89-95 E34 bmw 5 Series must know facts before buying 1

[dizzle1]

You may ask yourself after you buy a used 5 series things like did other years offer more? Is it better and why isn't mine like that! If your impulsive you might just buy one for the fact that it’s a car and also a affordable used bmw so does that mean you go out and buy any 5 series, No get the facts 1st on what’s better for you and why. Newer just seems better since these are old cars I believe the facts listed below are self explanatory. After all you get what you pay for so then why not make it a good one!

1989 525i 168hp 164tq, 535i 208hp 225tq
1990 Both models had a driver-side airbag, 535i interior gained more leather, plus new wood trim 525i
89-90 525i had the weak M20 it’s a guzzler
1991 (ASC) TC became optional on the 535i, the 525i gained a more powerful engine M50 rated at 189 hp 181tq. The 535i's automatic got a shorter final-drive ratio and reprogrammed management system, to produce quicker acceleration. Bmw gave it a telescoping steering wheel, but still no Tilt. New M5 sedan carried a 310hp 262tq 3.5-liter engine with a 5-spd man.
1992 New 525i Touring station wagon debuted in spring 1992 with a two-panel sunroof that opens over both the front and rear seats. Wagons feature a load-leveling suspension, and ride larger tires than the sedan.
1993 Engines in the 525i series got Vanos a variable valve timing control that gives better low end torque 184 vs. 181 and same hp also better mpg, Interiors gained standard leather and wood trim. Bmw decided to drop its higher powered 6's for new V8's which gave the car better feel and the 95 540i with 4.0 6spd and later Sport gave similar performance to the M5
535i and M5 was dropped
1994 New V8 engines, the 530i sedan and wagon got a 3.0-liter V8 215hp 214tq, while the 540i benefited from a 4.0-liter 282hp 295tq. All models gained a passenger-side airbag. V8 cars had nicer looking wider grilles hoods something the old M5 could have used. R134A A/C, Some have fender turn signals, 525's have different looking rear seats
1995 6spd man was a option on the top 540i sedan, replacing the standard 5-speed automatic unit. All 525 models switched from black to body-color lower body panels, to more closely resemble the V8 versions. All had lower front bumper sporty trim, new steering wheel, 525i got the wide hood grille, All have fender turn signals
1996 Awaiting the arrival of an all-new 1997 5-Series, BMW sold only leftover '95s in the early part of the 1996 model year. One new model debuted: 540i Sport was it a late 95 or 96?

All V8 engines had a recall check if engine was changed
94-95 were the best years unless you want a M5 or 535i they were good too
Well here's a link you can get all the facts online
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...w-5-series.htm

[arks]

Don't forget about the M60 engine problem in those years...

"Both the E34 BMW 530i and 540i shared the M60 engine, which used Nikasil bore linings. In America and the United Kingdom this made both susceptible to premature engine wear, as high sulphur content in petrol in those markets resulted in deterioration of the linings. BMW then introduced an Alusil version of this engine, which solved the problem."

[stealthbimmer]

Originally Posted by arks

Don't forget about the M60 engine problem in those years...

"Both the E34 BMW 530i and 540i shared the M60 engine, which used Nikasil bore linings. In America and the United Kingdom this made both susceptible to premature engine wear, as high sulphur content in petrol in those markets resulted in deterioration of the linings. BMW then introduced an Alusil version of this engine, which solved the problem."

Most engines were swapped to alusil.

Even so, if you are looking at a car that has a nikasil block...and has lasted this long, it is a safe bet you will be fine. \

How were 94 and 95 the best years?

[dizzle1]

94 R-134A easy to add freeon less work, I think its just the o-ring gaskets that need to be swapped. Dual front airbags if it matters then odd tray on dash. Wider grille if you get a 540i I think I'd like one as a E34
95 wider grille if id want a 525i but less fun factor unless 5spd man
Just my taste
Also 93 up 525i they have better mpg with vanos.
Why get a 530 when theirs a 540