A Complete & Comprehensive Guide to Buying/ Inspecting A BMW E34 5 Series | Covers Every E34 Issue!

A couple years ago I compiled a quick BMW E34 Buyer's guide showing things to look for when buying a 1989-1995 Generation BMW 5 series. Also known as the E34, one of BMW's Best cars ever. Well at the time I didn't have great camera equipment and I missed A LOT of important details, however the video has done thousands of views indicating that people really want to know about the issues E34s might have before purchasing one, or inspecting one they just purchased.
So given my knowledge has grown and my equipment has improved I have made a new edition, this time as you can tell by the hour long video, its an extensive one. Showing EVERY SINGLE worry point on a BMW E34 possible, from body work identifiers to engine problems to worn suspension components. This video shows you how to inspect a E34 from top to bottom and then some.
We have exterior problems, rust problems, interior problems, engine problems, underside suspension/chassis problems, and also how it should drive!

I hope this video helps people who either want to buy an E34 or people who own one and just need some guidance on possible issues their car is having.

[madmanwheelies]

1year ago looked your old video and get mine e34 touring didnt regret one second ❤❤❤

[robertkasten]

I have had owned and wrenched on my E34 540i/6 for nearly 30 years now. This is absolutely terrific stuff bro!

[ME]

Amazing video! =)) E34 owner since 2003 and I think you nailed it. Greetings from Sweden.

[gto]

Perfect timing, im about to inspect e34 520i with m20b20 in couple of days

[EthanE]

When you do get to the fuel lines, you should do a tutorial!

[_td]

Neat! I always enjoy learning about new generations of BMW thanks for the knowledge. I am an E28 guy, I always forget the E34 is a classic now. Gosh my E28 is old.

[Goongine]

Picked up a 1989 BMW e34 520i, and man its work. Got it for 600 bucks with almost no interior. The paint is rolled white and its the worst but rust wise is only the driver side floor. Going to try and restore this car as best as I can. Will for sure do a engine swap since it has the m20b20 engine its slow but might keep and restore it for now.

[wrxnfx]

Awesome video sir
Thank you very much

[Pansu]

Decent info. One thing you forgot on the gas tank is its gas lines and air lines that rot away easily. Mine was rotted out and started smelling a lot of gas fumes. These fumes could make the car a fire hazard. 😀

[ihate_x]

Thank you for this, Josh. You’ve convinced me to get one of these (if not now, eventually). Not that I need a new project rn 😅 (only one of my 3 cars is barely running rn)

[joe-e]

Josh always got the knowledge on lock 🔥💯🗣️

[richardvand.]

Thanks Josh,

Very recognizable. Just had the fenders of my E34 B10 replaced (and therefore the entire front section, hood and doors resprayed) because of rust that was not visible on the outside. Found out that the lower left trim piece is NLA (right is still available) except for one last ‘new old stock’ on eBay that I had to buy despite the outrageous price the seller requested for it.😱

Some parts are more and more difficult to find nowadays.

[michaelppaull]

Josh, I'm a long time viewer and now an owner of a 6 speed 540, and you're the man for anything e34!! I have a diff question. Before I go back through all your videos in search of my answer I'll ask you here. I have an LSD out of a 750iL that I want to install in my 540 and I know that I need to swap the flange for it to fit. I know that setting the proper "preload", or whatever its called, is essential for proper function and damage prevention, and Im planning on having a shop do that for me with the proper equipment. Besides swapping the flange, I also ordered all new hardware as well as a new C/V gasket and diff cover gasket. Do you have any further wisdom for that process? Thanks so much in advance if you happen to read this and get a chance to respond! Thanks for all your hard work and info helping us keep these cars on the road :)

[mikesphoenix_em]

great video yet again josh found it so interesting add love to own another e34 again but got enough going on with the e36 and e46 m3 😅

[itsreal]

Every time I think about getting into a new project, always double down on my 95' 525I. Don't see them much anymore, especially a 5-speed. Want to keep it going no matter what.

[deviouscarma]

im looking to get one of these cars in the future currently i own an f32 435i and an older 523i e39 but im leaning towards going something like an e34 for its styling and character so cool!

[nicholaskolomiets]

wish i saw this before i sent it and bought a e34 couple weeks ago lol

[myeditedhandle]

Shit man I’m not even tryna buy an E34 rn and I’m still watching the full

[ItsLaniBro]

please can you do a e36 video whenever you can, I've been thinking of getting one and i would like to hear your opinion about that car

[alx]

damn bro wheres the hoodie from looks sick