattyMattsBavarianBuilds 2 жыл бұрын
@@dbox8526 thanks brother!
@jasonmeyer6091
@jasonmeyer6091 Жыл бұрын
Just bought my 1st e34 540! Thanks for the content and reassurance that these are pretty solid are easily maintainable cars! The one I bought is super solid but found out the 55mph shake is a thing! I do smell coolant in the cab while driving and could that be heater core? I will be going through your videos!
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 Жыл бұрын
Congrats!! But coolant in cab while heat is on could be a heater core yes, usually accompanied by a wet carpet in footwells.
@duelingsixes1894
@duelingsixes1894 2 жыл бұрын
Lovely!
@kirboul4857
@kirboul4857 Жыл бұрын
I was thinking of getting a 520I 1.8L is it just as good? (It’s not an m series)
@kennyberrios1603
@kennyberrios1603 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video! i recently bought a 95 525i inspired by yours and your content on bimmers. Everything checks out great on the car but it does have lifter tick. Im not really sure on how to get that fixed or if it is fixable. Do you or does anyone have experience on how to fix it and whether or not it’s bad for the engine?
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Put 10w-40 high mileage oil in it and drive it. Will almost certainly clear it up.
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719 Жыл бұрын
If i cant find a m50b25 then i will go for a m20b25 if i put a turbo in a m20b25 will it be much faster.
@jamesaleman2868
@jamesaleman2868 Жыл бұрын
Hey man really helpful video, hoping you can help out a bit more! I’m looking into buying a 1990 E34 525i glacier blue bmw and it’s at 229k miles with an M20B25 engine. I know things can go wrong and I’m willing to take on a project I just need help for sure because everyone around advises against bmw’s bc of how they breakdown and not economically friendly but this is a dream car right here, thank you!
@pclayton5063
@pclayton5063 7 ай бұрын
The M20 is a dud in the E34. Way underpowered. Move on.
@dipacalypse1092
@dipacalypse1092 2 жыл бұрын
good job!
@Zonda1996
@Zonda1996 4 ай бұрын
Looking at a few that have caught my eye. A few decent running 540s for cheap, though one is a non runner and asking way too much ($10,000 aud vs. other running examples for sub-6k), it looks stunning exterior-wise and a few other goodies like M5 seats and M-Pars all round.
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 4 ай бұрын
I like clean non runners when they are priced right!
@Lamerguezerie
@Lamerguezerie 2 жыл бұрын
Do like me. No history, only half trusting the seller, obviously cheated legal inspection, fucked paint with rock chips and dents. So far so bad Your video is a gem. Wish I had seen it before buying.
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Haha we live and we learn!
@Lamerguezerie
@Lamerguezerie 2 жыл бұрын
@@m3nameisjosh464 My wallet learns too haha
@Moshforthekill91
@Moshforthekill91 2 жыл бұрын
The E34 GOAT
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
@javienj.2535
@javienj.2535 Жыл бұрын
where is the best place to buy a e34 540i? I cant find any on fb market place
@jalenrodriguez4733
@jalenrodriguez4733 2 жыл бұрын
Question, have you ever done the power steering pump return hose before on the m60 motors? It’s not sealing properly and i used rubber silicone w/ a washer which temporarily works for now but still leaks; a friend of mine said to just use o-ring(s) to seal it properly
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
I have not, proper crush washers shouldn’t leak but not sure
@georgekern6528
@georgekern6528 2 жыл бұрын
Well done! M50’s are pretty much bullet proof. The weak part in my opinion is the cooling system. Have to keep an eye on the cooling system. All hail the e34 King!!
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Bmw cooling systems are the weakpoint in every engine haha
@Retrobeemer
@Retrobeemer 2 жыл бұрын
*Here in the UK E34's are pretty rare now and rust is the biggest issue I guess? I was lucky enough to buy a 535i that had a pretty extensive body restoration done about 2 years ago, so it's in pretty nice condition. A bit more power would be nice but I like the sound of the M30 so I'll just enjoy it as it is for now. If I had the cash I'd love an s54 to build my own take on an M5. Right now though, I just want to sort the suspension and drop the ride height another inch or two. I'm running staggered Azev alloys though, so will need to watch clearance. (8.5 & 10 x 17'' with 235/40 & 265/35 Yokohama) Maybe you could do a video that covers suspension upgrades? Anyway, thanks for the E34 content and look forward to seeing more. Mark*
@Lamerguezerie
@Lamerguezerie 2 жыл бұрын
M30 in 535i Sport manual, great combo. I would say you need to make videos of yours
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Will be doing a suspension video series once I get my new e34! So stay tuned! Also just uploaded an s54 e34 swap video, maybe it will give you some inspiration for your future!
@Retrobeemer
@Retrobeemer 2 жыл бұрын
@@m3nameisjosh464 Watched the s54 swap yesterday. Really nicely done too. I'll keep an eye out for suspension video. Just off out in my 535i now and there should a blog feature in this months Performance BMW magazine. E34 stuff is rare in UK mags so am hoping I can change that! :)
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
@@Retrobeemer awesome!!
@niklash487
@niklash487 Жыл бұрын
great video i have a 530i i really want to swap a b40 in it do you have any sources where i can find infos on what to do ?
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 Жыл бұрын
Literally just take out the b30 and drop in the b40 with ecu. Its the same engine
@brianhoefer7148
@brianhoefer7148 Жыл бұрын
Just bought an E34 530i for $500.00 Waisted auto, doing a 5 speed manual swap. Car even has two golfball dents from Bandon Dunes.
@eyesinthehillz247
@eyesinthehillz247 11 ай бұрын
just picked up a 91 525i 5 spd ultra marine cloth interior for 3800 alpine white clean paintt
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 11 ай бұрын
Niceeee
@A1DJPaul
@A1DJPaul Жыл бұрын
I run e34's in the UK. ( 14 years. ) I have 2. a 520i SE & 525i SE. ( i prefer my 520. strange but true. ) The 520i is the exact same engine with 6 in line, just 500cc less. The standard exhaust note is AWESOME to listen to as you drive. I have owned my 520 for 10 years now no issues to worry about. Don't be scared to buy one, They simply Do NOT GO WRONG. Buy the very best you can find. Even the 518 is a great car, & 520i is fantastic, & 525i even Better. as with all BMW's go for the Manual box. ( nothing wrong with the Auto, But Manual is the best way to Fully Enjoy an e34.
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 Жыл бұрын
Love to hear it!!
@x14pro
@x14pro Жыл бұрын
Bought an E34 that sat for about a year, a very low mileage example less than 60,000 kms (yes kms :) ). the only thing wrong with the car is that the tachometer does not work.... i've checked the fuse but still no go. any advice on what i should check?
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 Жыл бұрын
Issue is within the cluster likely
@mdigos1
@mdigos1 Жыл бұрын
Hi there! I inherited a 91. Undecided if i want to keep it or sell it. Any recommendations/suggestions?
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 Жыл бұрын
Enjoy it as is or sell to someone to enjoy it!!
@donaldnewren8811
@donaldnewren8811 2 жыл бұрын
I own a e34 my self mine is a 1995 525i and I had to buy a fuel pump and for some odd reason fcp euro doesn't sell the correct fuel pump for my car
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Fcp is weird about fuel pumps. Lots of times ive ordered pumps that are a little bit different
@alexpapazian8287
@alexpapazian8287 2 жыл бұрын
Are e34 535i 5 speed going to go up in value? Mine has 170k miles
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Yes they are desirable in the E34 family
@Heyimmabot
@Heyimmabot 2 жыл бұрын
Can u do an e36 video too non M cars next bless
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
YESSIR!
@kushpaladin
@kushpaladin 2 ай бұрын
is that white e34 static? or bags
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 ай бұрын
Bags
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719 Жыл бұрын
Is the 530i heavy on fuel.
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 Жыл бұрын
Yes it was. Not horrible though
@user-iv5wo1gj2v
@user-iv5wo1gj2v 2 жыл бұрын
"Dog bone " )) we col this " balls " (I mean man balls)) . Her in Europe we have not only 520, but even 518 e34 with m40 b18 four cylinders motor and it is shame of e34. But it has a big plus, as a rule 518 very often are in good body condition, and as you said, any motor can be swapped )))
@BimmerMafia
@BimmerMafia Жыл бұрын
I might be trading my cb7 5 speed for e34 m50. See how it goes.
@BimmerMafia
@BimmerMafia Жыл бұрын
I got it. Has ac. Pretty decent . No rust. Leaking like a stick pig. Seat twist. But I like it. Will post video soon. Hope to hear you input.
@Staniel_
@Staniel_ 2 жыл бұрын
7:52 couldn’t help but laugh because…man those fuckin air bay covers 😂😂😂
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Hahahah classic e34 issues
@MattyMattsBavarianBuilds
@MattyMattsBavarianBuilds 2 жыл бұрын
I'm about to throw up from all that wheel gap! #Joshwillnever
@chrisbarnhart4178
@chrisbarnhart4178 2 жыл бұрын
e34 m20 is dangerously slow!! LOL prepare to swap if you find an auto one. getting ready to m52 swap mine
@altblechasyl_cs2093
@altblechasyl_cs2093 2 жыл бұрын
M20 slow ? Its really enough to sneak on the highway w/ 65mph... 😂
@chrisbarnhart4178
@chrisbarnhart4178 2 жыл бұрын
@@altblechasyl_cs2093 more like tip toe with a bowling ball chained to its leg 😂😂 it's scary slow even when I kick the firewall 👀
@altblechasyl_cs2093
@altblechasyl_cs2093 2 жыл бұрын
@@chrisbarnhart4178 Do you drive on US highways or on race tracks ? 🤔
@chrisbarnhart4178
@chrisbarnhart4178 2 жыл бұрын
@@altblechasyl_cs2093 I drive on zero highways with this car because it's too slow for me to feel comfortable. Drivers are either old peepos who shouldn't be driving anymore or young speed racers( Florida USA) I've already got a m52b28 and zf for the e34. So if anyone wants to buy a super clean m20 150k miles hmu!
@altblechasyl_cs2093
@altblechasyl_cs2093 2 жыл бұрын
@@chrisbarnhart4178 OK, the 25i M20 runs easily until 220 km/h and I say that is definitely not slow, particularly we have unlimited highways here, so I could run my 40i's until the end of its limited 250 km/h... 🤷‍♂️ That is not so much difference... you know... ✌
@user-iv5wo1gj2v
@user-iv5wo1gj2v 2 жыл бұрын
When I hear 20° in winter, first of all I think it's fucking frosty !!!! Then I remember it is Fahrenheit not Celsius , and 20°F it is - 6,6 °C and it is frosty, but not so much ))))
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
Haha ill have to start clarifying
@zabnat
@zabnat 11 ай бұрын
All good motors?.. oh yeah, you probably didn't get the 518i.
@eatmea1iveplz
@eatmea1iveplz 2 жыл бұрын
bmw mafia :P
@alan_harake
@alan_harake 2 жыл бұрын
Josh Miller will never
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
WOAHHHHH
@philipstargate
@philipstargate 2 жыл бұрын
You Talk too Fast Bro!
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 2 жыл бұрын
I feel like i got too much info and don’t want video to be too long! Haha. Ill take note of that though, thank you!
@dogger2186
@dogger2186 11 ай бұрын
On the White e34 what size rims are those Type-2's and did u have to roll the fenders?
@m3nameisjosh464
@m3nameisjosh464 11 ай бұрын
17x8.5 et 13 no rolled fenders. Ran wide spacers
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719
@abdul-wahhaababrahams6719 Жыл бұрын
Is the 530i heavy on fuel.
@fifafifa9288
@fifafifa9288 29 күн бұрын
Yeah
The BMW 5 Series History. The 3rd Generation (E34)
4:05
Не пей газировку у мамы в машине
00:28
Даша Боровик
Рет қаралды 8 МЛН
Trágico final :(
01:00
Juan De Dios Pantoja
Рет қаралды 24 МЛН
Project E34 535i, Can We SAVE This Car? (2 owners, 230k Miles!)
22:14
The Bimmer Barn
Рет қаралды 12 М.
Custom BMW Alcantara Interior DIY !!! Door Panels And Pillars
34:55
Nathans BMW Workshop
Рет қаралды 155 М.
I Screwed Up By Buying An Old BMW Project Car!
7:57
Car Throttle
Рет қаралды 781 М.
The CAR WIZARD shares which Porsches TO Buy & NOT to Buy
25:05
Car Wizard
Рет қаралды 810 М.
E34 Tips and Tricks Also What to Look For On An E34
4:26
Julian King
Рет қаралды 28 М.
BMW - 5 Series (E39) - Video Handbook (2000)
42:56
ROVR
Рет қаралды 790 М.
ОБУЧЕНИЕ ВОДИТЕЛЕЙ
0:18
В ТРЕНДЕ
Рет қаралды 17 МЛН
Lamborghini Huracan Evo vs Zeekr 001 FR #shorts
0:20
auto_shorts_everyday
Рет қаралды 3,3 МЛН
penonton cewe turun tangan taklukan tanjakan,pembalap aslinya geleng"
0:11
PetualangLampung7
Рет қаралды 27 МЛН
авто спасибо
0:14
Y21
Рет қаралды 5 МЛН