Well, Monday was a hectic day. Got up at 6.00 left Edinburgh at 6.30 and drove to Wetherby for a meeting. That finished at about 1130, then drove to Long Sutton – just west of Kings Lynn for another meeting. Got away at 1630 drove to Harpenden – arrived at 1830 – got the 1850 train to London Bridge – jumped a taxi to Camberwell Green in South London. Collected the BMW and drove back to Harpenden – got in at about 2200.
Here’s my feedback on the car, for anyone who is interested.
Well, it is a 1990 BMW 535i. It is a SE and comes with a high spec including: climate control, full leather, servotronic steering (speed sensitive), automatic gearbox, M-tech steering wheel, heated windscreen washers, electrically adjustable seats, mirrors, factory electrical sunroof, cruise control, leather adjustable arm rests. Aftermarket additions include a 12 disc multi changer, sony amplifier, subwoofer connection, top of the range Panasonic CD head unit with Bluetooth connectivity. Interestingly enough, ABS was introduced in 1991 so I am not sure this model has it.
Moving on to the condition of the car – this vehicle is in exceptional condition for it’s age. There is no rust on the body work, under the car or in the structure – there appears to have been a repair to the off side front wheel arch at one stage and the roof section above the driver’s forehead as well. The red paint work still polishes up but requires frequent attention – a respray should probably be considered but I will try more subtle techniques first and may look at clay and a high quality wax first. The wheels are exceptional. The car has had clear indicator lenses at some point – I may change these back to orange ones to keep it original. The 4 tyres are good with loads of tread left.
The interior of the car is immaculate – I have owned several high spec 1990 vintage cars in the past and none come close to the condition of this vehicle – everything works with the exception of the front passenger door solenoid. The only criticism is a slight looseness of the parcel shelf covering.
Starting the car - 3.4 lt M30 straight 6 starts on the button and burbles away at around 700 revolutions on idle. The engine had a full top end rebuild 10000 miles ago with a reconditioned head. Indeed, the car has a full service history including the original receipt (£33750). Reverse and drive are engaged with no drama or clonks – handbrake is solid as you like – the driving experience is sedate at low speed – the big lazy 6 is not the fastest off the block – big bore power is what this car is about - hitting national speed limit signs or the start of a motorway is fun – you put your foot down and the car literally takes off – formidable acceleration between 40 – 60 and continuing to 90 – this car is very easy to speed in so the computer function giving you an audible speed warning is welcome. The car handles like you would expect form a 5 series – not as refined as the E39 I had but a lot more fun. At no point do you feel the car is going to let you down – suspension is solid without being harsh and the ride is taught but refined.
Fuel consumption isn’t great but it is not as bad as my last 3.2 Daimler and is on a par with my Ovlov 850.
Tomorrow I am driving from St Albans to the Wirral for a meeting – after that I will be driving to Edinburgh. I am looking forward to putting the car through it’s paces up the A7 – Carlisle, Hawick, Gala, Edinburgh. On Monday I’ll be driving from Edinburgh to Nottingham and then on to St Albans – A68 from Edinburgh to Darlington at 6.00am will be a lot of fun.
All in all I am very happy with my purchase - £700 very well spent indeed – I could have finally found the all round car I need for my high mileage. It has the comfort, power, refinement and legs for the driving I do and is not an unpleasant place to be. IMHO the E34 is the best looking of the 5 series – combining 80’s retro with modern aerodynamics.
Only 2 issues: firstly there is a slight rattle from the rear exhaust clamp on idle – secondly the passenger door solenoid.
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