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Picking up and driving my new baby 250mi home

3K views 20 replies 11 participants last post by  RVAE34 
#1 ·
I recently purchased a '91 M5 (online auction) and am finally going up to get it this weekend. There's no indication that it can't make the 250 miles back to its new house, knock on wood. I'm pretty excited as this is my first M and I've wanted this particular generation for a long time (my top pick). I plan to have it inspected before driving it any more and address anything which is out of order.

I'll snap some pictures once its back. Is there anything I should bring for the journey in particular? Roll of duct tape and gas money are givens :)

Cheers
 
#4 ·
Multimeter, torch, wire, electrical tape and a roll bag of tools or small tool kit

Pick up some coolant and pentosin (hydraulic fluid) on the way

Watch the oil temp and water temp and keep an eye on the coolant and oil level

The only problems you are likely to have with a short trip like that with a car that's been driven regularly are cooling system, power steering leaks or some obscure electrical problem.

Drivetrain is basically bullet proof.
 
#20 ·
Congratulations! I just flew to Houston in February to buy my 08 M5 and drove it 825 miles back home to Atlanta the same day. My trip went smooth with zero issues.
Best of luck with yours!

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
 
#7 ·
Check all the rubber pieces attached to the engine.

When I drove mine home (over 800mi), I think the entire vacuum system disintegrated the first time I suddenly lifted the throttle when I came over a hill on the interstate, and suddenly all traffic in front was stopped.... . The rest of the drive was not so fun with variable power/rough running depending on how much of the vacuum system was gaping open at the time. The intake boot had 1/2-diameter crack (hidden on the underside) when I found it later.

This was my initiation to the S38, and I wish I knew then what I know now.
 
#9 ·
Coolant level sensors go bad on these, it's not a bad or expensive fix.

That was a great buy, I say; the market may prove me wrong but I sure think you snatched that up right as these cars are on the uptick. I'm curious how strong that motor is compared to an unopened S38, or even a fresh full-stock rebuild. I think we'll need some acceleration pull videos :D

Welcome, btw!
 
#10 ·
Thanks, I hope you're right. I didn't really buy it with resale in mind, but it's nice to know I'm "in" before prices get out of hand (theoretically). I've never driven a stock E34 M5 so I may have to upload some videos and have you guys decide :). How do you reckon it would hold up to a B38?

Any ownership tips? I have receipts for all years except from 99-05. I've been warned to make sure the cooling system is solid.
 
#12 ·
I'm the same way; rising values would be nice, but I'm not in it for such shallow gains :angel

Shoot, I have no idea how this motor would compare to a stock B36 or B38--the build sheet details could give you a better idea. Like if the custom pistons changed compression, etc. With a tight head job and the P&P and tune alone, I'll bet it's at B38 peak HP numbers (torque is a different story, though).

It sounds like a fairly sorted car, but there are many good threads here from full chassis-up restorations, to simple mechanical stuff (my thread has the latter). I sold mine but had to buy it back in 10 months (meanwhile selling an '86 Carrera 3.2), so I say there is something special about these old tanks.
 
#14 ·
Thanks Stang.

Bleedsblue, an 86 Carrera would be my dream car (am I allowed to say that here?!). Sorry to hear you sold it. I have a 944s2 as my other fun driver and I think I'll enjoy the contrast between these two German beauties.

AseanAero, thanks for the sobering info. I'll make sure the cooling system stays sorted. I'll be bringing it in to a highly recommended bmw shop this week to have an expert eye go over it.
 
#15 ·
Buying a house was the sole reason for selling my Carrera--I'll be back in the P-car game soon after for sure.

Good point about the cooling system; I only mentioned the faulty sensor since you said the coolant level was fine. Tony is 100% correct, like most BMW engines, the cooling system is the achilles heel of S38s.

Not something air cooled Porsches have to deal with... :D
 
#18 ·
Yes, the warning is for low coolant level only. If you look on the side of the clear, plastic tank you will see two full lines, one hot and one cold. Have a look at this to determine if the proper level is maintained. On top of that tank is a black plug with wires. If you remove it (cold engine only!) you will see the level sensor. Sometimes it's just a matter of the float getting stuck, so a cleaning and a light spray of WD40 will remedy that. If not, then a new sensor is in order. Just make sure to get genuine BMW parts. The aftermarket knockoffs are usually not worth it. False readings from the cooling system can become an expensive nightmare.

Good to know about Delta V. Looks like they are about 85 miles from me, so nice to have an alternative to the local independent talent/dealership here. I've got a great mechanic in Alexandria, but he's on the verge of retiring.
 
#21 ·
I just heard about your purchase. I would love to check the car out in person as I am in the market for an E34 M5 too. I have an ESS supercharged S62 swapped BMW E38 740 and attend cars and coffee often. I know the owner of Delta V as well as owners of a couple other BMW shops in town so we will have a lot to chat about.

Please PM me or email me at my username at gmail
 
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