"BMW-E34": tuning their own hands. Features and Recommendations

Business class cars of the 90s are very popular in the market. At cost, they are equal to modern budget models and even cheaper, considerably exceeding them in performance. One such model is BMW-E34. Tuning it is discussed further.

General Features

This car represents the third generation of the German business model 5 Series. He 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 a car with a small mileage). Most options fit into the price range from 100 to 300 thousand.

Features of tuning

The model has a sporty image, which is conditioned by the settings. This car is usually purchased by young users, so its tuning is very widespread. On the other hand, as it is clear from the cost of the car, its owners do not have excess cash, 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. According to 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 convert into sports cars. In addition, because of the mass and size, most models of this class are rarely used in motorsport, like the E34. Sometimes auto meets in drift, and that's not often. In other disciplines, such machines are very small, since most athletes prefer lighter and more compact 3 Series.

For the role of comfortable car E34 is suitable even less to improve it in this direction, because of the close rear seat and harsh suspension. Therefore, most often the car is converted into a fast and versatile city car.

Body

E34 is presented in the bodies of the sedan and wagon. The easiest way to update the appearance of the machine is repainting. Due to age, the paintwork is likely to have defects and is likely to be unoriginal. Moreover, most cars have foci of corrosion, if they are not eliminated, and other defects. All this is removed in the process of these works. You can perform tuning "BMW-E34" with your own hands, renting a paint camera for this . With carefully cleaned car dismantled hinged body elements (they are painted separately). All present defects are cleaned and processed with putty. Finally, after covering the unpainted fragments, paint and varnish material is applied in two or three layers.

Body kits on such machines are rare. Usually they are limited to easy body tuning like replacement of optics, mirrors, tinting "BMW-E34". It's relatively easy to do this with your own hands. The new headlights should be adjusted. Toning is usually carried out together. And this does not require specialized equipment, and it is possible to do with improvised tools.

Engine

The machine was equipped with a very wide range of engines, including 14 petrol variants and 3 diesel engines. On the market, the most common modifications are the 520i and 525i with the M20 and M25 engines. Chip-tuning E34 in its pure form is rarely used. This is explained by the fact that only diesel engines were equipped with a turbo-supercharger, and all gasoline engines were atmospheric, and the increase in power with such a modification is not so great on them.

Traditionally, there are easy improvements like the replacement of inlet and outlet. Even more can be improved by improving the cylinder head. Very often they use boring and camshafts. All these modifications are relatively simple. Further tuning, involving intervention in the bottom of the engine or the installation of a pressurization, is more complicated, especially for a beginner in this matter.

The exception is the installation of a compressor, which does not require intervention in the cylinder block. In this case, with a significant boring, you may need to replace it. Chip-tuning is already used to complete the tuning of the modified E34 engine. Tuning the motor is usually combined with major repairs. Before this person, who has no experience and knowledge, one should carefully study theoretical materials or consult specialists.

Transmission

The car was equipped with four variants of transmissions: 5-speed automatic and mechanical, 6-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic transmission. Most versions are rear-wheel drive, although there were also all-wheel drive modifications. The transmission is rarely intervened, since the standard transmissions are characterized by good operability. Usually only with serious tuning reinforce the clutch, change gear ratios and differential.

Chassis

Both car suspension are independent. Their settings are focused on controllability, so the car has a sporting character. In view of this, many are satisfied with its driving characteristics, so the undercarriage is modified infrequently. The simplest way of tuning for those who do not have the standard of handling is the installation of a screw suspension on the E34. Tuning of this type can also be performed independently. This is relatively simple: the car is raised and the standard racks are replaced with new ones. You can individually change the springs and shock absorbers. However, in this case it is necessary to select them to each other, so the screw suspension is easier to use. You can also configure it yourself.

All versions were equipped with disc brakes, and starting with the 525i model, - the front ventilated. Their functionality is also good. You can modify the braking 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 are equipped with non-standard tires, and on many - and drives. 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, he 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 meager. One of the most common variants of the modification of the E34 is the tuning of audio components. In the simplest version, many of these efforts can be carried out independently.

In addition, due to age, the materials of the finish can be worn, in connection with which their replacement or constriction is required. And if you replace some parts of the cabin is extremely simple, then for the waistline special skills are required. In addition, in order to carry out such tuning of the BMW E34 interior, special equipment is necessary.