Hey Guys,

I'm looking seriously at selling my '98 E39 540iA and picking up an E34 just because I'm looking for increased reliability and a car that's easier to work on - I do a lot of my own maintenance and repairs. Based on everything I've read in this forum, I'm going to start searching for a '92 or '93 535i/manual. One question - what is the parts availability likely to be over the next 10 years? Does BMW support the car lines well or is there a good aftermarket for needed parts?

Also, do all year models of the E34 come with a Freon a/c? How expensive or big of a deal is it to convert to a 134a system, and is this commonly done, or even necessary?

Thanks!

'93 manuals are like hens teeth.

the m30 is very DIY friendly, and the aftermarket isn't massive like the 3 series, but for what you need, it's there. Shocks/springs/coilovers, euro headlights, HID kits, euro trim, clears, wheels, exhausts. turbo kits are out there but a DIY build up is sweet.

I think the later models have the r-134A conversion already done. Q should jump in here, as he has all kinds of dirty little secrets. from what I understand it's a bitch to do and expensive if done by a dealer or indy... ~1k.


check out www.bmwe34.net (http://www.bmwe34.net) and www.bimmer.info (http://www.bimmer.info) as both are pretty much dedicated to the e34.