Models · BMW
BMW 5 Series E34 buying guide
The E34 5 Series was built from 1988 to 1996 as a saloon and, from the early 1990s, a Touring. It spans four-cylinder, straight-six and V8 petrol engines plus straight-six diesels, and the engine fitted decides several of the checks.
The versions
- Straight-six petrols: 520i and 525i (M20 to 1990 to 1991, then M50, 150PS and 192PS), 530i and 535i (M30, 188PS and 211PS)
- V8 petrols from 1992: 530i and 540i (M60, 218PS and 286PS)
- 518i four-cylinder (M40, then M43 from 1994), and 525tds diesel (M51, 143PS)
- Saloon and Touring; four-wheel-drive 525iX
- 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual on the 540i, or automatic
What to check on a E34 5 Series
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cambelt history on the M20 and M40 engines
What to look for: Find out which engine is fitted (early 520i and 525i have the M20, 518i up to 1994 the M40). On those, ask for an invoice showing when the cambelt was last changed.
Why it matters: These engines drive their camshafts with a rubber belt, and a belt that snaps causes serious engine damage. A recent dated invoice is what you want. The M50, M30 and V8 engines use chains instead.
V8 bore condition
What to look for: On a V8 530i or 540i, start from cold and listen for rough or lumpy running that improves as it warms, and ask about hard starting. Ask whether the engine has ever been replaced or rebuilt, and look for a compression test result.
Why it matters: Early M60 V8s have a Nikasil cylinder coating that high-sulphur fuel could attack, causing poor compression and rough running. Many engines were replaced or rebuilt long ago. A compression test settles it.
VANOS rattle on later straight sixes
What to look for: On a 520i or 525i from 1992, listen from cold for a rattle from the front of the engine that fades as it warms.
Why it matters: The updated M50 gained VANOS variable valve timing, and worn seals in the unit cause a rattle and a loss of smoothness. Seal kits are a well-known repair.
Also in the full guide
- Cooling system plastics
- Rust in the sills and floors
- Instrument and on-board computer displays
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the E34 5 Series
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
BMW 5 Series E39 · BMW 5 Series E60/E61 · BMW 5 Series F10/F11 · BMW 5 Series G30/G31
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.