Business class cars of the 90s are very popular in the market. In cost they are equal to modern budget models and even cheaper, significantly exceeding them in operational qualities. One such model is the BMW-E34. Tuning it is considered further.
General Features
This car is the third generation of the German business-class model 5 Series. It was in production from 1988 to 1996. During the release of the model has undergone two restyling: in 1992 and 1994. The cost of such cars starts from about 100 thousand rubles and can reach up to 1 million (for cars with low mileage). Most options fit into the price range from 100 to 300 thousand.
Tuning Features
The model has a sporty image, which is due to the settings. Such a car is usually purchased by young users, so its tuning is very widespread. On the other hand, as is clear from the cost of the car, its owners do not have extra cash, so many of them carry out both repair and tuning the E34 with their own hands.
In addition, it should be understood that the most common initial versions on the market are not really fast. In terms of dynamic characteristics, they correspond to modern budget models, but create such an impression thanks to the settings. Modifications M5 are really fast, which are extremely difficult to find. In view of this, most modifications are very difficult to turn into sports cars. In addition, due to its mass and size, most models of this class are rarely used in motorsport, like the E34. Sometimes a car is found in drifting, and then not often. In other disciplines, there are very few such machines, since most athletes prefer the lighter and more compact 3 Series.
The E34 is even less suitable for the role of a comfortable car in order to improve it in this direction, due to the cramped rear seat and harsh suspension. Therefore, most often a car is turned into a fast and versatile city car.
Body
E34 is presented in sedan and station wagon bodies. The easiest way to update the appearance of the car is repainting. Due to age, the paintwork is likely to have defects and is likely to be unoriginal. Moreover, most cars have pockets of corrosion, if not eliminated, and other defects. All this is removed in the process of these works. You can do your own BMW-E34 tuning by renting a spray booth for this . Mounted body elements are dismantled from a thoroughly cleaned car (they are painted separately). All defects present are cleaned and putty treated. Finally, covering unpainted fragments, paint is applied in two or three layers.
Body kits on such machines are rare. Usually limited to light body tuning such as replacing optics, mirrors, tinting "BMW-E34." Doing it yourself is relatively easy. New headlights should be adjusted. Toning is usually carried out together. Moreover, this does not require specialized equipment, and it is quite possible to do with improvised tools.
Engine
The car was equipped with a very extensive range of engines, including 14 gasoline variants and 3 diesel ones. The most common modifications on the market are the 520i and 525i with M20 and M25 engines. E34 chip tuning in its pure form is rarely used. This is because only diesels were equipped with turbocharging, and all gasoline engines were atmospheric, and the increase in power with such a modification on them was not so great.
Traditionally, there are light improvements like replacing the intake and exhaust. You can further increase productivity by finalizing the cylinder head. Very often used boring and camshafts. All of these modifications are relatively simple. Further tuning, involving an intervention in the bottom of the engine or installing a boost, is more complicated, especially for a beginner in this matter.
An exception is the installation of the compressor, which does not require intervention in the cylinder block. At the same time, with significant boring, it may be necessary to replace it. Chip tuning is used at the end to tune the modified E34 engine. Motor tuning is usually combined with a complete overhaul. Before this, a person who does not have experience and knowledge should carefully study theoretical materials or consult specialists.
Transmission
The car was equipped with four transmission options: 5-speed automatic and mechanical, 6-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic transmission. Most versions of the rear-wheel drive, although there were four-wheel drive modifications. They rarely intervene in the transmission, since standard gearboxes are characterized by good performance. Usually, only with serious tuning, they strengthen the clutch, change gear ratios and differential.
Chassis
Both car suspensions are independent. Their settings are focused on handling, so the car has a sporty character. In view of this, many are satisfied with its driving performance, so the chassis is rarely modified. The easiest tuning method for those who lack standard handling is installing a screw suspension on the E34. Tuning of this type can also be done independently. This is relatively simple: the car is lifted and the standard racks are replaced with new ones. You can individually change the springs and shock absorbers. However, in this case, you will have to pick them up to each other, so screw suspension is easier to use. You can also configure it on your own.
All versions were equipped with disc brakes, and starting with the 525i model, with front ventilated ones. Their functionality is also good. You can modify the brake system, for example, by using components from more powerful versions of the E34 or other generations and models.
Most versions were equipped with 15-inch wheels. Naturally, all cars have non-standard tires, and many have wheels. By choosing wheels for parameters such as width, diameter, weight, profile and tire quality, you can significantly change the behavior of the car.
Interior
E34 has a very tight interior for this segment. Nevertheless, it has good ergonomics and high quality materials. The level of equipment also corresponds to the business class of the time. Moreover, for the initial versions it is traditionally very scarce. One of the most common options for modifying the E34 interior is tuning the audio components. In the simplest version, many people can do such work independently.
In addition, due to age, finishing materials may be worn out, which will require replacement or hauling. And if replacing some parts of the cabin is extremely simple, then special skills are required for hauling. In addition, to carry out such a tuning of the BMW E34, specialized equipment is needed.