"BMW-E34": DIY tuning. Features and Recommendations

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Business cars from the 90s are very popular in the market. In terms of cost, they are equal to modern budget models and even cheaper, significantly surpassing them in performance. One of these models is the BMW-E34. Tuning it is discussed further.

General Features

This car is the third generation of the German 5 Series business class model. It was in production from 1988 to 1996. During the release, 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 a car with low mileage). Most of the options fit into the price range from 100 to 300 thousand.

Tuning features

The model has a sporty image, 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 fromthe cost of the car, its owners do not have extra money, so many of them carry out both repair and tuning of 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 they create such an impression thanks to the settings. Really fast modifications of the M5, which are extremely difficult to find. In view of this, most modifications are very difficult to turn into sports cars. In addition, due to the weight 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. There are very few such machines in other disciplines, as most athletes prefer the lighter and more compact 3 Series.

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 the car is turned into a fast and versatile city car.

Body

E34 is available in sedan and wagon body styles. The easiest way to update the appearance of the car - repainting. Due to age, the paintwork is likely to be defective and likely to be non-original. Moreover, most cars have pockets of corrosion, if not eliminated, and other defects. All this is removed in the course of these works. You can do the tuning "BMW-E34" with your own hands by renting a spray booth for this. FROMof a thoroughly cleaned car, the hinged body elements are dismantled (they are painted separately). All defects present are cleaned and treated with putty. Finally, having closed the unpainted fragments, a paint and varnish material 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. Tinting is usually carried out by two people. Moreover, this does not require specialized equipment, and it is quite possible to get by with improvised tools.

Engine

The car was equipped with a very wide range of engines, including 14 petrol and 3 diesel options. The most common modifications on the market are the 520i and 525i with M20 and M25 engines. Chip tuning E34 in its pure form is rarely used. This is due to the fact that only diesels were equipped with turbocharging, and all gasoline engines were atmospheric, and the increase in power with such a modification is not so great for them.

Traditionally, there are light modifications like replacing the intake and exhaust. You can further improve performance by modifying the cylinder head. Very often used boring and camshafts. All these modifications are relatively simple. Further tuning, which involves intervention in the bottom of the engine or the installation of a boost, is more difficult, especially for a beginner in this business.

The exception is the installationcompressor, which does not require intervention in the cylinder block. In this case, with a significant bore, it may need to be replaced. Chip tuning is used at the end to tune the modified E34 engine. Motor tuning is usually combined with a major overhaul. Before this, a person who does not have experience and knowledge should carefully study the theoretical materials or contact specialists.

Transmission

The car was equipped with four transmission options: 5-speed automatic and manual, 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Most versions are rear-wheel drive, although there were also all-wheel drive modifications. The transmission is rarely interfered with, 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 suspension 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 way to tune for those who lack standard handling is to install a helical suspension on the E34. Tuning of this type can also be done independently. This is relatively simple: the car is raised and the standard racks are changed to new ones. You can change the springs and dampers separately. However, in this case, you will have to match them to each other, so it is easier to use a screw suspension. Customize it tooyou can do it yourself.

All versions were equipped with disc brakes, and starting with the 525i model, front ventilated. Their functionality is also good. The brake system can be modified, 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, non-standard tires are installed on all machines, and on many - wheels. By choosing wheels according to parameters such as width, diameter, weight, profile and tire quality, you can significantly change the behavior of the car.

Interior

E34 has a very cramped interior for this segment. Nevertheless, it has good ergonomics and high-quality materials. The level of equipment also corresponds to the business class of that time. At the same time, for the initial versions, it is traditionally very scarce. One of the most common options for modifying the E34 interior is tuning audio components. In the simplest version, many people can do such work on their own.

In addition, due to age, finishing materials may be worn out, and therefore they will need to be replaced or re-upholstered. And if it is extremely simple to replace some interior parts, then special skills are required for hauling. In addition, in order to carry out such tuning of the BMW E34 interior, specialized equipment is needed.