[Mr.C]

So, I was looking at Jags, but the truth is I won't drop 30 grand on a car that will likely require quite a bit of maintenance. So I'd rather drop around 5 or 6, and then pay the maintenance :p

Anyway, looking for a 91-94 525/535. Preferably with an AC Schnitzer kit and Traction Control, because I love the looks and will be DDing it, even in the winter. Even better would be something like this:

ＢＭＷ 5シリーズ 535i 中古車情報 (http://ucarsearch.autoc-one.jp/CU0473629610.html)

Looks nice, except for the ugly ass LV covering on the armrest. Whatever.

How much would it cost me, say, to get someone to go to the dealership in Japan, inspect it, put it on a boat and ship it here? Where would I find someone reliable? I looked for JDM brokers here on the forum and I couldn't find any. Or even from Europe, as these are dirt cheap there too.

I haven't seen any local ones that are decent.

Help?

Edit: Needs to be an auto too.

[Redlines_Daily]

you spelled E46 wrong.

[Mr.C]

you spelled E46 wrong.

Uh, I want the 5 series, not the 3 series.

[toyota86]

i have one. how much you want to spend. 95 540i6 black on black with oem m-sport kit. traction control with lsd.

[Mr.C]

i have one. how much you want to spend. 95 540i6 black on black with oem m-sport kit. traction control with lsd.

I am avoiding the 540i due to having to use premium fuel; on top of that, I'd prefer an automatic, so that my wife is able to drive it if necessary.

But thanks!

[hk20000]

even with your criteria I would still suggest picking up a local example and put the ACS kit onto it or what not....mo better. The headache of going through out of province inspection when the car is retrofitted with headlights for RHD roads, and different emission standards cause more problems than the saving is going to be worth.

[Mr.C]

even with your criteria I would still suggest picking up a local example and put the ACS kit onto it or what not....mo better. The headache of going through out of province inspection when the car is retrofitted with headlights for RHD roads, and different emission standards cause more problems than the saving is going to be worth.

It's not even a question of savings, really. It's more because people here want 10k for a car that's not even rare, and 20 years old.

I saw one on Kijiji, and the guy wants 16k. 16k would be high even for an M5, let alone a 535i.

Now, I thought I could just import it straight without any modification since it's 20 years old. Is that incorrect? Is there a "Importing cars from Japan for Dummies" somewhere?

[Qmx323]

1993 BMW E34 535i Sedan (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/2548994320.html)

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rch/cto/2557487513.html

[hk20000]

It's not even a question of savings, really. It's more because people here want 10k for a car that's not even rare, and 20 years old.

I saw one on Kijiji, and the guy wants 16k. 16k would be high even for an M5, let alone a 535i.

Now, I thought I could just import it straight without any modification since it's 20 years old. Is that incorrect? Is there a "Importing cars from Japan for Dummies" somewhere?
No.

I don't know where you are looking but 535i are worth almost nothing. I got a 1995 E34 525i I bought off the Adesa public auction (we can mention their name here now right? They let us have a meet there lol) for $1500 and change.

So if you'd look hard enough they are everywhere for cheap.

1991 BMW 353i (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/2560576192.html)
Quality** 1989 BMW 535i (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/ctd/2536213776.html)
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/2548994320.html

where did you end up with 16K was it a "Friend" who wanted to scam you into it?

[Mr.C]

No.

I don't know where you are looking but 535i are worth almost nothing. I got a 1995 E34 525i I bought off the Adesa public auction (we can mention their name here now right? They let us have a meet there lol) for $1500 and change.

So if you'd look hard enough they are everywhere for cheap.

1991 BMW 353i (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/2560576192.html)
Quality** 1989 BMW 535i (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/ctd/2536213776.html)
1993 BMW E34 535i Sedan (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/2548994320.html)

where did you end up with 16K was it a "Friend" who wanted to scam you into it?

lol no, just stuff I saw on craigslist/kijiji. Like I said, I have no idea where to look. I sort of assumed it would be easy to find an old E34 with a kit for like 3 or 4k. All I see is overpriced shit.

I mean, I wouldn't mind buying a 525 or 535 and put a kit on it later, but I assumed those wouldn;t be easy to find, given it's age and stuff.

[bcrdukes]

Any car you import, be it < or > 15 years old will require a provincial safety inspection. You must modify the vehicle accordingly (if necessary) to meet its passing guidelines.

[donjalapeno]

anthony espinosa will import it for you :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll: :troll:

[Redlines_Daily]

Uh, I want the 5 series, not the 3 series.

I was just buggin' ya

[Mr.C]

So, yeah, can anyone recommend a Japanese importer for me to talk to? Found not one, but two S5 Silhouette's doing a quick dealer search. And surprisingly cheap, too. I'd gladly pay 4k for one of those, lol.

[tofu1413]

lols. we just sold a japanese import eurospec M5 for about 16k...

very very mint car. 55k kms only. it was amazing.

[Mr.C]

lols. we just sold a japanese import eurospec M5 for about 16k...

very very mint car. 55k kms only. it was amazing.

Yeah, that car was really worth it. If only I could live with a manual, but my wife owuld kill me if she ever need to drive it.

This is what I saw for 16k:

'91 BMW 10th Anniversary Edition 535i AC Schnitzer WILL TRADE!!! - British Columbia Cars For Sale - Kijiji British Columbia Canada. (http://bc.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-91-BMW-10th-Anniversary-Edition-535i-AC-Schnitzer-WILL-TRADE-W0QQAdIdZ90154897)

If it was 6k, I'd want to negotiate it down, but sixteen? Geez. If I wanted to spend that much, I'd get the B10 that's on CL right now and just not let the wife drive it :p

[tofu1413]

i got to drive that M5.. and damn, those older bimmers are amazing.

everything just feels so right.. not to mention they make all the right noises.

[asian_XL]

get a 525 instead of 535.
more parts, less expensive to maintain = less worry.

both are slow and problematic, unless you get the larger V8 models

[hk20000]

^ That.

525i at least at that time shared its engine with the 325i and that means more common parts and cheaper parts for you.

[Marco911]

Unless a car is unique or special, please don't import RHD junk from Japan. I can't wait for ICBC to change the law on this. There are plenty of decent E34s all over North America.

[godwin]

Go over to BCBimmer.com If there is any e34 for sale locally.. people there would have critiqued them to death.

[Mr.C]

Unless a car is unique or special, please don't import RHD junk from Japan. I can't wait for ICBC to change the law on this. There are plenty of decent E34s all over North America.

Possibly not the best forum to say this, but I hate RHD. We live in a LHD world. I would not under any circumstance import a RHD car.

Only reason I am looking at Japan is because they apparently *love* Alpinas and AC Schnitzer BMWs there. There's a shit ton of them for sale.

[mmmk]

I would suggest getting one locally as well as opposed to importing one.
Avoid the hassle.

[skylinergtr]

get this 530i. Doesn't matter what model car it is, use what is specified. I believe it is 89 octane required.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/2553309601.html

pros:
-BMW individual
-automatic (the 5hp18 is probably the better of the autos that came in the e34 chassis)
-32 valve V8 (its going to be more economical than a m30 535i, but worse than an 525 for sure)
-local BC car

cons:
-maintenance costs (its a bmw, and its a V8. Its gonna cost you)
-fuel consumption (its a pig in the city, and decent on the highway)

[godwin]

Virtually all ex Japanese BMW you see on this shore will be LHD, they are grey imported from Europe in the first place.

The ones that are RHD have "Authorized BMW Japan Model" plates affix on them are actually collectibles and worth more in Japan/ RHD friendly places than North America.

With Yen so high it is economically stupid to import from Japan. It is cheaper to import from Deutchland @ current Euro rates.

Possibly not the best forum to say this, but I hate RHD. We live in a LHD world. I would not under any circumstance import a RHD car.

Only reason I am looking at Japan is because they apparently *love* Alpinas and AC Schnitzer BMWs there. There's a shit ton of them for sale.

[godwin]

M60 V8 have a history of problems.. you can actually still find ones with old blocks running around.

get this 530i. Doesn't matter what model car it is, use what is specified. I believe it is 89 octane required.

BMW 530 (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/2553309601.html)

pros:
-BMW individual
-automatic (the 5hp18 is probably the better of the autos that came in the e34 chassis)
-32 valve V8 (its going to be more economical than a m30 535i, but worse than an 525 for sure)
-local BC car

cons:
-maintenance costs (its a bmw, and its a V8. Its gonna cost you)
-fuel consumption (its a pig in the city, and decent on the highway)

[sonick]

1991 BMW 5-Series 10th Anniversary Motorsport Edition Sedan E34 - Langley Cars For Sale - Kijiji Langley Canada. (http://bc.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1991-BMW-5-Series-10th-Anniversary-Motorsport-Edition-Sedan-E34-W0QQAdIdZ307938894)

I think this suits your criterion almost perfectly.

[Mr.C]

1991 BMW 5-Series 10th Anniversary Motorsport Edition Sedan E34 - Langley Cars For Sale - Kijiji Langley Canada. (http://bc.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1991-BMW-5-Series-10th-Anniversary-Motorsport-Edition-Sedan-E34-W0QQAdIdZ307938894)

I think this suits your criterion almost perfectly.

I had emailed him already, but thanks. No traction control is a backbreaker. At that price point, I'd rather import one myself and save a few thousand.

@guy who said to bring it from Europe: I considered that.

But it would be ~2-3000 to ship to Montreal, then I'd have to ship it here. Way more expensive than Japan.

I've found that people for some reason think they are entitled to a 50-60% markup when selling a car imported from Japan. Yeah right.

[skylinergtr]

M60 V8 have a history of problems.. you can actually still find ones with old blocks running around.

that statement is false:

the nikasil engine blocks were mainly affected in the United States for their high sulfur content in gas (mainly california).

Canada hardly had that many engines failing.

majority of the cars have had their engine replaced under the BMW extended warrenty (10 years/160,000kms).

You can tell the engine has been replaced just by the serial number located on the block:

M60B30:
1 725 970 - Nikasil
1 741 212 - Nikasil
1 745 871 - Alusil

M60B40:
1 725 963 - Nikasil
1 742 998 - Nikasil
1 745 872 - Alusil


Even if the engine is still the original Nikasil Block, if it runs good, and compression shows that the engine is in good health. It will not have any problems later down the road with loss of compression due to the cylinder lining. In fact, good running nikasil engines have been proven to provide better dyno results for better power compared to a alusil engine.

The M60 is a pretty bulletproof engine in my opinion. It was meant to basically not be open and last in the ballpark of 300,000-500,000kms.

You want an automatic car, well with a 525 or a 535 you are bound to need an automatic transmission rebuilt down the road. The GM 525i transmissions are known to be garbage, as well as the 4hp22 535i transmission. The 5hp18 in the 530i is the reliable of the bunch in the E34 chassic. The 5hp30 in the 540i is also a decent transmission, but is likely to a valve body flaw.

The way I see it, is the M60 engine is no different to an i6 engine in terms of reliability. They all need a coolant system overhaul to be done, thats for sure.

[Phil@rise]

I've owned both and would only consider a 535 5 speed again or the very rare 540 5 speed. the 535 is notably faster then the 525 and parts are no more difficult to obtain nor are they more expensive.
Tell your missus its time to learn how to drive. All the cool girls can handle stick.

[Death2Theft]

What do you think you've got here a 500hp drift machine? Throw some pilots on there and good luck breaking traction in that old boat.
I had emailed him already, but thanks. No traction control is a backbreaker. At that price point, I'd rather import one myself and save a few thousand.

@guy who said to bring it from Europe: I considered that.

But it would be ~2-3000 to ship to Montreal, then I'd have to ship it here. Way more expensive than Japan.

I've found that people for some reason think they are entitled to a 50-60% markup when selling a car imported from Japan. Yeah right.

[mmmk]

What do you think you've got here a 500hp drift machine? Throw some pilots on there and good luck breaking traction in that old boat.

I agree.

Traction control rarely comes on anyways unless you're driving your car in the snow. However, if you drive your car in the snow, I'd suggest winter tires anyways.

[godwin]

My understanding is the e34 import numbers are far higher in the US than Canada. We know places like Anacortes supplies gasoline to the Pacific NW region including BC. Hence less Canada cars failing can probably be due to sampling more than anything else.

It is also my understanding that the OP is going for a JDM car. Japan uses low sulphur because their gas comes directly from the Middle East via Singapore.

BMW Extended warranty won't cover JDM cars.

that statement is false:

the nikasil engine blocks were mainly affected in the United States for their high sulfur content in gas (mainly california).

Canada hardly had that many engines failing.

majority of the cars have had their engine replaced under the BMW extended warrenty (10 years/160,000kms).

You can tell the engine has been replaced just by the serial number located on the block:

M60B30:
1 725 970 - Nikasil
1 741 212 - Nikasil
1 745 871 - Alusil

M60B40:
1 725 963 - Nikasil
1 742 998 - Nikasil
1 745 872 - Alusil


Even if the engine is still the original Nikasil Block, if it runs good, and compression shows that the engine is in good health. It will not have any problems later down the road with loss of compression due to the cylinder lining. In fact, good running nikasil engines have been proven to provide better dyno results for better power compared to a alusil engine.

The M60 is a pretty bulletproof engine in my opinion. It was meant to basically not be open and last in the ballpark of 300,000-500,000kms.

You want an automatic car, well with a 525 or a 535 you are bound to need an automatic transmission rebuilt down the road. The GM 525i transmissions are known to be garbage, as well as the 4hp22 535i transmission. The 5hp18 in the 530i is the reliable of the bunch in the E34 chassic. The 5hp30 in the 540i is also a decent transmission, but is likely to a valve body flaw.

The way I see it, is the M60 engine is no different to an i6 engine in terms of reliability. They all need a coolant system overhaul to be done, thats for sure.

[Mr.C]

I'm looking at a 535iA now. No traction control, but I'll just suck it up and learn how to drive in the snow, if it ever happens.

[godwin]

Best traction control in the winter is winter tires. Even the cheapest walmart brand is better than all seasons.

If you can spend a bit more ,get a quaife diff. I love mine in my e46.

I'm looking at a 535iA now. No traction control, but I'll just suck it up and learn how to drive in the snow, if it ever happens.

[kwy]

I used to own a mint '92 JDM RHD E34 535iA. DiamantSchwarz-Metallic. It had 77,xxx KMs on it when I sold it. Belongs to a guy on the island now, he's on IVOAC. Damn I miss that car. Only wish it had a sunroof.

[skylinergtr]

I'm looking at a 535iA now. No traction control, but I'll just suck it up and learn how to drive in the snow, if it ever happens.

if you have traction control, then add winter tires.

if no traction control, get an LSD differential and snow tires.

With either of these combos, these cars are quite impressive in the snow. I personally have not driven much in the snow with my E34, but these cars are common in euro countrys. There is plenty of talk to how they are great in the snow with appropriate gear due to the very close to 50/50 weight distribution.

Good luck!

[GabAlmighty]

Lol, traction control.

[bloodline129]

Don't do it, I dealt with few imports of BMW outta Japan n boy did I get problems... Price is right but the safety inspection is gonna kill you, oh n they mostly come with blown head gasket n a sealer until u change the fkn oil
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[asian_XL]

Traction control = a smaller throttle body before the throttle body.
It doesn't do shit on snow. Please get LSD and snow tires

[sonick]

It doesn't do shit on snow. Please get LSD and snow tires

+infinity!

[Mr.C]

if you have traction control, then add winter tires.

if no traction control, get an LSD differential and snow tires.

With either of these combos, these cars are quite impressive in the snow. I personally have not driven much in the snow with my E34, but these cars are common in euro countrys. There is plenty of talk to how they are great in the snow with appropriate gear due to the very close to 50/50 weight distribution.

Good luck!

links? I suck at driving, and I'm having second thoughts. The one i'm looking at doesn't have an LSD. How would I go about swapping one in, and how much would it cost?

[Death2Theft]

Buy a god damn volvo , suck at driving you`ll need it so the rest of us can spot u from a distance on the road.

[Mr.C]

Buy a god damn volvo , suck at driving you`ll need it so the rest of us can spot u from a distance on the road.

At least I admit it. :rolleyes:

How many people, especially on here, admit they aren't good enough to drive a RWD car with no traction control nor LSD in the snow, even with proper tires?

I'll pass on the "god damn Volvo", unless it's a 1995 T5R on the cheap.

[asian_XL]

it needs no special skill to drive a E34, beside the car itself and the steering wheel are heavy, it's a good car to begin with.

[N.gen]

mmmmm http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9503/80320052.jpg

[skylinergtr]

links? I suck at driving, and I'm having second thoughts. The one i'm looking at doesn't have an LSD. How would I go about swapping one in, and how much would it cost?

depending on the ratio you want (or preferred), and LSD differential is probably around $250-$400. Labour is about a few hours at a local shop.

[Mr.C]

depending on the ratio you want (or preferred), and LSD differential is probably around $250-$400. Labour is about a few hours at a local shop.

I found a decent looking one for sale. A chipped 525i, looks decent, tons of upgrades. Won't look as nice, but I guess I can always pick up bits and pieces later.

Where should I go to get body kits painted and installed?

[Death2Theft]

850R wagon is the way to go. Wife will love the extra room. :)
At least I admit it. :rolleyes:

How many people, especially on here, admit they aren't good enough to drive a RWD car with no traction control nor LSD in the snow, even with proper tires?

I'll pass on the "god damn Volvo", unless it's a 1995 T5R on the cheap.