Fuel consumption |
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Commuter
Newbie Joined: 17-May-2005 Status: Offline Points: 24 |
Topic: Fuel consumption Posted: 17-May-2005 at 15:19 |
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Help!
I'm thinking of buying an E34 for my daily 80-mile commute. I'm thinking that a 525 or 530 will have the right blend of durability, reliability and comfort, plus a bit of fun for the roundabouts. I'm also hoping that these mid-range models will give reasonable fuel efficiency but can't find fuel consumption figures to confirm either way. Can anyone tell me real figures at sensible motorway cruising speeds for these models, either as manuals or automatics? Also, have any of the mags published a proper buying guide to these models? Failing that, any advice on things to look for (beyond the obvious rust, crash damage and service history) would be appreciated, particularly potential big bills around 100-150k miles. Don't ask much, do I? |
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jamie (e39)528i
Really Senior Member II Joined: 03-January-2005 Location: chafford hundred essex Status: Offline Points: 1093 |
Posted: 17-May-2005 at 15:37 | ||
I had a e34 525i 24v model auto that returned around 30mpg on the motorway aslong as i kept it around 70mph.My e34 was a great car and i enjoyed driving it daily,i believe that the 525i tha i had is the best allrounder i am sure that others will agree in that it gives the best comprimise between performance running cost's and value for money. The e34 is a bit of a bargain now as a good example with around 100k on the clock can be picked up for as little as £2000. I think the main thing to look out for on the e34 is the suspension components as the e34 is a VERY heavy car and eats front bushes etc.... so test these thoroughly!!! Check out the back issues of www.BMWCARmagazine.com as they ran a buying guide for the e34 late last year. The 530 is available as a 6 cylinder and a V8 post 1993(i think). I am sure others will be along soon to prove me wrong!!!
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Commuter
Newbie Joined: 17-May-2005 Status: Offline Points: 24 |
Posted: 17-May-2005 at 15:58 | ||
Thanks for the quick reply Jamie.
How will I check for worn bushes – vague handling, noises, anything else? Is replacement a difficult DIY job and if so, is this an expensive job from a non-franchised specialist? Cheers |
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jamie (e39)528i
Really Senior Member II Joined: 03-January-2005 Location: chafford hundred essex Status: Offline Points: 1093 |
Posted: 17-May-2005 at 16:14 | ||
Hi commuter check all bushes on the front these will clonk over bumps and also rear axle bushes which will clonk when changing gear, difficult to check on an auto though!! Maybe find a local specialist near you to check the car over for you most will do this for a moderate charge normally an hours labour as they will be able to check all the parts that i have listed and give you an idea on what it will cost to replace. Euro car parts are good for parts and service items if you want to do the bits yourself. Check out www.bmw5.co.uk for a lot of info on the e34. |
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e34-520iSE
Really Senior Member I Joined: 22-December-2003 Location: Gateshead, UK Status: Offline Points: 453 |
Posted: 17-May-2005 at 17:29 | ||
Hi Commuter! As Jamie says, check the suspension
over - especially the front end. Steering shake, tramlining, braking shudder, knocking & clonking sounds, all indicate bush and/or steering box wear. Also have a look at the rear subframe mounts, wedge something between the chassis box section and the subframe and try to "wiggle" the subframe - any movement there and it's time to replace those - not easy!! As far as fuel economy goes, around town they are poor (especially if not ran long enough to warm up), but at a steady 70-80mph cruise you should see 30mpg as long as you don't hit steep inclines etc. If you do see an E34, come back and post your findings etc. Cheers, Shaun |
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Self confessed madman
1990 Brilliantrot 2 ltr M20. Air force definition of explosives: A loud noise followed by the sudden going away of what was once there a second ago. |
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eta.
Really Senior Member II Joined: 21-October-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 599 |
Posted: 18-May-2005 at 02:29 | ||
The 525i changed to 24v around '91/'92. I don't know the respective MPG, but was told by a BMW technician that the 24v is a superb engine. Having said that, the 518i (manual only available) is surprisingly quick and quiet. Torquey engine, knew a chap that towed a powerboat all over the country and said it was a fantastic towing car! It uses the cambelt m40 engine, so ensure cambelt and tensioner have been changed. I think the 525i has a cambelt too.
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BMWE34sport
Really Senior Member I Joined: 30-April-2004 Location: Hertfordshire Status: Offline Points: 353 |
Posted: 18-May-2005 at 10:35 | ||
I have a 525i 24v and on a sensible motorway run at about 80 i can get 30miles to the gallon , around town if i have a light right foot i can squeeze 20-22mpg but im usually in the high teens If you are going to get a 525 i'd reccomend to try and get a 91 model with the 24v engine and if you can find a nice one try and get the sport model , it comes with the Mtech kit and suspension and a LSD , and is a tad lower than a standard 5 , thats what I have and I love it Edited by BMWE34sport |
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1991 525 Sport
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eta.
Really Senior Member II Joined: 21-October-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 599 |
Posted: 18-May-2005 at 11:48 | ||
Mmmmmm, my 735 returns that sort of MPG.
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jamie (e39)528i
Really Senior Member II Joined: 03-January-2005 Location: chafford hundred essex Status: Offline Points: 1093 |
Posted: 18-May-2005 at 16:27 | ||
I personally would dismiss a 518i as they are seriously underpowered as the e34 is a heavy car and you need the extra grunt of the six to push the car along. The 24v 525i is the best of the bunch especially with the vanos like mine had as it has a lot more torque and improves MPG aswell. Just my opinion not neccesarily correct |
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bm24v
Really Senior Member II Joined: 03-August-2004 Location: Glasgow Status: Offline Points: 565 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 06:02 | ||
What year did the Vanos come in?
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e34m5
Really Senior Member II Joined: 26-June-2003 Location: Near Rugby, Warwickshire Status: Offline Points: 1344 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 06:47 | ||
The M50TU (Vanos) engine was introduced at the beginning of 1993. Most people seem to think that the earlier non vanos M50 engines are better due to "hotter" (american term) cams. |
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brybusa
Really Senior Member II Joined: 02-December-2004 Status: Offline Points: 676 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 07:35 | ||
Still wouldnt want to fork out the fuel bills for 400-500miles per week on either!
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Commuter
Newbie Joined: 17-May-2005 Status: Offline Points: 24 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 10:23 | ||
The consensus seems to be heading for 30mpg for the motorway cruise. I
can live with that, even with 400 miles a week. The cost is worth it to preserve my sanity – life's too short to spend it rattling up and down the A1 in an inferior car. I'm planning to view a 525 manual at the weekend, if it hasn't sold by then. |
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jamie (e39)528i
Really Senior Member II Joined: 03-January-2005 Location: chafford hundred essex Status: Offline Points: 1093 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 10:26 | ||
Good luck commuter let us know how you get on!
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eta.
Really Senior Member II Joined: 21-October-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 599 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 15:20 | ||
Commuter! One factor you did not mention is passive safety and the e34 excels. Crash tests revealed safer than similar cars including Volvo. You do not want to see what happened to the Honda!
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bm24v
Really Senior Member II Joined: 03-August-2004 Location: Glasgow Status: Offline Points: 565 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 17:20 | ||
So mine being a K reg (dont know when it was registered though) will have this vanos then. Looking at the engine how (if any visible way) can you tell. |
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e34m5
Really Senior Member II Joined: 26-June-2003 Location: Near Rugby, Warwickshire Status: Offline Points: 1344 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 18:39 | ||
The VANOS engines have an extra lump on the front : This is a non-vanos M50 : and this is a M50TU with vanos : HTH Miles |
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Nigel
Moderator Group Joined: 09-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 6941 |
Posted: 19-May-2005 at 19:01 | ||
I would have thought the biggest problems with these cars is the heads. I'm afraid they are prone to cracking, mileage doesnt seem to be a factor, correct coolant does. I also prefer the M20 12 valve engine, although I have chipped mine to match the BHP of the 24v. A very good 12v example should be around £1000 ish, a shed for as little as £100 |
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Best Wishes
Nigel |
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eta.
Really Senior Member II Joined: 21-October-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 599 |
Posted: 20-May-2005 at 08:09 | ||
"
I personally would dismiss a 518i as they are seriously underpowered as the e34 is a heavy car and you need the extra grunt of the six to push the car along. "I disagree, the 518i M40 engine is torquey and is so quiet. I drove one when new and had to open the bonnet to check the engine was running - it was! As a commuter car, I would have thought this would give best fuel economy and low ins combined with comfort and passive safety. Edited by eta. |
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brybusa
Really Senior Member II Joined: 02-December-2004 Status: Offline Points: 676 |
Posted: 20-May-2005 at 10:23 | ||
from 170BHP to 190 and a bit Nigel?
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