1994 BMW 5 Series E34 540iA Touring review from UK and Ireland
"A high performance, reliable, mileage eating bargain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Seat rails are worn (both driver and passenger) meaning that both seats rock a fair bit - when I have £300, I will get them replaced.
The car doesn't like starting after long journeys. I think it's down to the coils. BMW will be looking at this soon.
Bonnet catch and cable broken, replacements are being fitted next week by BMW (under the used car warranty hopefully).
I believe there is a strong burning smell which comes after hard acceleration - BMW couldn't find anything.
General comments?
This is our 8th BMW so we are confident of the brand, however I am not sure this has been our best purchase.
The previous owner bought the car from a BMW dealer and just renewed the warranty - so I have until October to get all the major faults rectified.
This car has a phenomenal spec (thanks to its first owners!), including electric heated sports seats (which are absolutely brilliant, and on long journeys are remarkably comfortable despite being the "sports" version). The Automatic Air Conditioning (not the standard Air Con) is brilliant as are the other bits and bobs the car has.
Coming from a 328i Touring Manual to this (an Automatic), has made me realise that auto cars are not for me. When overtaking the car has a slight delay in realising that it should shift down a gear thus giving the best acceleration. Otherwise acceleration is pretty impressive, if I had the 6 speed box, I suppose it really would be even more impressive.
This car also has the optional traction control, and even though it's an automatic, on full acceleration you do need its help - when I have TC off and floor it from a stand still, it really does fly about the place!
When on long journeys, as a passenger, going in the car is a complete dream... fall into the seats, benefit from the performance of the V8 and amazing handling.
This car is a brilliant mileage eater, and I suppose explains why most examples of these cars have high mileages. They are also tremendously reliable - once I have my problems sorted out, I will have a car in top condition.
When I have got "bored"! of this, I will be selling it for a 540i Touring (6 speed manual) - because I can't really fault anything apart from the "OK" performance.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 V8 32v Quad Cam Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 95800 miles |
| Most recent distance | 97250 miles |
| Previous car | BMW E36 328i Touring |
| Date of Entry | 16th April, 2001 |