Fuel consumption

Commuter wrote: 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?

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!!!

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.

e34m5 wrote: bm24v wrote: What year did the Vanos come in? 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.

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.

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

Nigel wrote: although I have chipped mine to match the BHP of the 24v.

from 170BHP to 190 and a bit Nigel?