My son has just purchased a (very) second hand E34 saloon, 525i, 1989/03 build. 166,000 Miles on the clock (we thought we had a bargain 'cos Aussies use Km) but it is still in good nick body and engine wise. Apparently has had some work done on the engine. Timing belt was replaced at 160,000 in 2009 according to the sticker.
Was originally someone's personal import from UK (hence speedo in MPH) in 2004. The first services were done by Bridgegate Ltd in Derby UK in 1989, one later was by Riverside Motors in Castleford and the last couple in the UK by Osmaston Service Station in Derby. First Oz service was by Ferber Automotive in Adelaide SA, and that is where the inspection record ends. (139,000 Miles)
First job is going to be suspension! It's not good. I have to convince son to part with some dollars. I'll keep my eye on the forums for bits and advice.
Yes I know it's my son's car but I figure I'm going to become the Bimmer mechanic in the family, hence joining the forum.
My own (fun) ride is a Mitsubishi RVR Hyper Sportsgear R, which is much easier than the 525 for an old fart like me to get in and out of. (But I still like the 525) (Wife has a Toyota Avalon for when I need a more comfy ride).
I think it's pretty cool that my 19yo son's FIRST car is a BMW! He has good taste I think.
All I have to do is teach him to look after it.
Last edited by Penngwyne; 12-01-2010 at 01:32 AM.
Reason: Change threadtitle
Just had some fun taking out passenger seat and finding out why the seat collapses backwards when trying to adjust. (As does drivers seat)
Due to twenty year old gas struts in the seat. Need a rebuild or new struts.
Clever way to use the same struts for back adjust & seat height too.
I'm impressed with the car. A GM Holden of the same age would have rust and dropped doors but these still close beautifully with that satisfying clunk.
Managed to modify some trim clips to put door trim back on after the old dead locked door problem. (It seems to be the LH rear from most of the posts I've seen). If they had turned the switch up the other way the water would not have destroyed the electric motors inside. Something else to look for.
OK so the gas struts have nothing to do with height adjustment.
Nearly gave myself one hefty CPR push and a fright. There must be a bloody strong spring wound up like a clock in the round bit at the back of the seat.
On the good side got drivers seat fitted with 2 reconditioned gas struts (approx $40 ea as against BMW $63) and the back doesn't flop down now.(should make any girls feel a bit safer when I get the passenger seat fixed next week) Half a ton each side makes a very firm pat on the back when you adjust the seat.
As the seats were reupholstered by the prev. owner none of the lower trim clips on the seat backs will clip into place. They were stuck on unsuccessfully with silicone sealant and kept falling off. Fixed by putting a plastic trim clip through the lower back of the trim (in the holes already there under the vinyl) and into the aligning hole in the seat frame.
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1988 BMW 325i Touring
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