Re: Newby with questions on E34

["Richard Vaughn" <rav3@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dennis,

I too have a '92 535i 5 speed w/95k that had 70k on it when I bought it.

1. Temp gage @ 12:00 is good; mine runs just a hair cooler.
2. My understanding is that the radiator is the weak link on this model; 
mine was replaced by PO.
3. Buy a Bentley Service Manual (gold cover) about $70
   http://www.rb.com/product.htm?code=b595
Others can advise on a cheaper source.

Parts can be found on many places on the internet.
One of the better OEM stores is Hendricks BMW in Charlotte, NC 25% discount 
on BMW CCA members, no sales tax (yet) on over the phone orders that are out 
of state. Very good people there. 
http://www.hendrickbmw.com/bmw_parts_dept.htm
Another good source for info is the www.bimmer.org E34 board 
http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/e34/
4. The 'Code' is to get the radio to work after power has been removed. You 
can get this from your local BMW Dealer. I think you have to pull the radio 
& give him the serial #, along with your ID and he may charge for this.
5. Some have posted upwards in the 2xxk range. At 95k, mine does not use any 
oil from oil change to oil change (4000 miles)
6. You will need to look at most normal wear items. Rubber mounts (trans. 
mounts, center drive shaft bearing, flex disk @ rear on trans., thrust 
bushings) last about 10 years. Shocks & front end items about 100k.
It depends on how well the PO took care of it.

Good luck & e-mail me if you need more info.

Richard Vaughn
BMW CCA #132931 Tarheel Chapter
'95 740i w/new engine hers
'92 535i 5 speed mine
'90 325i 5 speed (64k)sons & mine
'96 Z71 mine too


>Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 22:01:25 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Harry Hargrave <d7nn7s@domain.elided>
>Subject: Newby with questions
>
>Hello
>   I just bought my first BMW car (used).Its a 92 535i
>with a 5 speed and factory alloys.The car appears to
>well cared for,though its showing 161K miles.I paid a
>very good price for it as it was an "unclaimed impound."
>   My previous experience with BMW cars was rebuilding
>a 2002 engine as well as some chassis,driveline,and
>suspension work.There was also some work on a 320i.
>Both cars belong to a friend.(he still owns both).
>I bought a new R60/5 in 72 and kept it for several yrs.
>
>  1)The 535i runs with the temp. gage at about 1/2 its
>    range(straight up).Is this normal? or it approaching
>    over-heating?
>  2)If its near overheating,are there any likely trouble
>    areas?(fresh thermostat,belts good,coolant topped up)
>  3)any recomendations for parts,owners manual,shop
>    manual,etc?
>  4)Other than the expense of a dealer,is there a way
>    that the codes for the audio system can be obtained?
>    (oddly enough,I did get the "new owners" audio tapes
>     with the car)
>  5)What sort of longevity could I expect from this car
>    at 161K?
>  6)What should I check or be watchful of,at this point
>    in the car's life?
>
>Thank you in advance for the help.I'm sure as I become
>more familiar with the car,I'll have more questions.
>
>Dennis
>92 535i
>Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
>http://personals.yahoo.com
>


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