The E34 is also turning 35!
Unbelievable how fresh this BMW 5-series still looks. Soon the third generation (E34) will be 35 years old and fans will buy every copy they come across. The classic world now also knows how to appreciate him. For example, for the design. Powerful, with double headlights, good aerodynamics, a serious face and certainly not aggressive. It was also the first 5 Series of which a Touring appeared.
That the design has not really aged to this day can be explained. At the time, Claus Luthe was head of design at BMW and is known, among other things, as a designer of the NSU Ro 80. When drawing the E34, he received support from Ercole Spada, who until then worked a lot for Zagato and Ghia. Spada is proud of his Five to date; more than 1.33 million people bought an E34 between 1988 and 1996. Yes, it has indeed been 35 years since this model first rolled off the production line.
5 series is timeless design by Spada
Most E34s are in good hands. If an interesting copy is for sale, it will not be for long. Although we still have to get used to the fact that this timeless design from Spada has the potential to become a classic, it certainly says something about its qualities. The file has been thinned out considerably by copies with high counter readings, exorbitant tuning and export. If a nice E34 turns up somewhere, it is usually sold quickly. BMW itself has included this model in the classic collection. On the one hand, this guarantees the supply of spare parts, but on the other hand their prices are rising sharply. Fortunately, there are still plenty of used parts to be found for the time being.
Even entry-level 518i loved
Enthusiasts search for all types of E34. Even the entry-level model, the 518i with its modest 1.8-litre four-cylinder, finds friends thanks to its friendly running costs, while at the top end of the spectrum are the prices of the V8 versions (especially a manual 540i Touring) and those of the M5 with its fabulous six-cylinder have gone completely through the ceiling.
M50 six-cylinder with VANOS
About the six-cylinder: in the days of the E34, this engine was BMW’s showpiece. No other brand built six-cylinders in such large quantities, with such a wonderful sound, that hung on the gas so eagerly and very willingly made high revs, all pure and anything but synthetic. This is especially true for the M20 and M30 engines. But the more modern 24-valve M50 introduced in 1990 also appeals to the imagination. Mainly because they are a lot more economical, especially since 1992, when the variable camshaft adjustment VANOS was introduced.
5 series E34 has no real weaknesses
The E34 has no serious weaknesses. It is not known as a rust bucket, points of attention are the sills, the bottoms of the doors and the sheet metal around the tank flap, which are quite easy to detect. Also check under the car, as the fuel and brake lines are often in poor condition. The technology lasts a long time, especially the M50 engines have an excellent reputation. Most common problems are a broken water pump and cracks in the thermostat housing.
The beautiful BMW 5 Series dashboard.
All in all, the E34 is outgrowing the status of an ordinary second-hand car and is slowly but surely entering the classic world. His fans already know that and follow his trail. Anyone who is still in doubt will soon be fishing behind the net.
View the BMW’s 5-series of this generation that are for sale on this site
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl