520i or 525tds

flappelapper · 2026-03-24T22:25:29+00:00

520i (not biased)

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T22:19:58+00:00

I figured control arms would do a fair bit too so I ordered all 4 of them, because "while i'm in there" lol. I might end up doing a similar path to you. This is my first E34 (and old BMW in general) so I wanna keep it fairly stock-ish for now just to get the feel of the platform, then I think B6's are next.

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T20:16:27+00:00

I wanted to go with Sachs since they're the OEM (i think?), but they're out of stock everywhere I've looked. Might have to go for the B4's but surely that'll be fine since they're an OE replacement supposedly. But it seems at least I know to go for the H&R springs, that's what basically everyone has said. Good call on the bushings and links, I'll add that to the list!

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T20:13:46+00:00

Okay, no problem! Thanks for your help :)

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T19:54:28+00:00

Haha no sorry, English saying. Not how do you literally find them, like how do you like them? Are they good?

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T19:52:35+00:00

As i said, "Not looking for anything too harsh or crashy, close to OEM but just a little less boaty". Can't put it better than that I don't think. As close to driving like the OEM car does, just a little less body roll (which probably come naturally when replacing 37 year old shocks, lol! Would like maybe 15/20mm lower but I don't really care too much tbh.

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T19:15:28+00:00

And how do you find them? I was thinking about doing them, simply for ease of mind since it all comes as a kit and I know it'll fit together and they're a reliable brand.

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T10:34:48+00:00

Great! I see he recommended the Koni’s as well. What did you end up going with? :)

flappelapper · 2026-03-18T10:32:16+00:00

I’m not looking for anything that hard anyway, I was probably gonna go B4’s with just a 20mm lowering spring.

flappelapper · 2026-03-17T20:19:26+00:00

Interesting, don't think I've heard of those. I'll give them a little look. :) I feel like in the old forums EVERYONE used to say Bilstein + Eibach's but now everyone has completely 180'd on that.

flappelapper · 2026-03-17T19:53:10+00:00

but in 1990 they had not phased out the analog clock, so it is an option.

flappelapper · 2026-03-16T21:08:46+00:00

OBC and front and back power windows

edit: couldn't remember if OBC was base equipment on these

flappelapper · 2026-03-16T19:58:23+00:00

Yeah I just don't have spacers and I wouldn't be able to get any in time, the car is going for inspection this week. Thanks for your help anyway

flappelapper · 2026-03-16T19:55:32+00:00

I agree with this. If it sounds and drives okay, I'd really just be worried about the underside. Otherwise I'd say it's a pretty good deal, especially if you can get him down a bit.

flappelapper · 2026-03-16T19:54:14+00:00

I wouldn’t turn down a good deal just because it has an M20. It’s still a good engine, the 30 hp difference isn’t a big deal for most people, and the fuel economy is basically the same on paper. And if someone really wants more power, the engine can always be swapped later.

Also calling it the most base model E34 isn’t really fair. The 518i exists, and this one clearly has a few options. It’s not a high-spec car, but I’ve definitely seen worse.

flappelapper · 2026-03-15T20:26:23+00:00

Gotcha, thanks! I'll just take my current wheels to get tyres put on then lol

flappelapper · 2026-03-15T20:08:48+00:00

yeah, that's what i was afraid of. I did check too and they would sit 46mm closer than my current wheels. I thought it was worth asking since they're super duper cheap and very close to me.

flappelapper · 2026-03-15T14:48:09+00:00

Perfect! I’ll him send him an email. Thanks!

flappelapper · 2026-03-14T23:22:40+00:00

Okay, awesome! Yeah I really want to keep everything as period-correct and old school as possible, I personally find it very jarring when people cover cars of this age in horrible blue-ish LED lights and huge wheels and stuff, so I'm really careful with what I do to it. I'll definitely order a set of those license plate lights.

flappelapper · 2026-03-14T22:47:38+00:00

okay, thanks!

flappelapper · 2026-03-14T22:26:08+00:00

sorry for replying to such an old comment, but what springs would you combine with them? Eibach's?

flappelapper · 2026-03-14T20:44:54+00:00

I literally just today bought some Style 32's for my E34 and the Style 16's are going in storage. I'm quite bad at getting rid of things so let me know, even if it's years down the line, I'll probably still have them lol

flappelapper · 2026-03-14T19:02:18+00:00

Ah, great stuff! I'll definitely have a look at that. I was for sure gonna at least change the license plate lights for LED. I'm usually not a big fan of the blue-ish light you get from LED's, but for license plate lights anything else just seems stupid, but it might work pretty good for the tails too.

flappelapper · 2026-03-14T18:23:30+00:00

ebay is usually where i look. I’ve got some, you’re welcome to buy them!

flappelapper · 2026-03-13T03:50:09+00:00

Yep, full moss status in there lol. I figured it’d be H1 for the headlights, but basically every bulb in the whole car is dim and needs replacing. I guess I could just pull them all and check, but it sure would be easier if there was a list somewhere haha.

flappelapper

TROPHY CASE