anyone got an E34 M5?
- Thread starter e30fr3@k
- Start date
what year is it, is it a 3.5 or 3.6 (i'm hearing different things), is the 0-60 time 5.1 or 6.1 (s), and finally, what all can you tell me about this "self-leveling system" in the rear of the car. appearantly some of the other e34s have this feature, and can be quite costly to repair/replace. thanks.
Theres two engine sizes 3.6 and 3.8 (his is 3.8) they came after '92 i think. The 3.8 does 60 in 5.5 secs and 170Mph top speed (unlimited). the 3.6 is only a little slower. The self leveling system is expensive to fix and replace and some owners just put in a standard kit if it goes wrong. If you can GET IT. thats all i can say. why travelled with two weeks worth of luggage and 4 adults all across europe and the handling was pretty much un affected. great fun ![[:D]](/images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin [:D]")
You need to go to www.m5board.com
They will have all the answers.
In the US, you only have 1991-1993 3.6 liter cars. There are a few euro 3.8 imports, but not many. The 1991s have a lower rear axle ratio, so they accelerate a little bit quicker, with a little less top end, than the later cars. Some reports put the hp. of the 1993s at 320 instead of 311, but I have not been able to confirm the accuracy of that.
Self leveling suspension is nice when it works, but very expensive to fix. Many US cars have had theirs changed out. The Euro cars had much more expensive and sophisticated suspension systems, that can be even more ridiculous to replace. Mikev's impressions are probably of a car with EDC III and/or the Nurburgring suspension, which were not available on the US model cars, AFAIK.
The fastest published 0-60 time for a 1991 model US M5 is 5.6 seconds. (C&D, approx. 7/90).
That is probably on the quick side.
Although I don't own one (yet?) I have been following them since they came out and can probably answer most questions about specifications, modifications, etc. I almost bought one a few years ago.
They will have all the answers.
In the US, you only have 1991-1993 3.6 liter cars. There are a few euro 3.8 imports, but not many. The 1991s have a lower rear axle ratio, so they accelerate a little bit quicker, with a little less top end, than the later cars. Some reports put the hp. of the 1993s at 320 instead of 311, but I have not been able to confirm the accuracy of that.
Self leveling suspension is nice when it works, but very expensive to fix. Many US cars have had theirs changed out. The Euro cars had much more expensive and sophisticated suspension systems, that can be even more ridiculous to replace. Mikev's impressions are probably of a car with EDC III and/or the Nurburgring suspension, which were not available on the US model cars, AFAIK.
The fastest published 0-60 time for a 1991 model US M5 is 5.6 seconds. (C&D, approx. 7/90).
That is probably on the quick side.
Although I don't own one (yet?) I have been following them since they came out and can probably answer most questions about specifications, modifications, etc. I almost bought one a few years ago.
Originally the M5 was going to be a replacement for my daily driver 325i. I decided I didn't want to drive an M5 year round, as it was hard enough to see the 325i covered in salt in the Wisconsin winter.
When my thoughts changed to keeping the 325i as a daily driver and getting a second car for nice weather driving and occasional track use I again looked at the M5 (both E28 and E34).
Ultimately I decided I wanted something a little faster and a little more suitable for spirited driving and track use, so I got an NSX. Even thought it is only marginally faster than an E34 M5, it has a much greater perception of speed than the more isolated E34.
Don't get me wrong, M5s run very well at the track, but they are too heavy and comfortable to be a true sports car, and they were never intended to be anything but a super sedan. I didn't want two sports sedans, I wanted a sports car and a sedan.
Now I look at an M5 as a possible third car in a year or two. Probably an E28, since I have always wanted one, even though I like the performance and comfort of the E34 more.
When my thoughts changed to keeping the 325i as a daily driver and getting a second car for nice weather driving and occasional track use I again looked at the M5 (both E28 and E34).
Ultimately I decided I wanted something a little faster and a little more suitable for spirited driving and track use, so I got an NSX. Even thought it is only marginally faster than an E34 M5, it has a much greater perception of speed than the more isolated E34.
Don't get me wrong, M5s run very well at the track, but they are too heavy and comfortable to be a true sports car, and they were never intended to be anything but a super sedan. I didn't want two sports sedans, I wanted a sports car and a sedan.
Now I look at an M5 as a possible third car in a year or two. Probably an E28, since I have always wanted one, even though I like the performance and comfort of the E34 more.
good call
thanks for the info man. i'm not really looking to track the m5. i'm going to track my current 325i (which you can see by clicking the m3 in my signature) when i buy another car. i have to say if i don't get the E34 m5, i REALLY want an e30 m3. also, how are the repair/ maintanence costs of an m5 of this gen. i have an e30 325, and it's not that expensive to fix at all. however, all the sources i've seen say the m5 is really expensive to maintain, but also say it's only marginally more expensive than the car i already own. maybe my perception of repair costs is just off because it's the only car i've owned. i dunno, but i'd like to. thanks
thanks for the info man. i'm not really looking to track the m5. i'm going to track my current 325i (which you can see by clicking the m3 in my signature) when i buy another car. i have to say if i don't get the E34 m5, i REALLY want an e30 m3. also, how are the repair/ maintanence costs of an m5 of this gen. i have an e30 325, and it's not that expensive to fix at all. however, all the sources i've seen say the m5 is really expensive to maintain, but also say it's only marginally more expensive than the car i already own. maybe my perception of repair costs is just off because it's the only car i've owned. i dunno, but i'd like to. thanks
Re: good call
The older, hand-built M-cars like the E34 M5 and E30 M3 can be expensive to maintain. These cars are getting older, and things start to wear out. In addition to all of the usual E34 and E30 problems, you have the M-specific parts. Some of these are just trim pieces, but many are mechanical and cost a ridiculous amount of money.
The engine is the primary source of cost in either car. The M3 S14 engine is of course just 2/3 of the M5 S38 engine. Valve adjustment is necessary. These engines came from the factory in a very high state of tune, so they can be a bit tempermental. Neither car likes to idle for extended periods, given their aggressive cam profiles.
Mechanical condition is very important for these cars, particularly the engines. New engines or rebuilds can be extremely expensive. (Not 30k for a new NSX engine, but between 5-10k for a used or rebuilt one).
You may want to stay away from heavily modified cars. Chips aren't a problem, but a lot of people put an aggressive exhaust cam gear on the car, and this puts extra stress on the engine (my mechanic does not recommend using the cam sprocket). Maintenance is key.
I would rather have a car that was driven, but maintained, rather than one that sat in the garage. One thing to watch out for is a previous (recent) owner that couldn't really afford the car. Since prices are fairly low, people buy them who can't afford to maintain them.
You need to be able to budget at least $100/month for maintenance repairs, and have the ability to absorb large expenses if necessary.
The older, hand-built M-cars like the E34 M5 and E30 M3 can be expensive to maintain. These cars are getting older, and things start to wear out. In addition to all of the usual E34 and E30 problems, you have the M-specific parts. Some of these are just trim pieces, but many are mechanical and cost a ridiculous amount of money.
The engine is the primary source of cost in either car. The M3 S14 engine is of course just 2/3 of the M5 S38 engine. Valve adjustment is necessary. These engines came from the factory in a very high state of tune, so they can be a bit tempermental. Neither car likes to idle for extended periods, given their aggressive cam profiles.
Mechanical condition is very important for these cars, particularly the engines. New engines or rebuilds can be extremely expensive. (Not 30k for a new NSX engine, but between 5-10k for a used or rebuilt one).
You may want to stay away from heavily modified cars. Chips aren't a problem, but a lot of people put an aggressive exhaust cam gear on the car, and this puts extra stress on the engine (my mechanic does not recommend using the cam sprocket). Maintenance is key.
I would rather have a car that was driven, but maintained, rather than one that sat in the garage. One thing to watch out for is a previous (recent) owner that couldn't really afford the car. Since prices are fairly low, people buy them who can't afford to maintain them.
You need to be able to budget at least $100/month for maintenance repairs, and have the ability to absorb large expenses if necessary.
100 bucks a month huh...crapola...i dont think i spend more than 500 a year on my 325. except that i'm about to spend 300 for timing belt, 150 for brakes..that'll throw off my average a bit. well i'm not going to buy it until i'm sure i can afford it in the first place. i projected my budget/income over the next year and my goal is to be able to afford a 35 k car. i really like the e39 but can't afford an m5. i want an M car this time around. maybe i should look into an e30 m3 again...thanks for the input.
If you mean E39, and I think you do, either would be a good alternative to an E34 M5 and a more practical choice. A CPO 540i/6 or 530i/5, say 2000-2001 for the 540 and 2001 for the 530 would have a nice warranty and amenities beyond an old M-car.
Not as romantic or rare, but a 540i/6 is just about as quick as the old M5, and with a powerband much more suited for American driving styles and roadways. (Low end torque versus high end power). In fact, a 2001 540i (or 2001 X5 3.0) were the runner ups in my most recent acquisition of the TL
Not as romantic or rare, but a 540i/6 is just about as quick as the old M5, and with a powerband much more suited for American driving styles and roadways. (Low end torque versus high end power). In fact, a 2001 540i (or 2001 X5 3.0) were the runner ups in my most recent acquisition of the TL
If you did want one bad enough you could get hold of a 3.8 E34 in the states or to ship (i know it cost a fair wack though). But the 3.6 is still a more than capable car. the 3.8 has 340Hp and despite what the 540 owners like to think they stand no chanse on the straights or round the bends. True to 40Mph the 540i may hold with the M5 but after that will start to drop back. No E39 can stand up to the quality of the Hand Built racer. It gives you an aura that the newer cars cannot give you. If you've got the money theres nothing i could recommend more for the combination of blistering speed, poise and pure driver involvment. (the only electronic aid on my dads is ABS!) the E30 M3 is also a great buy and probably faster around the corners than the M5 (on a VERY twisty road) but doesn't have the acceleration. Remember with the M5 they say NOTHING out accelerates it from 60-120 this side of a 911 turbo!
hmmm
ok guys, i JUST entered a response and submitted it and some error came up so if there's two similar messages, forgive me.
in anycase, i'm a fan of ABS, and a fan of not having any other systems to save me, like epj3 had mentioned. i'm putting in a momo steering wheel as soon as i get my next car, so i don't have to worry about airbags.![[thumb]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumb.gif "Thumbs Up [thumb]")
(god this is wierd typing it all over again![[?|]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_banghead.gif "Bang Head [?|]")
) i think that the love and personal connection people have with their cars is far more important than practicality or cost efficiency. i don't care how practical driving an M car for everyday purposes is. if i'm going to love the hell out of it, and maybe even pay 100 bucks a month for repairs etc, so be it. i'd much rather have a relationship with an expensive-to-maintain car, than have all of these fancy new comforts etc, in a less expensive-to-maintain car. it's all about the M love, baby. on a side note, if you've never looked at your car and found that you're no longer breathing, you need to buy an older car! go e30s
epj3 said:
Hehe same with my car mikev, ABS and that's it. No dsc or tcs or whatever to save my ass when I screw up ![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
I still think an e34 M5 would be so cool, but honestly a 540i would probably be more practical and cheaper to maintain.
I still think an e34 M5 would be so cool, but honestly a 540i would probably be more practical and cheaper to maintain.
in anycase, i'm a fan of ABS, and a fan of not having any other systems to save me, like epj3 had mentioned. i'm putting in a momo steering wheel as soon as i get my next car, so i don't have to worry about airbags.
(god this is wierd typing it all over again ) i think that the love and personal connection people have with their cars is far more important than practicality or cost efficiency. i don't care how practical driving an M car for everyday purposes is. if i'm going to love the hell out of it, and maybe even pay 100 bucks a month for repairs etc, so be it. i'd much rather have a relationship with an expensive-to-maintain car, than have all of these fancy new comforts etc, in a less expensive-to-maintain car. it's all about the M love, baby. on a side note, if you've never looked at your car and found that you're no longer breathing, you need to buy an older car! go e30s
Re: hmmm
While I am no stranger to automotive passion, I think that one may want to consider the downsides of having such a wonderful car as a daily driver if it is going to be your only vehicle.
If you are dead set on an M-car, I think you will want to keep you e30 or buy a beater for use when you don't want to take the M out in inclement weather or to a particular event or location. Commuting, parking lots, etc. take their toll on a car that should be preserved. That doesn't mean it should sit in the garage under a cover all of the time, but I couldn't stand to see an M5 become the rolling salt lick that my TL is in the Wisconsin winters.
e30fr3@k said:
i think that the love and personal connection people have with their cars is far more important than practicality or cost efficiency. i don't care how practical driving an M car for everyday purposes is. if i'm going to love the hell out of it, and maybe even pay 100 bucks a month for repairs etc, so be it. i'd much rather have a relationship with an expensive-to-maintain car, than have all of these fancy new comforts etc, in a less expensive-to-maintain car. it's all about the M love, baby. on a side note, if you've never looked at your car and found that you're no longer breathing, you need to buy an older car! go e30s
If you are dead set on an M-car, I think you will want to keep you e30 or buy a beater for use when you don't want to take the M out in inclement weather or to a particular event or location. Commuting, parking lots, etc. take their toll on a car that should be preserved. That doesn't mean it should sit in the garage under a cover all of the time, but I couldn't stand to see an M5 become the rolling salt lick that my TL is in the Wisconsin winters.
Re: not to worry
Maybe, maybe not.
If the M-car is insured as your occasional car, i.e. not the daily driver, it should be very reasonable.
There are a multitude of factors that go into insurance rates. Multiple car discounts help a lot, particularly if the sports car is not the daily driver.
For example. I went from paying up around $150/month for the BMW alone to $105 for the BMW and $75 for the NSX. The net impact of the NSX was only $30/month. The NSX is fully insured, year-round, with no mileage limitation.
Now I am paying $60 for the TL and $30 for the NSX, since an old ticket finally expired.
![[burnout]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_burnout.gif "Burnout [burnout]")
e30fr3@k said:
even though insurance will nail me.
If the M-car is insured as your occasional car, i.e. not the daily driver, it should be very reasonable.
There are a multitude of factors that go into insurance rates. Multiple car discounts help a lot, particularly if the sports car is not the daily driver.
For example. I went from paying up around $150/month for the BMW alone to $105 for the BMW and $75 for the NSX. The net impact of the NSX was only $30/month. The NSX is fully insured, year-round, with no mileage limitation.
Now I am paying $60 for the TL and $30 for the NSX, since an old ticket finally expired.