Some E34 Questions

[Si-Chef]

Hi guys!

I`m buying a beemer and would need some advice. I really love the E32, but will probably have to settle with a E34 because insurance for it is a LOT cheaper in my country and it`s also smaller which means parking in the city is easier.

I`ve done some research and found out that E32 is basically a luxurized E34. One of the first mods I would do would be swap the seats from a e32 into it, but as I`ve read, the chassis on both cars is very similar, so would it be possible to use shock absorbers from a E32 on a E34? The E32 has a much smoother ride, but the wheelbase length is only three inches different, so I guess the shocks make the ride smoother, I don`t need a stiff suspension.
Would this be adequate or should I really go for a e32 if I want the luxury ride?

Thanks

[sp0rky]

Go for the e32.
While the e32 and e34 are ery similar, the bushings and everything on the 5er seem to be a bit stiffer in terms of feeling. The car will never be as smooth.

How do I know? I have swapped stiff shocks from my e34 to a buddies e32 and his ride was STILL smoother than my car was stock. The shocks do fit, but through fitment I saw a few issues that aren't safety issues, but you can tell that they weren't meant to be interchanged.

The e34 is nice, but boy is it a boat. It feels like driving my exact car - it just doesn't handle nearly as well.

As for seats... 90% of e32s you find (at least here in the US) will have the same seats as the e34 so I don't think you would want to swap.

In the end, my buddy with his e32 always asks if we can trade. lol.
IMO for a luxury ride, though.. Lexus, Mercedes, etc have more of that than any BMW. Even the e32 has some road feel.

Get what makes you happy the frst time around, Don't get an e34 and try to make it an e32, it just won't happen. The e34 will provide you with more fun though. It handles VERY nice for a sedan of this size.

[Si-Chef]

The e34 will provide you with more fun though. It handles VERY nice for a sedan of this size.

Hehe, I know. That is exactly where the E34 pros are sitting, next to being cheaper to own and maintain (and easier to sell). You can`t drift with a siebner like with a funfer

I`m no BMW specialist, but I mentioned the springs and shocks swap because I`ve read some reviews, heard some opinions and the E32 suspension has been praised all over for being so smooth over bumps, it sounds crazy, but I LOVE cars in which bumps are barely noticable.
Thanks for the advice, I`ll try to find a good E34 and somehow try to make it less bumpable

About Lexus and Mercedes... If you know german you can read this comparison CLICK, if you can`t you can at least see the numbers, the 7 series won over other brands and it also posesses the BMW driving feel, which I am fond of. And I can get BMW parts for zero money and drown in debt if buying Mercedes and Lexus spare parts, at least here.

Cheers

[sp0rky]

Well I'm glad to hear that we may have another proud e34 owner soon.
The only reason I mentioned Mercedes and Lexus is because they are in-fact much smoother over bumps than even the 7 series. Although I would be confident in saying that the 7 series is a better car with a better feel. (IMO) It's just that you WILL feel the bumps more in the 7er than other "luxury" brands, but thats part of the BMW experience. Other than bumps, it has to be the damn smoothest running car mechanically. The 5 is also that way. If you like the older big 6 7s, I'd check into a 535, and if you like the newer v8 powered 7ers, check the late model e34 530 or 540. They share the same engine and transmission, etc.

Good luck with your purchase.

[antose9]

I wouldn`t go for E32, because:
The car tends to break down much more than E34 - especially 750 V12 somehow they are less reliable. E34 is, like somebody said, much more fun to drive - yes, it is a boat, but then E32 is a cruise shipp - E34 is also easier to play around with aftermarket parts, performance stuff and etc. there`s not too many cool stugg for 7-er. E34 feels handles much better, sharper and more "driver friendly", rather than "passenger friendly" 7-er...

Also, performance wise, E34 wins hands down, because if you want 7 -er to be "ultimate driving mashine" V12 750 would be the right choice, with enough power to move 2-ton monster. 735 and 740 kinda slow, considering the size of the car. And boy, they are thirsty.... While E34, smaller car, anything over 3.0 liters will give you pleasure. (I drive 540 - sweet as nuts)...
Also, parts and maintainance are much more affordable with E34 IMHO... When I turn 50 and become CEO of a bank or oil company I might consider buying 7 series... But I`m young and I don`y need sofa on wheels.. so I chose E34 540
just my 2 sents. Good luck,. whichever you choose - BMW`s are all terrific cars

[tstolber]

I went from a hot hatch Ford (urrgghh!) Escort XR3i to my current BMW E34.

When I took it out for a test drive I was expecting it to be a complete boat and handle realy bad - How much further from the truth that was!

I was increadibly impressed with the handling of such a big car. The balance, in true bmw 50/50 front/rear tradition, was excellent and the car was perfectly set up. It out handles any little hot hatch even round some realy tigh and twisty corners!

Long story short - I am very impressed - the handling is the best aspect of the car for me!

[Torque]

The fact is, BMW will be a lot stiffer than other cars... Every time I drive my car after being in someone's Camry or Accord, I feel like I'm off-roading.

The pros: you always know what's going on... in other cars I feel detached from it... like it's driving me, not the vice-versa.

And lastly, as someone said long time ago: "A car this big isn't supposed to handle this well. It's scary."

[sp0rky]

Originally posted by Torque@May 26 2005, 07:56 AM
The fact is, BMW will be a lot stiffer than other cars... Every time I drive my car after being in someone's Camry or Accord, I feel like I'm off-roading.

[snapback]347968[/snapback]

hahahaha.... mines lowered with H&R springs, bilstein shocks and I have 17" wheels... The other day, I got in my car after getting out of a lexus. LOL.. what a difference I never realized my car was THAT stiff. :P

[Torque]

Originally posted by sp0rky+May 26 2005, 12:12 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sp0rky @ May 26 2005, 12:12 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Torque@May 26 2005, 07:56 AM
The fact is, BMW will be a lot stiffer than other cars... Every time I drive my car after being in someone's Camry or Accord, I feel like I'm off-roading.

[snapback]347968[/snapback]

hahahaha.... mines lowered with H&R springs, bilstein shocks and I have 17" wheels... The other day, I got in my car after getting out of a lexus. LOL.. what a difference I never realized my car was THAT stiff. :P

[snapback]348020[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
Indeed. I have a freind that runs over speed bumps at like 25 in his Toyota and you can barely feel it... If I was to do that in the 5, It would probably shatter all my teeth.