E34 525ix - what to look for

[Topblag]

I've decided to sell my low mileage, rot free 325ix and have put a deposit down on a 1995 m50b25 525ix tourer manual with 168k miles running lpg. Pick it up Monday.

I've done some reading and it appears that the suspension is the thing to look for, as it's expensive to replace, especially the self levelling rear end. In terms of rot it's bottom of doors, tailgate where the struts attach, sunroof panel and rear lights.

The second generation 4wd system is more advanced than the 1st and will last a long time if properly serviced.

There's a steering wobble to look for and also cooling/heating system.

The LPG system receipt is there and it's on the lpg register. Tank in the spare wheel well.

Anything else you'd recommend beyond checking 'usual stuff' you would check on any other car ?

[BenHar]

E34s rot big time behind the plastic cill covers.

Steering wobble is nothing to worry about. It's just bushes and ball joints.

Ben

[e30topless]

A Derv turd with nearly half the miles Col !

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-525-iX-/2 ... 338d427ad5

[Simon13]

I'm in the middle of reviving an early 92 iX touring. Well mine just missed out on a vanos engine. I've seen the car your on about, it was £1995? Looked like a good one in the pictures.

I'm binning my SLS as its all knackered and rusty.

The front end on these is nothing like a regular e34 they use an e30 style front wishbone and a steering rack.

Discs are unique to this car, i've read the rears were regular e34 stuff but they aren't. I've got a complete set coming from GSF for £240 the set. But he had to ring a supplier for them it wasn't straight forward! The front pads are the same as the e36 M3

The rest of the rear suspension is regular e34 with SLS, but the front shocks and springs are unique to the car. The wheels are et54! Which limits you a little as to what you can fit

[BenHar]

The front end on these is nothing like a regular e34 they use an e30 style front wishbone and a steering rack.

Wasn't aware of this, sorry. But still only going to be bushes and ball joints?

Rack on E34? Lovely.

Ben

[Simon13]

i didn't mean it like that,



just a couple of ball joints, a funny anti roll bar drop link and the rear wishbone bush was used on the e46 and shares the same part number!

They feel different to a normal e34 but mine is a shed at the moment and needs some fettling suspension wise, well the whole car but thats the fun

[BenHar]

i didn't mean it like that,

Like what, sorry?

I meant that a rack on an E34 should be great.

The only thing wrong with standard E34s is the floaty steering box.

(Check behind the plastic on the end of the cill!)

Ben

[Topblag]

A Derv turd with nearly half the miles Col !

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-525-iX-/2 ... 338d427ad5

That one was up for 3 large on gumtree. The damage and associated rot stands out a lot.

I've also got an lpg itch.

[pacerpete]

A Derv turd with nearly half the miles Col !

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-525-iX-/2 ... 338d427ad5

That one was up for 3 large on gumtree. The damage and associated rot stands out a lot.

I've also got an lpg itch.

That white turd is petrol,and the seller stupid. BMW never made an E34 dieseL IX .
Good to see you have finally seen the light Colin and embraced the superior shooting brake configuration
If you must have 4WD , also consider a Merc 124 4Matic wagon. They are similarly ,thirsty, cheap and unloved and a pain to source 4WD specific bits but very handy in dodgy conditions.
I am currently smoking a '95 TOTAL spec E320 wagon and I have to say it is the best £350 turd I have EVER owned . Shame about the 20 mpg around the houses

[nickso]

Good buy Col, I loved mine, was very good in the snow.

Shame I have not long chucked out a lot of iX stuff that might have been of use. Still have a set of wheels but you won't want them like everyone else. Is it style 32's I had on mine? Can't remember.

Just make sure the front end is spot on, Ritchie had a lot of hassle sourcing parts to get it through his last MOT. SLS is easy to delete, mine was and it still drove great.

[Topblag]

Good buy Col, I loved mine, was very good in the snow.

Shame I have not long chucked out a lot of iX stuff that might have been of use. Still have a set of wheels but you won't want them like everyone else. Is it style 32's I had on mine? Can't remember.

Just make sure the front end is spot on, Ritchie had a lot of hassle sourcing parts to get it through his last MOT. SLS is easy to delete, mine was and it still drove great.

Where did yours go Nick ? Did your IX stuff go in the crusher or are they with the car in a yard somewhere ?

Was given a set of anal eyes, lowering springs and possibly a set of style 32 reps with good rubber yesterday so I'm gathering non IX parts already. Think the SLS has already been deleted, back end sits low.

[Simon13]

Nick was your car a grey saloon i think i've seen pics of it on the 5 forum with e46 18 inch style 32s on it, no dish

[nickso]

No this was mine Simon, I have seen the one you mean though.


Colin, if the back sits low it will probably be deleted already. My iX went to a local lad who was going to use it for some gumball rally type thing....don't fancy his fuel bill for that one. Most of the spares went to the tip but a few were sold on.

[Topblag]

I've found another guy oop North on here, he's sold 2 on. At least there's some in Scotland.

Looks good on style 32s, which is nice.

[nickso]

Style 32's are pretty much the only way on an iX, they look ace with them on.

My one had a tailgate bottom lip delete.....it was so rusty there was nowt left.

[bss325i]

Any E36/E46 rim should fit as the offsets are virtually the same.

I have a nice staggered set of genuine 18" Alpina's in the correct offset if any deviants are interested?

[Topblag]

I can't do it. One expensive hobby is more than enough !

[Simon13]

Any E36/E46 rim should fit as the offsets are virtually the same.

I have a nice staggered set of genuine 18" Alpina's in the correct offset if any deviants are interested?

Would staggered rims work with the 4wd?

[bss325i]

Any E36/E46 rim should fit as the offsets are virtually the same.

I have a nice staggered set of genuine 18" Alpina's in the correct offset if any deviants are interested?

Would staggered rims work with the 4wd?

Yes, it's rolling circumference that matters with 4WD.

[Simon13]

e34's don't like 18's

I'll offer £200

Nick they look like 17's?

I've found with the the 3 series wheels they fit fine but stick in a bit like they need spacers to "stance" it up

[bss325i]

Good luck!

Besides, it would take more than a set of rimz to improve the looks of the nautic green land tug.

[Simon13]

shes beaut and your just jealous my optioned wagon.

[Topblag]

That's it now up the road. Blower motor, sunroofs, horn and rear window jets no worky and rot on a subframe below the radiator. Solid car with lots of suspension receipts in last 5 years, all from main dealer and the SLS works !

Ran it home at with an hour on the twistys and 4 on the motorway and it never missed a beat, running between the petrol and lpg. No knocks, bangs, whines, clunks or steering issues.

And the best bit for me - the fag lighter and torch still work !

[Simon13]

So it drives well? the LPG will help alot but at least its manual! I get the feeling its alot better than my one

[bss325i]

Well that's not hard is it?

[Topblag]

So it drives well? the LPG will help alot but at least its manual! I get the feeling its alot better than my one

It does. It's thirsty but an e34 tourer running 4wd with a M50b25 is never going to be great on fuel.

The comforting thing is the money spent on suspension over the years, it's been well cared for.

I'm liking how these things are out together, don't look too daft to work on.

[DanThe]

Wheres the pics?

[Topblag]

Coming ! Won't be tonight as Knockhill is calling, IX win't be doing any laps though !