E30 Zone

Hey all, just looking for some information. First off, I'm from the states so we didn't get turbo diesel cars.

Someone local has a 525 tds that was imported from Germany in 1999. cosmoshwartz metallic. 5 speed. i was thinking about this, since I don't really need the 90 325is I just picked up.

says it gets like 30 city 38 highway. black cloth (id try to find some leather) and it has the power front windows crank in back (like my touring, and the e36 touring up the road).

has 140k, recent water pump anf fan clutch, said body has a couple spots bubblin but nothin major


Anyone have any feedback on these? i just really want something with good gas mileage, and I wouldn't mind a 5 instead of a 3. Already have the touring for summer cruising.



I offered him a straight up trade on my 90 325is. seta bottom end 2.5 top, new radiator, t stat, just replaced the tb, sony cd/mp3 and infinity's all around, etc. he seems interested.

Not a bad car, if its the right price. Biggest weak spot is the diesel injector pump, after 100000 miles they are usually on borrowed time and are a very expensive to replace/ recon. A good 525tds is a reasonably pleasant tram but in my opinion the potential for big bills outweigh the potential fuel savings unless its very cheap. The other issue worth considering, as a non federal model ,resale will be very difficult.

I think resale wouldn't be too bad, since there are so few, if any, in the states

in terms of price, it would just be a straight up trade for my black e30 coupe with a stroker that I posted up there.

what does the injector pump go for? exactly what system do they use for fuel delivery in these motors?

any other problems?

any idea of the hp/tq put out by these?

My dad had an e34 525 tds on a 94 plate, when it was nearly new, He had it a few years and did mega mileage in it, Never had one problem with it and reckons its one of the best cars he's had, He sold it with about 150k on the clock and said it still drove well.

Not sure of torque but bhp is 143, and can get that up by chipping/remapping.

my neighbour has a 1994 525tds touring and he;s on 250k now and says that his turbo is poss on it's way out

anyone know specs and mod possibilities? i cant find much info as they dont have them on this continent

Not sure of specs etc, As my dad had his about 10 yrs ago. Do remember it was manual with leather interior, The colour of car was dark blue metalic, not sure what the colours called though, Sorry i dont know much else. Im sure if you search the net you will find more info on modding etc, or someone on here will come along to point you in right direction.

Hi Mate

Ive had a 525tds and it was a brillient cruiser - often doing 40mpg on runs @ 90mph+

I also tried it with veg oil and it ran even better! Major issue on these cars is that the fuel pump can be a major expense. (£900+ for a recon fitted!) Signs of failure are that the car will cut out when there is a load on (lights, fans, power steering) when travelling slowly (~10mph).

I had a car for 2 years like this and just started it up when it cut out. Sometimes you can get around it by pressing the accelerator whilst parking and it was fine for me (mine was auto - worse on manual as it can cut out when coasting round roundabouts ive heard!)

Having said this - using a veg oil mix stopped it from cutting out and it was great when driving it. Car is now in Southern Ireland and was sold privatly via ebay beacuse it ran well on veg oil!

Would i buy another - prob not as i found it very thirsty around town - maybe go for a 525i as they are not that much worse in economy, better acceleration, and chippable to over 200bhp.

Would i buy another e34 - most definatly - well built and minimal wind noise - you close all the windows/sunroof - and your ears pop its so quiet inside!

The only way you will get 50mpg out of an e34 or e36 with the tds engine is down a steep hill with it turned off, 40+ is possoible if you only use motorways and drive at 70 everywhere. I know, i'm tight and i've tried in nice low mileage ones . I know people with high mileage turds who are averaging 24-30 mpg !. I will stick to petrol i think !.

pacerpete wrote:The only way you will get 50mpg out of an e34 or e36 with the tds engine is down a steep hill with it turned off, 40+ is possoible if you only use motorways and drive at 70 everywhere. I know, i'm tight and i've tried in nice low mileage ones . I know people with high mileage turds who are averaging 24-30 mpg !. I will stick to petrol i think !.

Thats where the diesel pump problem helps get you more mileage - it keeps turning off!

Easyjet or e34 ,thats a tough choice !

Offtopic a bit, but has anyone got a pic or measurments of a tds clutch?

I need a 228mm clutch to use with my E46 320Cd 6spd box.
The input shaft is splined rather than toothed