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Posted: Jan 20, 2011 4:13 PM
by tsmall07
mooseheadm5 wrote:
92 525i (non Vanos, potential SLS)
http://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/ct ... 14725.html
I talked to the owner and they said it was painted at Maaco. :puke:

What a shame.

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 4:32 PM
by johnnye23
rlomba8204 wrote:John,
That looks like a nice car, but what do you think about the '92 being upgraded with the wide kidneys and hood, together with the '95 style steering wheel? I am concerned about a serious front end impact. Thoughts?

(You guys have me looking at tourings now. Nice.)

That is a well educated Bmw eye Ray ! One thing I do like about Ebay is they show the history for every car.The history does show that the car was in an accident,not sure if the 5 speed donor car was perhaps a black 95 with the wide grills and the owner took full advantage of what was available . If I purchased a 95 donor car I would take everything off it I could to update a 92 model. Ray I really really like my Touring , I will really love it after a 5 speed swap.It honestly feels like a different vehicle .Add an S52 swap with the 5 speed and we are really talking :alright:

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 4:48 PM
by rlomba8204
What you describe is my ultimate family hauler:

E34 525iT. Ditch the M50. Install S50 with a 5 speed and sport supsension and throwing stars.

There was that white supercharged E34 wagon a while ago, but personally the forced induction seemed unnecessary to me. 240 hp or so out of the S50 is more than the stock 530 wagon by a big margin, and having driven one of those it was quick. Plus the M50 / S50 is so easy to work on. The supercharger (or was it a turbocharger) raised too many questions for me.

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 6:08 PM
by wkohler
My wagon is just your fully-loaded, automatic 525it. I only bought it because of the color (which I don't like) and because Ray told me not to.

It's a car.

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 6:12 PM
by 1st 5er
tsmall07 wrote:I might be hot on your heels looking for a touring. I'll have to pick up your scraps. :)

Are manual e34 tourings really that rare? I can't find a single one for sale right now...
You buy this one, http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh ... ?t=1578927
It comes with most all you'd need for the swap.
I'll buy this one, http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... page=thumb
You pick up mine, I'll pick up yours, and we'll meet half way and swap vehicles.

But then, what about Tim's ///M5? ;)

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 6:25 PM
by 1st 5er
johnnye23 wrote: There is a 5 speed E34 Touring on Ebay right now .Ebay wont let me copy and paste the listing so here is the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/100-Rust ... 41562c3233
Anyone out there that can check out this car for me?
I may bump the bid a little, but definitely not to the $5,500 level?

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 7:00 PM
by Greg E34
rlomba8204 wrote:What you describe is my ultimate family hauler:

E34 525iT. Ditch the M50. Install S50 with a 5 speed and sport supsension and throwing stars.

There was that white supercharged E34 wagon a while ago, but personally the forced induction seemed unnecessary to me. 240 hp or so out of the S50 is more than the stock 530 wagon by a big margin, and having driven one of those it was quick. Plus the M50 / S50 is so easy to work on. The supercharger (or was it a turbocharger) raised too many questions for me.
Could not agree more. If my M50 ever gives up the ghost (or I find a deal on an S50/S52 like I did the 5 speed) this is what I will have. I have owned (and my wife says I still own) a lot of BMW's. At this point, my 5 speed E34 wagon is by far my favorite and the one that I will probably hold on to for the foreseeable future.

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 7:07 PM
by pldlnr
1st 5er wrote:
johnnye23 wrote: There is a 5 speed E34 Touring on Ebay right now .Ebay wont let me copy and paste the listing so here is the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/100-Rust ... 41562c3233
Anyone out there that can check out this car for me?
I may bump the bid a little, but definitely not to the $5,500 level?
That car has a bad vibe. It has burnt paint on the roof, dents in the hood, and the front end has obviously had work done. The carpet panels that hide the HVAC system are missing, the ash tray is missing, two missing center caps, and it looks like it has a junk yard radiator.

The front fenders are from a 1995 model year car. They have the rocker cover on them. So, consider that the whole front clip has been replaced. Also, there is something strange going on with the rocker coating below the passenger front door.

There are a lot nicer tourings out there. This car has been bastardized and I wouldn't touch it.

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 7:22 PM
by grid
try www.statewidelist.com for a craigslist search. It searches each state and gives the results. easy.. :D

Posted: Jan 20, 2011 7:38 PM
by 1st 5er
pldlnr wrote:
1st 5er wrote:
johnnye23 wrote: There is a 5 speed E34 Touring on Ebay right now .Ebay wont let me copy and paste the listing so here is the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/100-Rust ... 41562c3233
Anyone out there that can check out this car for me?
I may bump the bid a little, but definitely not to the $5,500 level?
That car has a bad vibe. It has burnt paint on the roof, dents in the hood, and the front end has obviously had work done. The carpet panels that hide the HVAC system are missing, the ash tray is missing, two missing center caps, and it looks like it has a junk yard radiator.

The front fenders are from a 1995 model year car. They have the rocker cover on them. So, consider that the whole front clip has been replaced. Also, there is something strange going on with the rocker coating below the passenger front door.

There are a lot nicer tourings out there. This car has been bastardized and I wouldn't touch it.
I too saw those things in the pics, especially the front clip.
Thanks for those observations, but it'd still be nice to get a hands on look.

My top bid would probably not meet his reserve, even if it's less than half the Buy It Now.

Thanks again for the input.

Posted: Jan 21, 2011 1:41 AM
by 1st 5er
Came across this in my search.
Black on black is preferred, and,
I do have a motor, but...
92 BMW Wagon 525i - $1900 (Santa Fe Springs)
Date: 2011-01-19, 4:51AM PST
Reply to: sale-q7cxh-2168287126@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

92 BMW 525i, 2.5 lt, 6 cyl. automatic trans, needs head job assembly.
w/lean sale tittle, black leather interior. pwr windows and doors.
need registration renewal.
$ 1900 OBO
for more information u can call (562) 714-5778, ask for Carlos
thanks.
ImageImage

Posted: Jan 21, 2011 1:42 AM
by wkohler
That car has been for sale for a long time.

Posted: Jan 21, 2011 1:48 AM
by 1st 5er
wkohler wrote:That car has been for sale for a long time.
...and understandably so.
I'm leaning towards a '95 black on tan, that I can drive home, for less than that.
That is if I don't decide to restore ours.
Hopefully tomorrow my body-guy friend will make it by and give me some concrete answers as to a and b pillar repair.
This, hopefully will be the last piece of the puzzle.

Posted: Jan 21, 2011 12:03 PM
by ScottT80
Not mine... but it looked nice... located in Asheville, NC. Asking around $4500...


1994 BMW 530i Wagon, 5 speed
Date: 2010-09-03, 4:30PM

1994 BMW 530i Wagon, 5 speed, great condition. This is a very rare 5 speed wagon. BMW did not import 5 speed wagons of this type in 1994. A 5 speed manual transmission was swapped for the automatic transmission 10,000 miles ago by an very talented BMW mechanic who was meticulous with the conversion. The car has 153,000 miles. This is the small V8 engine, runs smooth, and gets 20 mpg. New tires, new paint, leather interior, sun roof. This is a very dependable classic vehicle that is fun to drive, at a very modest price. Cash only. No trades. Local pickup only. Call Bill 828 691 7194

Posted: Jan 21, 2011 12:41 PM
by 1st 5er
ScottT80 wrote:Not mine... but it looked nice... located in Asheville, NC. Asking around $4500...


1994 BMW 530i Wagon, 5 speed
Date: 2010-09-03, 4:30PM

1994 BMW 530i Wagon, 5 speed, great condition. This is a very rare 5 speed wagon. BMW did not import 5 speed wagons of this type in 1994. A 5 speed manual transmission was swapped for the automatic transmission 10,000 miles ago by an very talented BMW mechanic who was meticulous with the conversion. The car has 153,000 miles. This is the small V8 engine, runs smooth, and gets 20 mpg. New tires, new paint, leather interior, sun roof. This is a very dependable classic vehicle that is fun to drive, at a very modest price. Cash only. No trades. Local pickup only. Call Bill 828 691 7194
Sounds like a fun car, especially after the 5 speed swap.
And thanks for the heads up.
After considering some of the V8 options out there,
I've decided to stay with the 6 version.

Posted: Jan 21, 2011 1:17 PM
by ScottT80
Can't say I blame you there... I'd rather have the six too.

Posted: Jan 22, 2011 8:39 AM
by johnnye23
johnnye23 wrote:
tsmall07 wrote:
mooseheadm5 wrote:No US manual tourings. Mine gets a third pedal soon, though.
Damn. I thought Kohler's was a factory manual.

That may push me into an e39. I don't really feel like doing a swap.

There is a 5 speed E34 Touring on Ebay right now .Ebay wont let me copy and paste the listing so here is the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/100-Rust ... 41562c3233

Touring must have sold no longer For Sale on Ebay.... OK looks like it sold for $4500

Posted: Jan 22, 2011 9:25 AM
by Greg E34
They did more than rebuild the motor in that car...they added VANOS too.

Posted: Jan 22, 2011 10:02 AM
by 1st 5er
Wasn't the buy-it-now $5,500?
Good to see it go for a decent price.
It does have some +'s.

Posted: Jan 22, 2011 10:05 AM
by rmiddendorf
This ad lacks photos but thought I'd put it in here (No Affiliation):

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/2168223380.html

Posted: Jan 23, 2011 4:36 AM
by 1st 5er
Picked up a 'rust free', although it does have a few other warts,
'95 525iT Black/Tan (my wife wanted another black one) w/ASC and heated seats, last night.
Got home with it about 1:30 AM.

A big fat THANK YOU to Nathan for accompanying me on the journey.

Pics and details to follow here and elsewhere.

Thanks for all the support fellows.

Posted: Jan 23, 2011 7:08 AM
by johnnye23
1st 5er wrote:Picked up a 'rust free', although it does have a few other warts,
'95 525iT Black/Tan (my wife wanted another black one) w/ASC and heated seats, last night.
Got home with it about 1:30 AM.

A big fat THANK YOU to Nathan for accompanying me on the journey.

Pics and details to follow here and elsewhere.

Thanks for all the support fellows.
That was fast Sherman ! Congrats on finding the right one so quickly ! Looking forward to some photos. :alright:

Posted: Jan 23, 2011 11:15 AM
by mooseheadm5
:banana:
:alright:
:clap:

We expect pics and details when you wake up.

Posted: Jan 23, 2011 12:49 PM
by 1st 5er
Hey, I don't play...


























































much. :haul:

Posted: Jan 23, 2011 6:55 PM
by davintosh
1st 5er wrote:Picked up a 'rust free', although it does have a few other warts,
'95 525iT Black/Tan (my wife wanted another black one) w/ASC and heated seats, last night.
Got home with it about 1:30 AM.

A big fat THANK YOU to Nathan for accompanying me on the journey.

Pics and details to follow here and elsewhere.

Thanks for all the support fellows.
:pics!:

Well, you've had it home for about 16 hours now; no pics yet? Where are your priorities? ;)

Posted: Jan 23, 2011 10:00 PM
by 1st 5er
davintosh wrote:
1st 5er wrote:Picked up a 'rust free', although it does have a few other warts,
'95 525iT Black/Tan (my wife wanted another black one) w/ASC and heated seats, last night.
Got home with it about 1:30 AM.

A big fat THANK YOU to Nathan for accompanying me on the journey.

Pics and details to follow here and elsewhere.

Thanks for all the support fellows.
:pics!:

Well, you've had it home for about 16 hours now; no pics yet? Where are your priorities? ;)
First objective was some shut eye...

Pics were taken and are coming. :D

I'll have to say this is I believe the nastiest car I've ever bought.
Those pics are for that other thread.
You know, the one for the E28s.
I'm gonna highjack it a little later tonight. :lol:

Posted: Jan 24, 2011 12:39 AM
by 1st 5er
Exterior pics are posteed in Eye Candy and interior pics can be viewed here.

She's got some warts, but none that can't be easily remedied.


Thanks again for all the help.

Posted: Jan 24, 2011 12:51 AM
by mooseheadm5
Those seats are hella twisted. Do you know how to fix them, or should I dig up the thread with the pics I made?

Posted: Jan 24, 2011 1:20 AM
by 1st 5er
mooseheadm5 wrote:Those seats are hella twisted. Do you know how to fix them, or should I dig up the thread with the pics I made?
Yes they are, and we like them like that, NOT!


This is what I've used, but your link would be a good addition as well.
The reason the seats have the the issue is the cable housing stretches over time but the inner cable doesn't.
This causes the motor to spin but not engage the cable.
So the trick is to shorten the housing.

You need to first identify the culprit motor.
The motor for the recline option is under the front edge of the seat.

Remove the 2 rear bolts holding the seat in and slide it forward to lift the rails off the front tabs in the floor.
Leave the power all connected to the seat during the process.

Once the seat is loose and you can move it around,
lay it back into the rear seat so you can have access to the underside of the seat bottom.
You should see the motor once you do this.
There are 2 8mm bolts on each side of the motor connecting it to the holding bracket.
When you pull the motor the cables will come out of each end.

Once you have the cables loose you'll see there is the outer housing and the inner cable itself.
The inner cable is square on the end and that's what engages the motor.
The housing has a metal cap on the end, you need to heat it up and remove it.
Use the wife's pastry torch (but don't tell her), or you can use a lighter.
Heat it up and pull it off with a pair of pliers.
Once the cap is off take a razor blade and trim about 1/4" off of the outside housing.
Heat the end of the housing up again and slide the cap back on quickly before it cools down.
Repeat this process for the cable on the other end of the motor.

To get the seat even again you can either put the cables in one at a time and run the motor
or put the cable in an electric drill to run it.
Run both cables to full recline on the seat so you know they are even.
Once that's done stick the cables back in the motor and replace the motor in the bracket.
Make sure the cap on the end of the cable is all the way behind the bracket or it will pop back out.

Posted: Jan 26, 2011 9:40 PM
by Sarc
One of my favorites:

Image