eMotors.ca and author of the article below cannot in any way be held responsible nor liable for any of the content or for any use or misuse of the information provided in the article. eMotors.ca and the author of the article cannot guarantee the accuracy or correctness of the information provided in the article, therefore, the information provided by the article can only be used at your own risk.
The content and the photos of this article are copyrighted and provided as a courtesy by

What Will Break

Author : Bill R. Posted on : 15/02/2005
Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Misc
Source : http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/what_will_break.htm
 

The Bmw E34 is a strong car with bulletproof engines (except the nikasil V8), but around 70-120k miles, you will need to have a full bank account or good tools and understanding wife/husband.

This is what will or might happened from the most to the least probable, by the well known Bill R:

1. Self locking bolts on cam oil spray bar. Look for worn camshaft lobes from this.
2. Hood & trunk gas lifts.
3. Front suspension: tie rod ends, ball Joints, possibly struts and bearings. Thrust arm bushings.
4. Sway bar links and bushings. Rear differential mount and rear subframe bushings.
5. Fan clutch on water pump.
6. Brake rotors, pads, sensors, timing belt and tensioner (M20), brake or clutch switch.
7. Exhaust components, usually muffler. O2 sensor.
8. Heater control valve, Fan speed control whether sword or resistor pack. A/C compressor.
9. Differential speed sensor.
10. Clutch, Driveshaft ujoints center bearing guibos.
11. Radiator and hoses. Thermostat.Water pump
12. Doors restraint (the metal bar that stops the door from opening too far) is attached to the very thin metal of the door frame and is starting to fatigue and crack.
13. Gauge cluster, usually capacitors repair for 5.00in parts or purchase 750.00 rebuilt unit.
14. Steering box, excessive play on center, sometimes just an adjustment.
15. Light control module (LKM) repair or replace.
16. Seat cables modified. Arm rest repair. Door panels above armrest coming unglued.Sunroof drains plugging and sunroof seals out of aligment.
17. Wheel bearings front and rear, usually front first. Sealed unit you must buy the entire hub. Cv boots on rear axles.
18. Oil canister (oil filter housing) valve is failing. This is BMW mistake. Canister needs to be changed (M30 engine only).
19. Fuel pump relay and main relay.
20. Glove box latch.
21. Excessive play in shifter handle on automatic. Adjustment.
22. Automatic transmission depending on maintenance.
23. Timing chain tensioner.
24. Fuel pump.
25. Occasionaly an oil pump. Not that common.
26. Occasionaly a headgasket. Common on M30 engine with the coolant that had not been changed every 2 years.
27. After 400k miles, you should change your engine :-)

Always bring the E34 you want to buy to a BMW dealer or an independent mechanic to have it checked, this could save you a lot of money.

Thanks Bill R.
 

Pictures

Picture 1

Click on the thumbnails to see larger images.

 

References

  • http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/what_will_break.htm
    •  


    Jack Up The Front of a Lowered BMW
    Model : BMW, 3 - Series (E36) 1991-99 Category : Misc
    ... to be very high off of the ground (oil change) use ramps. If you are doing work that requires the front of the car to be high off the ground (shift lever install) use both. If the front is lifted pretty high the tires probably won't touch the ramps, but it's still nice to have them there if you're going to be under your car. Place the ramps under the front tires and/or the jackstands underneath ... (more)
    Posted : 26 October 2004 Author : Chris
     
    ASC + T Explained
    Model : BMW Category : Misc
    ... The car's first traction problem comes from the differential. The differential is a gear unit that couples the rear wheels to the single driveshaft coming from the transmission. It has to transmit power from the transmission, while allowing the rear wheels to spin at different speeds. The wheels need to turn at different speeds because when the car goes around a corner, the outside ... (more)
    Posted : 5 November 2004 Author : Brian Brown
     
    Winter Storage
    Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Misc
    ... grease to rubber weather-strips all around. 4. Cedar board might help to prevent insects. 5. Close all vents. Battery: 1. Remove the battery and store it in a warm place. 2. Set it on a piece of wood (to avoid power drainage), away from open flame, sparks or... children. Tires: 1. You might want to remove the tires to remove the weight of the car. 2. Place all four corners of your E34 on ... (more)
    Posted : 10 December 2004 Author : bmwe34.net
     
    Track Preparation
    Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Misc
    ... Prepare the car: Outside - Mechanic • Rain-X your windshield if it looks like rain. • Bring your car to a reputable garage to have it checked thoroughly. Some driving schools give you a form to have filled out from your favorite mechanic. • Torque all the wheels at the same value (around 80ft/lb). • Check your tire pressure and bring a good tire gauge and a compressor if you have one. Inflate ... (more)
    Posted : 10 December 2004 Author : Dragos
     
    Winter Driving
    Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Misc
    ... in your car. 8. Keep some none perishable food and bottled water. Exterior: 1. Thoroughly clean and wax the E34 (some people recommend using an acrylic sealant instead of wax for extreme winter condition). 2. Lubricate doors, hood and trunk latches. 3. Check the undercarriage and apply rubber, or asphalt undercoating, in damaged areas. 4. Spray the alloy wheels with silicone spray to protect ... (more)
    Posted : 10 December 2004 Author : bmwe34.net
     
    Browse by title :
    # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
    Browse by make :
    A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | M | N | P | S | T | V