bmw 5 series

jtims

anyone able to tell me what the 95 bmw 518i are like are they a good car and what you think thanks

CharlieCroker

I'd go for the 520. 518 is asthmatic. 520 is a 6 cylinder with 150bhp.

It was the last year of that model, there's plenty of the newer model out there too

bazz26

It's a 17 year old car so condition is more relevent than reputation.

Stallingrad

E34's are superb cars, but cherished ones are few and far between. The 518i is a small engine for a big car, but the engine works surprisingly well and was not a million miles from the 520i of the same era. A looked after version could be great ownership proposition, a dog could cripple you with running costs.

Things to look for, to name just a few...
Corroded fuel lines
Tappetty engine
Faulty window motors
Slapping window wipers
Overheating engine
Faulty central locking
Rust at jacking points and front wings

The e34 was always best as a 6 cylinder though, if you can find a good one you'll have one of the best cars you'll ever own.

Inbox

I'd go as far to say that the late 518i model was a better car than the 520i.

jtims

body of the car im looking at is in mint cond 1 lady owner for 10 yr tested taxed looks and drives well only thing is the back windows wont go up or down

Stallingrad

jtims wrote: »

body of the car im looking at is in mint cond 1 lady owner for 10 yr tested taxed looks and drives well only thing is the back windows wont go up or down

I bet they will, hold down the switch while slamming the door in question. If it is a minter then you're onto something.

jtims

Stallingrad wrote: »

I bet they will, hold down the switch while slamming the door in question. If it is a minter then you're onto something.

http://photos2.donedeal.ie/Full-13816643.jpeg this is the car

Stallingrad

That looks like a UK Se spec but it would have been here for a long time so rust should not be an issue. The wheels are nasty but would have replaced the Metric rims which looked gorgeous but the tyres were crazy money. Keep in mind that any car of that age can cost you, but it as cheap as chips and will make a great cruiser.

Add handbrake adjustment to your 'to do' list!

jtims

Stallingrad wrote: »

That looks like a UK Se spec but it would have been here for a long time so rust should not be an issue. The wheels are nasty but would have replaced the Metric rims which looked gorgeous but the tyres were crazy money. Keep in mind that any car of that age can cost you, but it as cheap as chips and will make a great cruiser.

Add handbrake adjustment to your 'to do' list!

not a spec of rust on it nice to drive same as the 97 318i i have in power and yes it needs a handbrake cable

Leonard Hofstadter

The 520i is pretty slow and that has 150 bhp. I wouldn't touch a 518i, they've only got 115 bhp, which is pathetic in a car that size.

Anyway, a six cylinder model will be a LOT nicer than a four cylinder, the 518i is only a four cylinder engine.

They're a seriously nice car though if you can find a clean one, and are definitely a much better buy than an early E39:)!

jtims

Stallingrad wrote: »

I bet they will, hold down the switch while slamming the door in question. If it is a minter then you're onto something.

worked a treat windows were a bit stuck perfect now

jtims

bought the car got it for 400 it is mint good power clean inside and out nicer to drive than the 97 318 i had

CharlieCroker

Well wear.

Stallingrad

Good news, glad the window trick worked! I have a free Haynes E34 owners manual if you want it, you can PM me.

Remember you never actually own an E34, you are just minding it for the next owner.