The BMW E34 Dream

Ever since I started working in an automotive-related field, my knowledge, curiosity, and love of cars has grown leaps and bounds. I know more. I realize there is more to know. And I want to know more.

My taste has also changed greatly.

I've started to grow fond of "classic" European cars, specifically the BMW E30 3-series, and quite recently the E34 5-series.

There's something about the shape of both cars that I like. For the E30s I like the coupes (specifically the non-M3 coupes) and wagons. I like the E34 sedans and wagons. And because I love to daydream, I've thought of ways to modify the said cars. Tonight I will ramble about the E34.

Recently I was browsing OLX and I saw a manual E34 525i with an M20 engine. According to my colleague Alvin, the M20 engined E34s are the earlier models. Anyway, Alvin also has an E34 that he has given some aesthetic modifications. Well the E34 I saw was the same color, and I was joking him that if I could afford it I would buy it, give it the same exterior mods and park beside him. But that's another story.

Why an E34 all of a sudden? Simple reason: it's technically a family car, but you can give it enough mods to make it a bit more sporty. Definitely more practical as a family car than the Subaru WRX STi I also want, and not as wild as the Subaru Forester STi that I also like.

So here's a quick rundown of the stuff I'd do to an E34 should I have the opportunity to buy and modify one.

Looks-wise I would give it RS Watanabe F8-Type 17" rims. I'd give it a subtle ducktail spoiler. To continue the JDM styling, I would install tsurikawas  for the front passenger and rear passenger grab handles. I would also install JDM-style fender flares, because I've been big on JDM styling recently. Don't ask me why.

Regarding suspension and brakes, I'd try to keep the ride height stock, but go for stiffer suspension. Preferably adjustable coilovers if it was available. For the brakes I would replace the front brakes with a Brembo Gran Turismo big brake kit.

On to the electrical stuff, I'd install a good, modern sound system for the car. I would upgrade the headlights to projector headlights and I would use all-weather bulbs. I'd also install fog lamps. Finally I'd try to install a hidden ignition kill-switch as a safety feature to prevent unwanted car theft.

As for the engine, since this is all just a big dream, I'd turbo the M20. Then maybe install a fuel-starvation kit and an oil-starvation kit. Just in case the E34 suddenly gets invited to a track day. Again, this is all a big dream (unless I win the lottery).

Well, there you have it. At least now I'm not blogging about VW Bajas anymore.

Out.