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!
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.
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. 👍😜
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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!
*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*
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!
@@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! :)
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.
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?
Bought an e34 few weeks ago for 3200, ran good drove good on test drive. Brought her to my shop for an oil change and noticed the front lift points are severely rusted.. as bad as your black bimmer. I think it is possible to put enough love in it to make her right but before putting any more money into it i wanna know if the rust can be fixed or if it is too late?Everything else is good with it other than exhaust and minor things. It has ACS bumpers which I didn’t know at the time how rare they are. Never welded before but thought it might worth a shot. Thanks.
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!
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?
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
"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 )))
@@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!
@@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... ✌
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 ))))
Where you come from you sounds English men tell something I use to have one rusty they no good honestly here I never see one whit that some rust still deserve to be save some people don’t look after this beautiful machines best BMW EVER made from 525i to 540i m5 new ones I don’t like they are self destruction when I have my one never lick because is like all cars you have to maintain in good condition same you wife if don’t look after she live you need service I not is bad compared but is life my friend make sense to have anything in life needs love this two cars they look terrible is not much to save thanks ah never change this bmw for ferrari I never like those cars I prefer this 5 series bmw 100 per cent those Ferraris is for stupid people whit to much money they never used like people like me I enjoy my car back in days as long you keeping service and polish last you for ever good bye for now a said hello from London and Colombia 🇨🇴
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!
YESSSIR!
Do you think show BMW E32 videos too?
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.
Everything can be fixed!
Keep it up. It will get better.
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. 👍😜
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
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.
Good info here!
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!
Happy to help!
Ur content on bimmers is so genuine I have a 93 (e36) 325i keep the bimmers alive it’s a dying breed
Thank you man
😆E34 King of ! Nice to meet you! I'm the #1 BMW E34 Wagon enthusiast on the interweb! 🤣
Hahahahhahs
Bruh that wagon is so badass
@@dbox8526 thanks brother!
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!!
Bmw cooling systems are the weakpoint in every engine haha
This video is awesome bro.I'm planning to buy my dream car e 34 soon,thank you for this video.
The E34 GOAT
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
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.
Haha we live and we learn!
@@m3nameisjosh464 My wallet learns too haha
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.
Exactly! And dude I know right!!! Everyone is missing that and then the junkiest of cars are the ones that have it LMAO
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.
Love to hear it!!
Just got my first e34 it is a 525i and I’m excited for this project got it for $900
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!
The M20 is a dud in the E34. Way underpowered. Move on.
*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*
M30 in 535i Sport manual, great combo. I would say you need to make videos of yours
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!
@@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! :)
@@Retrobeemer awesome!!
im picking up a 95 in about a week, i cant wait
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.
I like clean non runners when they are priced right!
Good vid bro, loving my 540i rn
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.
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?
Put 10w-40 high mileage oil in it and drive it. Will almost certainly clear it up.
just picked up a 91 525i 5 spd ultra marine cloth interior for 3800 alpine white clean paintt
Niceeee
Bought an e34 few weeks ago for 3200, ran good drove good on test drive. Brought her to my shop for an oil change and noticed the front lift points are severely rusted.. as bad as your black bimmer. I think it is possible to put enough love in it to make her right but before putting any more money into it i wanna know if the rust can be fixed or if it is too late?Everything else is good with it other than exhaust and minor things. It has ACS bumpers which I didn’t know at the time how rare they are. Never welded before but thought it might worth a shot. Thanks.
@@dylanschaefer2490 if you like that particular car enough then go for it. But you can also just take off the good parts and find a less rusty chasiss
Hey josh i love the 525i
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!
Congrats!! But coolant in cab while heat is on could be a heater core yes, usually accompanied by a wet carpet in footwells.
where is the best place to buy a e34 540i? I cant find any on fb market place
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 ?
Literally just take out the b30 and drop in the b40 with ecu. Its the same engine
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?
Issue is within the cluster likely
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
Fcp is weird about fuel pumps. Lots of times ive ordered pumps that are a little bit different
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.
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 !
Hi there! I inherited a 91. Undecided if i want to keep it or sell it. Any recommendations/suggestions?
Enjoy it as is or sell to someone to enjoy it!!
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
I have not, proper crush washers shouldn’t leak but not sure
Lovely!
"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 )))
I was thinking of getting a 520I 1.8L is it just as good? (It’s not an m series)
Bro how about e34 520i
@@sahalayamon never touched one!
is that white e34 static? or bags
Bags
Are e34 535i 5 speed going to go up in value? Mine has 170k miles
Yes they are desirable in the E34 family
I might be trading my cb7 5 speed for e34 m50. See how it goes.
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.
First thing:
Look for one that lived its life in the south west. Don’t even look at anything in the rust belt.
I'm about to throw up from all that wheel gap! #Joshwillnever
7:52 couldn’t help but laugh because…man those fuckin air bay covers 😂😂😂
Hahahah classic e34 issues
my parts car has really badly cracked dash e34 520i touring 1993
Thats abnormal haha
@@m3nameisjosh464 the car was sitting in parking lot for about 12 years
Is the 530i heavy on fuel.
Yes it was. Not horrible though
Can u do an e36 video too non M cars next bless
YESSIR!
e34 m20 is dangerously slow!! LOL prepare to swap if you find an auto one. getting ready to m52 swap mine
M20 slow ? Its really enough to sneak on the highway w/ 65mph... 😂
@@altblechasyl_cs2093 more like tip toe with a bowling ball chained to its leg 😂😂 it's scary slow even when I kick the firewall 👀
@@chrisbarnhart4178 Do you drive on US highways or on race tracks ? 🤔
@@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!
@@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... ✌
thanks a lot
good job!
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 ))))
Haha ill have to start clarifying
All good motors?.. oh yeah, you probably didn't get the 518i.
Josh Miller will never
WOAHHHHH
You Talk too Fast Bro!
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!
On the White e34 what size rims are those Type-2's and did u have to roll the fenders?
17x8.5 et 13 no rolled fenders. Ran wide spacers
Where you come from you sounds English men tell something I use to have one rusty they no good honestly here I never see one whit that some rust still deserve to be save some people don’t look after this beautiful machines best BMW EVER made from 525i to 540i m5 new ones I don’t like they are self destruction when I have my one never lick because is like all cars you have to maintain in good condition same you wife if don’t look after she live you need service I not is bad compared but is life my friend make sense to have anything in life needs love this two cars they look terrible is not much to save thanks ah never change this bmw for ferrari I never like those cars I prefer this 5 series bmw 100 per cent those Ferraris is for stupid people whit to much money they never used like people like me I enjoy my car back in days as long you keeping service and polish last you for ever good bye for now a said hello from London and Colombia 🇨🇴
Is the 530i heavy on fuel.
Yeah