My first car guys... go easy.

[UrineMachine]

Bought my first car a couple weeks ago. I'm 17 from suburb of Philadelphia (in case there's anyone interested in hanging out). I've been looking around the forums and noticed that my car may not quite fit in with you guys...

http://orbitalinternet.net/pics/bmw/cleaned/17.jpg
http://orbitalinternet.net/pics/bmw/cleaned/19.jpg
http://orbitalinternet.net/pics/bmw/cleaned/18.jpg

Any input would be greatly appreciated... it's got 103k miles, is a 1992, Islandgrun, 5 speed, heated seats, limited slip, OBC, leather, etc.

Since im 17, my funds are limited hehe so like, I know i need wheels, i am looking at a pair of Mille Miglia MM-11's in 17"... thanks guys

[___lk___]

looks sweet... barely broken in :D

welcome to the board....dont worry about fitting in, we're all pretty loose most of the time. :rolleyes:

[TD]

The E34 is still my favorite BMW of all time. Beautiful car. Congrats.

[Plaz]

heckuva hood-shine for a 103k mileage car! :thumb:

There are some of us here with non-M E46s who would give up a nut for your limited slip differential.

Congrats, and welcome!

[UrineMachine]

Thanks guys. I hear nothing but good news on the E34. I was originally looking at a E36 '92 318i 4dr 5 speed from my moms boss. I bought this car certified used from Thompson BMW for more than I was originally willing to pay, but now that i've owned ot for... 2 weeks... i love it. The engine pulls hardcore. I didn't expect a sedan like this to haul ass, let alone burn out like no other. I love the M50 engine w/ DOHC, its a ton of fun guys.

[UrineMachine]

Yeah the body is in near perfect condition. It has one bad ding in the right front quarter panel that the previous owner or clueless bodyworker "touched" up. Its ****ty there. But otherwise yeah it's immaculate in and out. I waxed her today.

[in_d_haus]

My 1990 525i, 207,000mi!

[UrineMachine]

Wow, nice mileage. At least I'm confident that I'll not break the car anytime soon :)

[in_d_haus]

Yup! 207K (with origional automatic tranny) and still going strong.
Compression tests great and doesn't burn a drop of oil.

[Guest84]

in-d-haus's white stallion is what sold me on BMW, never drove one up to that point. When I drove it I thought "not bad for a car with what...30?40 thousand? (Rip looks down, sees 185,00!!??miles!?) SOLD on BMW. :) Dang, that was 2 years ago!~

[RaceTripper]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
I've been looking around the forums and noticed that my car may not quite fit in with you guys...

Don't sell yourself so short. The E34 is a great car. A real classic!

Not to mention, I was 40 before I got a bimmer. But I did have a '72 Datsun 240Z when I was 18. That was a helluva car. Felt similar to a bimmer to drive.

Now I'm getting ready to give up my '99 323i to the wife when I take delivery of a '02 530i at the end of the month.

[UrineMachine]

The E34 is damn good. I've come to realize the "standard" features that my 1992 BMW has aren't "standard" on other makes of cars until like 1996 and ****. My friends 1996 Jetta has the same exterior window roll-up feature. So when I showed him my car he was like "hey man nice... whats that like 95 or 96... how many miles?" and im like "100k..." he responded "dude for a 96 thats a lot man.." and im like "it's 92..." and he was quiet. :)

[ronrich]

Nice Looking Car.

[SONET]

Welcome aboard!

I have always liked the E34. It looks as though you came across a very nice example! How long did you have to look?

I remember when I looked for my first car when I was 16 (nine years ago now... yikes!). It was used and I knew exactly the condition I was looking for... it took me nine months to find it! All my friends thought I was nuts (okay maybe they still do!) heh

Good luck with the new car and drive safely! :)

--SONET

[UrineMachine]

To be honest it took me about 2 weeks. I first was looking at VW. My mom (a BMW fan) said "If you're going to get a VW, you might as well get a BMW..." so we went to the dealer. We looked, and found a 1992 525i for $15,000 and I liked it, but the price was too high for me. Reason the price was so high, as you can see in the pics. is that the car is perfect. So i left the dealer leaving the impression that I was interested and I got several phone calls asking if I'd like to come back and talk price. I wasn't really interested because I knew my budget and I didn't think they'd hit it. So i look at a few VW's, a 1992 318i, then I said "Hey mom can we check out that first BMW, i realize how clean it was I want to take another look" So we went back about a week and a half after going the first time and I ended up talking to a super nice guy from Thompson BMW named Joe (the only Joe there...) so if anyone is interested or knows where Thompson is (Doylestown, PA) ask for Joe, he is really cool.

[johnlew]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
To be honest it took me about 2 weeks. I first was looking at VW. My mom (a BMW fan) said "If you're going to get a VW, you might as well get a BMW..." so we went to the dealer. We looked, and found a 1992 525i for $15,000 and I liked it, but the price was too high for me. Reason the price was so high, as you can see in the pics. is that the car is perfect. So i left the dealer leaving the impression that I was interested and I got several phone calls asking if I'd like to come back and talk price. I wasn't really interested because I knew my budget and I didn't think they'd hit it. So i look at a few VW's, a 1992 318i, then I said "Hey mom can we check out that first BMW, i realize how clean it was I want to take another look" So we went back about a week and a half after going the first time and I ended up talking to a super nice guy from Thompson BMW named Joe (the only Joe there...) so if anyone is interested or knows where Thompson is (Doylestown, PA) ask for Joe, he is really cool.

And....you paid what? Nice looking car. Visit the detailing forum to really bring out that shine.

[hts]

Since you're only 17, I'm guessing that the building behind your car in the first picture is your house, while the one in the second is your parents.

ha ha ha!

Congrats on your fine car--she's a beauty!

:D

[bmw325]

Beautiful car. I've always loved the e34-- it was the car that first got me interested in BMWs. I remember my dad looking to buy a 92 525i back in 1992-- I went for a test drive with him and was amazed by the build quality (much better than the e46 imo), and the engine sound. Unfortunately, he decided not to get it because he thought it was too expensive for too little power (despite my protestations). I'd probably be driving that car as a hand-me-down today if he'd gone through w/ it. Instead, it planted the "BMW seed" in my head, and I was finally able to afford my own new e46 about 1 year ago. I still think the e34 is the most classic and timeless of all BMWs-- it manages to combine BMW's traditional styling cues and a more modern body shape into a very pleasing looking package. They still turn my head. I think that car also planted the seed in my dad's head because he finally did buy a BMW (a 740i) about 1.5 years ago--I think the e38 7 series styling is clearly based on the e34. :thumb: :thumb:

Specific things I love about the e34:
-Great "door thunk" sound
-The way the hood is hinged at the front-- and the way the engine is "presented"
-The great manual climate controls w/ variable air flow settings for all vent positions (wish they still had these controls)
-Overall solidity of interior pieces-- no cheap plastics
-Individual armrests on front seats-- very comfortable
-Great engine sound!
-The way the back of the tool kit is a warning triangle (just makes it seem very european).
-Overall body shape and lines.
-Interior manages to be the perfect mix of luxury and German stark functionality.

Hmm- maybe i should buy a certified used e34 too! Enjoy that car!

One more thing-- keep the wheels stock-- they're great "period pieces." The only other wheels that look right on the e34 IMO are the cross-spoke BBS style wheels that were offered on the 530 and 540, and 535i. I've seen lots of e34s w/ tinted windows and big aftermarket wheels driving around and it ruins the classic balance of the car.

[nate]

Nice :thumb:

[Josh (PA)]

Congrats, great looking car. I would echo robg's comments about the wheels, a set of BBS cross spokes would look good, but I think the newer style wheels look out of place. Of course its yours so do whatever you want, and don't give a damn about my opinion. There are a lot of us on here from the philly area. You may want to join BMWCCA, they have a lot of good events and driving classes, although I think the track sessions may be open to 21yrs and older unfortunately. check out the del val chapter website: www.delvalbmwcca.org. Anyway, have fun, we'll probably pass by sometime on the roads around here.

Originally posted by UrineMachine
Bought my first car a couple weeks ago. I'm 17 from suburb of Philadelphia (in case there's anyone interested in hanging out). I've been looking around the forums and noticed that my car may not quite fit in with you guys...

Any input would be greatly appreciated... it's got 103k miles, is a 1992, Islandgrun, 5 speed, heated seats, limited slip, OBC, leather, etc.

Since im 17, my funds are limited hehe so like, I know i need wheels, i am looking at a pair of Mille Miglia MM-11's in 17"... thanks guys

[UrineMachine]

Thanks guys. I have the intent to keep this thing stock. Maybe an intake modification and a GIAC chip, but nothing absurd. I wish I could find a pair of 16 or 17" cross spoked BBS, like the original wheels... I can't find used locally. About the house... I wish my house were that shed... but like you assumed, im living with my parents. Hehe, though in this area of Pennsylvania, I couldn't afford that shack anyway... so... i make due

[nate]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
Thanks guys. I have the intent to keep this thing stock. Maybe an intake modification and a GIAC chip, but nothing absurd. I wish I could find a pair of 16 or 17" cross spoked BBS, like the original wheels... I can't find used locally. About the house... I wish my house were that shed... but like you assumed, im living with my parents. Hehe, though in this area of Pennsylvania, I couldn't afford that shack anyway... so... i make due

Get some OEM M5 "Throwing Star" rims :thumb:

[Nat Brown]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
Thanks guys. I have the intent to keep this thing stock. Maybe an intake modification and a GIAC chip, but nothing absurd. I wish I could find a pair of 16 or 17" cross spoked BBS, like the original wheels... I can't find used locally. About the house... I wish my house were that shed... but like you assumed, im living with my parents. Hehe, though in this area of Pennsylvania, I couldn't afford that shack anyway... so... i make due

My advice is to save your money for the inevitable repairs (or school). Not to scare you, but these cars can be brutally expensive to fix. Also buy yourself a repair manual so you can learn to do basic maintenance and repairs to save money.

I have both a BMW and a VW and it's the BMW that tends to worry me:

DEALER LABOR:
BMW: $125/hour
VW: $65/hour

PARTS Examples (From thepartsbin.com):
BMW Flywheel: $690
VW Flywheel: $350

BMW Heater Core: $140
VW Heater Core: $51

etc.

Yep, save your money.

--gary

[bmw325]

Nat-

Your post got me curious about thepartbin. I started comparing part prices between my BMW (01 325i) and other makes/ models. Interestingly, the heater core specified for the ee46 3 series is $45 -- same price and looks to be the same model as a VW jetta. Other parts prices were similar (brakes, etc). Maybe the older BMWs actually did higher quality parts?

[UrineMachine]

I had a discussion with a friend about this topic. I think, though I could be wrong, that the parts were of the same quality but were made more strictly and thus the production cost was higher. It seems as though a lot of parts are somewhat shared between VW/BMW currently, I don't think that was the case 10 years ago.

[bmw325]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
I had a discussion with a friend about this topic. I think, though I could be wrong, that the parts were of the same quality but were made more strictly and thus the production cost was higher. It seems as though a lot of parts are somewhat shared between VW/BMW currently, I don't think that was the case 10 years ago.

Not sure either-- but this makes sense. As automakers try to control costs, they're outsourcing more and more in terms of design and production. BMW probably used to do design and engineer parts for a particular model to specific standardds-- now they probably buy something "off the rack" from the supplier. I actually think this is a win/win for both BMw and the consumer. Because the volume of the part is higher, the cost is lower- but more reliability may also result from sharing the feedback from owners of multiple makes/models rather than just one. It also makes sense to me to let the suppliers who specialize in particular areas design things like heater cores, brakes, thermostats, etc rather than BMW who should spend its time on body shell/engine development and overall production managemnet. In the past, car companies tried to do too much in house-- and while this may have resulted in more unique products and in some cases higher quality, for the most part it resultedin higher costs and lower quality. Anyway, this has nothing to do w/ the thread- sorry about that.

[Nat Brown]

Originally posted by robg
Nat-

Your post got me curious about thepartbin. I started comparing part prices between my BMW (01 325i) and other makes/ models. Interestingly, the heater core specified for the ee46 3 series is $45 -- same price and looks to be the same model as a VW jetta. Other parts prices were similar (brakes, etc). Maybe the older BMWs actually did higher quality parts?

I compared his actual model and year against my VW, a 2.0 liter 97 Jetta (insanely common). I'm thinking he would likely buy a newer (or new) VW if he had a choice between a BMW and VW.

Here are some cost of ownership graphs from cars.com:

http://cartalk.cars.com/Tools/survey-results-rc-over-time.pl?create_graph=1&model=BMW%3A525i

http://cartalk.cars.com/Tools/survey-results-rc-over-time.pl?create_graph=1&model=Volkswagen%3AJetta

This isn't exactly scientific, but you get the picture.

--gary

[Wingboot]

Your car looks great. I miss my 89 520i that I sold a few months ago. It was a great car and was worn in well so I could park it and walk away without worrying like I do with my 01 car. Don’t rush in and get fancy rims just because your peers have them on their Hondas and VWs. I think it looks great with the stock setup. Just opinion of course. Your first car definitely beats my first car. It was a 1968 Dodge Super Bee. Manual everything. It did go fast in a straight line though thanks to the bored out 383, high rise intake, holly carb, and manual tranny.

[Mike 325xi]

Congrats on the car!! It's a beauty.

Thompson is a great dealership...it's where I get mine serviced.

Have fun with it, there are a lot of great twisty country roads in this area. I'll keep my eye out for a clean looking green E34 on the roads :thumb:

[UrineMachine]

Hey Mike, ****, im from Holland PA... a whole 5 minutes away from you. I don't know if you'd ever cruise with a 17 year old lol but if you ever want to go on a trip let me know! Also, if you know about working on your car I could use some pointers sometime! Thanks!

[Mike 325xi]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
Hey Mike, ****, im from Holland PA... a whole 5 minutes away from you. I don't know if you'd ever cruise with a 17 year old lol but if you ever want to go on a trip let me know! Also, if you know about working on your car I could use some pointers sometime! Thanks!
I'm old enough to be your dad at 40!! :yikes: (man is that depressing sounding!!) But I'm always up for a high speed cruise on some of Buck's County's twisty roads! (I can still drive fast! You just have to walk slow around me!!) :D

As far as working on cars...well there was a time when I did everything and anything needed to my own cars and wasn't afraid to try "wrenching" anything but with today's modern engines I hardly recognize what is under the hood :( But if there is something specific that you want to ask or need help with just ask me...If I don't know how I will be honest and tell you and there is also a good possibility that I know someone who does know the answer or how to do something.

Good luck with the car, that's a beautiful 1st car...hell, that's a beautiful 20th car!!

If you see me around wave or stop me.

(this was taken at Core Creek park a few weeks ago)

[UrineMachine]

Sweet mike, seem like a cool dude. What's the first 3 digits of your plate so I don't go pullin over the wrong 325xi hehe. Core Creek Park is so near me. That's right off of Landhorne Yardley Road. If you go down that road and make a right onto Bridgetown Pike, I live in that new neighborhood just on the other side of 413, where the new bridge is.

[Mike 325xi]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
Sweet mike, seem like a cool dude. What's the first 3 digits of your plate so I don't go pullin over the wrong 325xi hehe. Core Creek Park is so near me. That's right off of Landhorne Yardley Road. If you go down that road and make a right onto Bridgetown Pike, I live in that new neighborhood just on the other side of 413, where the new bridge is.
I live right off of Yardley Langhorne Road just inside Lower Makefield...I am very close to Core Creek too.

Mine is probably be the only Steel Grey 325xi with M68 wheels (or any 325xi no matter color, since they were not a factory option on the 325) in the area!! but the last 4 digits of my plate are easier to notice..."5555" don't know how that happened but it's easy to remember!

[alee]

Originally posted by Mike 325xi
Mine is probably be the only Steel Grey 325xi with M68 wheels (or any 325xi no matter color, since they were not a factory option on the 325) in the area!! but the last 4 digits of my plate are easier to notice..."5555" don't know how that happened but it's easy to remember!
I always figured you as a 666 guy. :D

[Mike 325xi]

Originally posted by alee

I always figured you as a 666 guy. :D
That plate was already taken by a jellyfish eating Asian guy in Wayne :D :bigpimp:

[Mystikal]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
I know i need wheels, i am looking at a pair of Mille Miglia MM-11's in 17"... thanks guys

I have 16" MM11-2's, and they look great, from what I can remember. I got my car on December 20th and threw winters on less than a week later, so I vaguely remember what they look like in person. Sad, I know. The weatherman is forcasting light wet flurries this week, so I'm still not putting them back on.

Here's what my car looks like though, minus the spoiler and foglights:
http://www.e46fanatics.com/members/Mystikal/Front3-4Angle.jpg

[UrineMachine]

That's awesome Mystikal... are you by any chance interested in selling your MM-11 2's? Worth a shot.... let me know man

[Mystikal]

Originally posted by UrineMachine
That's awesome Mystikal... are you by any chance interested in selling your MM-11 2's? Worth a shot.... let me know man

Well, I'd think about it, but your car has totally different wheel specs, including offset. They'd be completely useless to you.

[UrineMachine]

Yeah you're right :( Thanks anyway man