E34 518?

[grantfk10]

What are peoples opinions on the 518?
I'm almost tempted to have one as a daily, is it cheap enough to run? Is it underpowered for the size of the car? Any hints/tips appreciated............

[B7]

Actually a better car than a 520. Better consumption and lighter over the nose. I had 2 525's (an M20 and an M50) and my bro in law had a 90 518. I was shocked at how nice it drove and it felt.

They are not to be dismissed IMO. Obviously as a Manual though

[320Touring]

I've heard that the m43 518i are preferable to the 520i.. the m43 is chain driven and seems fairly robust

as for e34's in general

Fronts suspension wears out and is expensive and annoying to replace (double wishbone setup)

Leaks from fuel lines common

Shot rear bushes

Central locking gremlins- esp on rear doors.

Sills are a common Rot point- lots of them have been patched at the rear

Boots are small for such a large car (very shallow)

Steering boxes can show play and be an MOT fail..

But, if those bits seem ok, they're a damn good buy

[Blitz]

Also check for rust at the bottom of the doors, rear arches, front wings, rear boot lid and Fuel filler cap.

[darkchild]

They're not a bad car at all. I'd avoid the M40 ones because the M43 is simply a much, much better engine (chain driven, roller rockers). Not quick but they have decent low down torque which makes them a more pleasant drive than a 520i. The M43 is a very easy thing to work on and apart from needing the odd head gasket they're bulletproof. The later models with the wider grill look better IMO.

[fingerman]

I've had 2 M43'd Manual 518's and used them as dailys, cheap enough to run and insure, and could get around 550 miles from the tank.

Only sold the last one as I was bored with it

[Blitz]

E34's have massive 80L fuel tanks.

[robbo86]

E34's have massive 80L fuel tanks.

Amen to that.... Used to cry every time I filled my 525 up

[e30topless]

I have a 518i E34, when i got it I expected the worse on the motorway ect, but was very suprised !

the M43 is a lively little donk, great all rounder good mpg ect, will cruise at 80 all day

[fingerman]

E34's have massive 80L fuel tanks.

Amen to that.... Used to cry every time I filled my 525 up

You wanna try owning an E38

[Simon13]

90l on the M5 no?

[grantfk10]

Cheers guys, I may go and have a look today...........

[fingerman]

Did you see the old Barge ?

[Blitz]

This is nice. I so want one.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1995-BMW-518-SE-G ... 624wt_1139

[TheHeap]

Do you have to be careful of the alloys? Funny tyre sizes and all that?

[Blitz]

Yeah there metric wheel's. Most people just replace them with 15" BBS or E39 or E60 wheels. Its a shame the tyres are so expensive because there look nice.

[fozzymandeus]

That's a winner. M43 engine too.