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jac1d · 02-17-2009, 08:11 PM

Hi,

I just joined the forum. I'm in the process of moving the family to Vancouver after five years in the Caribbean. Originally from Halifax.

I've been researching rides, looking all over the map but primarily at E34 535i's and some M5s.

I've had company cars for the last few years, current is a 2006 RAV4, prior to that it was a Ford Explorer. Personal cars were, oldest to newest, a pair of Triumph TR7s, a pair of E21 320i's, VW Jetta VR6 GLX and a Jaguar XJR V8.

I am going to be working from home for the most part and looking for comfortable ride for casual use, low mileage. I have two young kids. I was looking at 2000-2004 3 series models, but I think todays market has me going back in my shell for a bit.

I found a very nice looking 1990 E34 535i automatic. I'd love to hear from forum members about this model. I understand it is considered to be one of the most reliable models with excellent longevity. Is there a buyers guide someone can point me to? What is the right price range for a really nice example with less than 150K Kms on the clock?

Thanks,

-Jeff

nuts4bmw · 02-17-2009, 11:21 PM

Hi Jeff!

Welcome to lotusland and the forum.

That e34 you are referring to, is that the silver one for sale in North Vancouver?

If it is, I've seen the pictures of it and man is that a sweet looking car!

If I were you I'd take that car to Nixon Automotive in Burnaby and get a pre-purchase inspection done on it and if it checks out, I'd be all over it.
Auotmatics are the preferred choice here on the forum. The e34 535i is a damn good car from what I've read about them, especially if they've been takken care of like the one I think you are referring to. I am a few other members will probably agree.

nuts4bmw · 02-17-2009, 11:23 PM

Sorry, I meant to say automatics are NOT the preferred choice...but that's a matter of personal choice.

Mr. Red · 02-18-2009, 01:09 AM

I would definately go for a standard if you can find one. In terms of work needing done, it's an almost 20 year old BMW so no doubt there will be some things that need addressing. E34s have very good reputations though.

jac1d · 02-18-2009, 08:41 PM

While I would have liked a 5 speed, I've found a pristine automatic so I'm going to pull the trigger. Will report back tomorrow.

I intend to immediately do a full inspection II on it, as well as any other belts, hoses, ignition components etc that are at all suspect. Front shocks may get upgraded to Bilsteins if they are soft at all and I may do the control arm bushings if there is benefit to be had with the 8 series upgrade. Other than that, some new rubber all around and a stereo upgrade, I think thats it. Should be a nice, reliable, classy daily driver.

What do people recommend for replacement tires? I am open to a wheel/tire combo if someone has some for sale. I'd still love to hunt down some M5 throwing stars for winter wheels/tires and keep the basketweaves for the winter, although they are in nice shape...

-Jeff

jac1d · 02-20-2009, 07:02 PM

Well, despite having said I would take the car and essentially offering the ask the car got sold out from under me.

As I'm currently in the process of moving back to Vancouver and couldn't close the deal in person I suppose it isn't surprising that someone else showed up with cash and he dumped the car. But its frustrating.

So I'm back in the market for a clean, documented E34 535i. If you know of any, please let me know.

-Jeff

nuts4bmw · 02-21-2009, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by jac1d

Well, despite having said I would take the car and essentially offering the ask the car got sold out from under me.

As I'm currently in the process of moving back to Vancouver and couldn't close the deal in person I suppose it isn't surprising that someone else showed up with cash and he dumped the car. But its frustrating.

So I'm back in the market for a clean, documented E34 535i. If you know of any, please let me know.

-Jeff

That really sucks jeff, sorry to hear that.

Shocka · 02-21-2009, 02:20 PM

blessing in disguise?

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/cto/1040789812.html

jac1d · 02-21-2009, 02:25 PM

I was thinking E34 not E28, but that "gentlemen's club" red english leather interior has an odd appeal. The noise of the E28 doesn't though...

Thanks anyway.

-Jeff

PS - Still on the hunt for a well cared for 535i in the Vancouver area.

Shocka · 02-21-2009, 02:31 PM

which noise? engine, roadnoise?

jac1d · 02-21-2009, 02:33 PM

One of those typos that changes the meaning. Oops.

I don't like the NOSE of the E28 (I didn't mind the E21, but the E28 is too exaggerated for me).

-Jeff

02-17-2009, 08:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
jac1d newbie Name: Jeff Joined: Feb 2009 From: Vancouver Posts: 14 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	New - Vancouver - Requesting E34 Feedback Hi, I just joined the forum. I'm in the process of moving the family to Vancouver after five years in the Caribbean. Originally from Halifax. I've been researching rides, looking all over the map but primarily at E34 535i's and some M5s. I've had company cars for the last few years, current is a 2006 RAV4, prior to that it was a Ford Explorer. Personal cars were, oldest to newest, a pair of Triumph TR7s, a pair of E21 320i's, VW Jetta VR6 GLX and a Jaguar XJR V8. I am going to be working from home for the most part and looking for comfortable ride for casual use, low mileage. I have two young kids. I was looking at 2000-2004 3 series models, but I think todays market has me going back in my shell for a bit. I found a very nice looking 1990 E34 535i automatic. I'd love to hear from forum members about this model. I understand it is considered to be one of the most reliable models with excellent longevity. Is there a buyers guide someone can point me to? What is the right price range for a really nice example with less than 150K Kms on the clock? Thanks, -Jeff

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02-17-2009, 11:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
nuts4bmw Senior Member Name: Art Joined: Oct 2008 From: Surrey Posts: 234 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 5 5 Times in 4 Posts nuts4bmw's pictures '95 BMW M540i	Hi Jeff! Welcome to lotusland and the forum. That e34 you are referring to, is that the silver one for sale in North Vancouver? If it is, I've seen the pictures of it and man is that a sweet looking car! If I were you I'd take that car to Nixon Automotive in Burnaby and get a pre-purchase inspection done on it and if it checks out, I'd be all over it. Auotmatics are the preferred choice here on the forum. The e34 535i is a damn good car from what I've read about them, especially if they've been takken care of like the one I think you are referring to. I am a few other members will probably agree.

02-17-2009, 11:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
nuts4bmw Senior Member Name: Art Joined: Oct 2008 From: Surrey Posts: 234 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 5 5 Times in 4 Posts nuts4bmw's pictures '95 BMW M540i	Sorry, I meant to say automatics are NOT the preferred choice...but that's a matter of personal choice.

02-18-2009, 01:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mr. Red Senior Member Name: Steve Joined: May 2006 From: West Vancouver Posts: 946 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 22 13 Times in 12 Posts Mr. Red's pictures '97 BMW M3	I would definately go for a standard if you can find one. In terms of work needing done, it's an almost 20 year old BMW so no doubt there will be some things that need addressing. E34s have very good reputations though.

02-18-2009, 08:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
jac1d newbie Name: Jeff Joined: Feb 2009 From: Vancouver Posts: 14 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	While I would have liked a 5 speed, I've found a pristine automatic so I'm going to pull the trigger. Will report back tomorrow. I intend to immediately do a full inspection II on it, as well as any other belts, hoses, ignition components etc that are at all suspect. Front shocks may get upgraded to Bilsteins if they are soft at all and I may do the control arm bushings if there is benefit to be had with the 8 series upgrade. Other than that, some new rubber all around and a stereo upgrade, I think thats it. Should be a nice, reliable, classy daily driver. What do people recommend for replacement tires? I am open to a wheel/tire combo if someone has some for sale. I'd still love to hunt down some M5 throwing stars for winter wheels/tires and keep the basketweaves for the winter, although they are in nice shape... -Jeff

02-20-2009, 07:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
jac1d newbie Name: Jeff Joined: Feb 2009 From: Vancouver Posts: 14 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well, despite having said I would take the car and essentially offering the ask the car got sold out from under me. As I'm currently in the process of moving back to Vancouver and couldn't close the deal in person I suppose it isn't surprising that someone else showed up with cash and he dumped the car. But its frustrating. So I'm back in the market for a clean, documented E34 535i. If you know of any, please let me know. -Jeff

02-21-2009, 02:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
Shocka Senior Member Joined: Jun 2008 From: Vancouver Posts: 362 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 4 11 Times in 10 Posts	blessing in disguise? http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/cto/1040789812.html

02-21-2009, 02:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
jac1d newbie Name: Jeff Joined: Feb 2009 From: Vancouver Posts: 14 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	I was thinking E34 not E28, but that "gentlemen's club" red english leather interior has an odd appeal. The noise of the E28 doesn't though... Thanks anyway. -Jeff PS - Still on the hunt for a well cared for 535i in the Vancouver area.

02-21-2009, 02:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
Shocka Senior Member Joined: Jun 2008 From: Vancouver Posts: 362 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 4 11 Times in 10 Posts	which noise? engine, roadnoise?

02-21-2009, 02:33 PM	#11 (permalink)
jac1d newbie Name: Jeff Joined: Feb 2009 From: Vancouver Posts: 14 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	One of those typos that changes the meaning. Oops. I don't like the NOSE of the E28 (I didn't mind the E21, but the E28 is too exaggerated for me). -Jeff

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