and something caught my eye. It's dangerous stuff leaving me with an internet connection when I'm bored.... Looking at old BMWs is almost porn to me
.....!
So I went along telling myself that I would only have a look - and that I'd only take a little cash with me so I wouldn't spend it all......
However, it didn't work out - I ended up buying another E34 on Saturday - my excuse this time is that the missus can have this one - with the plan being that we'll keep it as a road-going car, that can be used for some 'light' track use. - For the future I have some light modifications in store...
What it actually is, is a 1994 540i 6-Speed Manual in Orient Blue, with Light Grey Full Leather Electric Sport Seats. (with traction control !).
Anyhow, here's what it looks like, as is, when I got it home :-
The guy I bought it off had done come mechanical improvements - and this has actually already done some laps of both Brands Hatch, and the 'ring, apparently !
There's a few things that stuck-out in the ad that quite appealed to me with this car - the previous owner poured a load of money into it during his 2 -year ownership:-
Full Replacement of all of the Air-con system - the auto-air-con (a system I've never seen before in an E34), works like the day it did when this car came out of the factory - nice.
Here's some of the bits that he also improved or changed :-
Exterior:
Orient blue paintwork with shadowline trim
HIDs 6k (white light)
LED sidelights
Clear front & side indicators and clear rear lights.
Engine:
M60 4 Litre 32v V8
Currently running an EAT chip from Mark d'Sylva in the US
KUDOS metal cone filter.
Gearbox - std
Differential - changed to an LSD with 3.15 ratio from a 750i.
Wheels:
Staggered 17" BMW 5 spokes
It's also had a load of suspension arms and bushes done, a new water-pump, radiator, battery, new rear discs and pads, and a stereo system that would put the local chavs down at McDonalds to shame - should go well on eBay - I reckon
.
I felt that for the money, I couldn't really turn it down - although I have no need for it at all.
It needs some minor bits doing - the exhaust back box is well past its best, and the exhaust hangers are also looking a bit tired - will all need doing at the same time.
The bodywork is not terrible but it has quite a few dings, and the Orient Blue paintwork (which I must say is my favourite colour of any E34 I've seen so far), is a little tired and flat in places.
I'm not a fan of aftermarket / non-standard alloys, although the 17" Z3 2.8 alloys seem to go quite well. It's got a reversing 'dent' in the back bumper - so that'll need doing at some point, too.
On the plus point it's got a 12 month MOT and 6 months tax - so I'm quite pleased with this as it is.
Having test driven it - it seems to have a fair bit more go in it than the last E34 540i I had - even taking into account that was an auto, and I've read in a few places that they didn't make that many 540i RHD manuals for the U.K. Market - anyone know how many ?
I've given it to the missus as an early Christmas present. She loves it already !
We'll get some bits done on it, and then she can join us on some track days in the UK - as she wants to learn how to drive a RWD Car properly - I reckon this is as good a place to start as any.
Before you ask, yes I think I do need some help.
Linear Mode
