1991 E34 M5 for sale in Jacksonville FL

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Mark D'Sylva

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Feb 12, 2023, 3:39:01 PM2/12/23
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Hi everyone,

I haven't seen any activity this year so I'm not sure if this group is still active or not.

I want to let you know about a car that the owner contacted me about as he wants to sell it.

Here's the ad, I know that it's negotiable so don't let that listed price deter you.



Mark D'Sylva 

Michael Andre

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Feb 12, 2023, 3:43:05 PM2/12/23
to bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, Mark D'Sylva
Hi Mark! Good to see your post.

The price DOES deter me, even shock me! 

Michael Andre


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Scott Szachara

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Feb 12, 2023, 4:01:49 PM2/12/23
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Cool!

So does this make my M5 with an even earlier production date an even more rare snd valuable unicorn?  :-)

Anyone know what the 1 of 509 references?

Mine also has the full automatic climate control and a Mark D chip…

Regards,

Scott

IMG_5606


        !        

On Feb 12, 2023, at 3:43 PM, Michael Andre <m.a...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:



Mark D'Sylva

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Feb 12, 2023, 4:05:29 PM2/12/23
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Hi Michael,

Every so often I've been thinking of sending you an email but then I don't do it.  It's good to see that you are still monitoring the group.

I know it could appear high but people pay that much for an E30 M3 that requires $50K of work!    I think that an E34 M5 is a much better car for the price.

I don't know anything about this car but figured I'd pass along the information.


Mark 

Gary Derian

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Feb 12, 2023, 4:19:33 PM2/12/23
to Scott Szachara, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Mine was BK05368 but had 100k more miles.
Gary Derian


Thomas Lekai

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Feb 12, 2023, 5:27:18 PM2/12/23
to Mark D'Sylva, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
This is the problem with the vintage market. An E34 is not an aged Ferrari. The car is nice, if sorted maybe $30K tops. He should use bring a Trailer. 

Sent through Billions of Dollars of Equipment

From: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Mark D'Sylva <ma...@dsylva-tech.ca>
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2023 3:38:48 PM
To: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [M5] 1991 E34 M5 for sale in Jacksonville FL
 
--

Jeff Gomon

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Feb 12, 2023, 6:10:01 PM2/12/23
to Thomas Lekai, Mark D'Sylva, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Nice find Mark!! 

FYI, my Alpine White has original everything as well, and a D’Sylva chip, same options except mine has black interior.  Build date 8/90 BK05503. 104,500mi.  17x8F and 17x9R polished lip OE wheels with Turbine, and another set of OR 17x8’s with the turbine covers.  LAD suspension works perfectly and all rubber lines and rear shocks replaced with OE.  Zero snow…ever!
I have my car insured with an agreed value policy for $36,000.  If this one sells anywhere near $46,000 I will need to readdress my valuation.

Great to see this group still alive and responding to posts.  

D. Jeff Gomon

Sent from das iPhone Vierzehn Pro

On Feb 12, 2023, at 4:27 PM, Thomas Lekai <arb...@gmail.com> wrote:



Ted Staib

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Feb 12, 2023, 6:45:19 PM2/12/23
to bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, Jeff Gomon
Mine is BK05878, I believe a 12/90 build that only has 71k miles and is all original. And a D'Sylva chip.

I believe Jeff considered selling his M5 in 2001, which got me interested in them. Is that correct, Jeff?

Ted Staib


Bruce Leggett

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Feb 12, 2023, 9:24:57 PM2/12/23
to Ted Staib, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, Jeff Gomon
Mine is BK05785, delivered in Canada and now north of Denver. About 70000 miles (although odometer is still in kilometers). And, yes, has a D’Sylva chip 
Bruce 

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 12, 2023, at 4:45 PM, 'Ted Staib' via BMW E34 ///M5 <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



m5toureg

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Feb 15, 2023, 6:51:48 AM2/15/23
to Bruce Leggett, Ted Staib, BMW E34 ///M5, Jeff Gomon
Hi guys.
,long time, no hear’ > good to see some action here SkrattarTummen upp
-
What does the seller refer to by this remark/statement ??
“1 of 508; Rare early production”
-
HD93 (NA-spec 3.6-liter sedan, LHD): 1,678 produced from 12/1989 through 04/1993
How many examples of the North American E34 M5 were produced for each model year?
Of the 1,678 examples of the E34 M5 produced for North America (1,484 for the USA and 194 for Canada),
the following are the production totals for each of the three model years:
1991: 1,296*
1992: 121
1993: 261
*NOTE: Though technically 1991 models, E34 M5s built for North America before 9/90 were actually
built to 1990 specification. These comprise 508 of the 1,296 1991 models produced.
-
Now I seeFörvånad, courtesy of mregistryTummen upp.
Cheers
Karl
Global E34 M5touring registry
-
wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile[1].png
wlEmoticon-thumbsup[1].png
wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile[1].png

Bill and Jan Klemme

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Feb 15, 2023, 9:23:23 PM2/15/23
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Well if "rare" has anything to do with value, then my "1 of 121" 1992 model is worth a ton of money. And no, I don't want to sell it. Might be the best car I've ever owned.

Hadn't heard about "the best car in the world" which sounds a little too far out - but I had read a car magazine article which said it was billed as the "worlds fastest four door sedan" when it was introduced.

Karl, thanks for the info....good stuff.

Regards,

Bill K

Bill and Jan Klemme

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Feb 15, 2023, 9:27:42 PM2/15/23
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Hey wait a minute, throwing star wheels are not delivered on a '90 model are they? I thought they were "original" in 1993..

Bill K

On 2/15/23 6:51 AM, 'm5toureg' via BMW E34 ///M5 wrote:

Jeff Gomon

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Feb 16, 2023, 1:16:28 PM2/16/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Bill,
You are correct regarding the throwing star wheel centers.  Scott Epstein installed them on my 8/90 M5 before I bought it from him 1998 with 24k mikes on it.  I did source 4 additional OE wheels and Turbine covers so I have both luckily!!  

My 8/90 production car falls in that 508 run of cars, but not sure that makes it “rare” by any means.  

Again, the “value” of these cars is set by what the buyer is willing to pay for it, and the agreement of that with the seller.  I have seen these sell for peanuts and others for solid money….
I’m not looking to sell mine anytime in the near future so I’m not concerned about asking prices.  I’m interested in the prices they sold at.  I use that to adjust my agreed value insurance policy coverage.  

I am so glad to hear from everyone who is still active on this group. It’s incredibly rare to have had a virtual relationship with so many for decades as we have here.  I have met several people in person at BMW CCA events over the years.  


D. Jeff Gomon

Sent from das iPhone Vierzehn Pro

On Feb 15, 2023, at 8:27 PM, Bill and Jan Klemme <wkl...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hey wait a minute, throwing star wheels are not delivered on a '90 model are they? I thought they were "original" in 1993..

Bill K

On 2/15/23 6:51 AM, 'm5toureg' via BMW E34 ///M5 wrote:
Hi guys.
,long time, no hear’ > good to see some action here
<wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile[1].png>
<wlEmoticon-thumbsup[1].png>
-
What does the seller refer to by this remark/statement ??
“1 of 508; Rare early production”
-
HD93 (NA-spec 3.6-liter sedan, LHD): 1,678 produced from 12/1989 through 04/1993
How many examples of the North American E34 M5 were produced for each model year?
Of the 1,678 examples of the E34 M5 produced for North America (1,484 for the USA and 194 for Canada),
the following are the production totals for each of the three model years:
1991: 1,296*
1992: 121
1993: 261
*NOTE: Though technically 1991 models, E34 M5s built for North America before 9/90 were actually
built to 1990 specification. These comprise 508 of the 1,296 1991 models produced.
-
Now I see
<wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile[1].png>
, courtesy of mregistry
<wlEmoticon-thumbsup[1].png>
.

Michael Andre

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Feb 16, 2023, 1:23:19 PM2/16/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, Jeff Gomon, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Hi Jeff. It was fun to meet you even briefly at the Oktoberfest in La Quinta. It was a terrific event despite the heat. My biggest takeaway was how incredibly easy it is to drive very fast in the M5/M4/M2 Competitions. Maybe a bit sterile compared to the S38, but still impressive.

Michael Andre


Bill and Jan Klemme

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Feb 16, 2023, 4:57:19 PM2/16/23
to Michael Andre, Jeff Gomon, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com

I've been using Bring a Trailer to see what various models have sold for....it's a great place to see actual selling prices. They even keep the original auction - bids and all - archived. If you haven't yet, check it out.

Bill K

johnsi...@charter.net

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Apr 16, 2023, 11:56:14 AM4/16/23
to Gary Derian, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com

Gentlemen ,

Backed into low rock.  Passenger side back bumper cover popped out below fuel access. The round slider piece shattered.  

Is there a part number for  the  plastic assembly on the passenger side interior of the bumper cover. In the REOEM diagram it doesn’t call out a separate part.

 

Option 2, I have a ’95 530 parts car . It has a similar part, but the attachment  mechanism to the cover is slightly different. The M5 has  plastic wedge pieces that can be easily removed. The ’95 530 has molded tabs which only want to break off ( tested removal of driver side bracket to no avail) . Any suggestions before I break out the heat gun?

 

Thanks for the help

 

John

 

From: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Gary Derian
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:19 PM
To: Scott Szachara <szac...@yahoo.com>
Cc: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [M5] 1991 E34 M5 for sale in Jacksonville FL

 

Mine was BK05368 but had 100k more miles.

Gary Derian

 

image001.jpg

John Simmons

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Apr 16, 2023, 1:40:26 PM4/16/23
to Gary Derian, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Here’s something cool, I think. Underneath the bumper cover is this signature of the tech who put together my M5??
image0.jpeg

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 16, 2023, at 11:56 AM, johnsi...@charter.net wrote:



Gentlemen ,

Backed into low rock.  Passenger side back bumper cover popped out below fuel access. The round slider piece shattered.  

Is there a part number for  the  plastic assembly on the passenger side interior of the bumper cover. In the REOEM diagram it doesn’t call out a separate part.

 

Option 2, I have a ’95 530 parts car . It has a similar part, but the attachment  mechanism to the cover is slightly different. The M5 has  plastic wedge pieces that can be easily removed. The ’95 530 has molded tabs which only want to break off ( tested removal of driver side bracket to no avail) . Any suggestions before I break out the heat gun?

 

Thanks for the help

 

John

 

From: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Gary Derian
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:19 PM
To: Scott Szachara <szac...@yahoo.com>
Cc: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [M5] 1991 E34 M5 for sale in Jacksonville FL

 

Mine was BK05368 but had 100k more miles.

Gary Derian

 

 

On Sun, Feb 12, 2023 at 4:01 PM 'Scott Szachara' via BMW E34 ///M5 <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Cool!

 

So does this make my M5 with an even earlier production date an even more rare snd valuable unicorn?  :-)

 

Anyone know what the 1 of 509 references?

 

Mine also has the full automatic climate control and a Mark D chip…

 

Regards,

 

Scott

 

<image001.jpg>

Message has been deleted

Gary Derian

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Apr 17, 2023, 8:13:21 AM4/17/23
to johnsi...@charter.net, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
I am unaware of plastic wedge pieces.  AFAIK, all the black bumper inserts attach the same.  US versions have holes for side marker lights.  
Euro versions are blank.  At the rear face, the trim pulls straight put.  At the sides, the trim slides back a bit then lifts out.
Gary Derian


On Sun, Apr 16, 2023 at 11:56 AM <johnsi...@charter.net> wrote:

Gentlemen ,

Backed into low rock.  Passenger side back bumper cover popped out below fuel access. The round slider piece shattered.  

Is there a part number for  the  plastic assembly on the passenger side interior of the bumper cover. In the REOEM diagram it doesn’t call out a separate part.

 

Option 2, I have a ’95 530 parts car . It has a similar part, but the attachment  mechanism to the cover is slightly different. The M5 has  plastic wedge pieces that can be easily removed. The ’95 530 has molded tabs which only want to break off ( tested removal of driver side bracket to no avail) . Any suggestions before I break out the heat gun?

 

Thanks for the help

 

Bill and Jan Klemme

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Apr 23, 2023, 4:49:27 PM4/23/23
to bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Group,

After over 25 years ownership and enjoyment of this old friend (black
1992), I have decided "it's time". I have gone to BAT and studied the
results of a bunch of recent auctions, to get a handle on what I should
ask for it. Maybe some of you folks would have some useful suggestions
for me before I put an ad in Roundel.

BAT seems to bring high money for any good car but I don't think I'm up
to all the work involved advertising it. I'm sure I'm going to miss it,
and some day wish I'd never sold it - but I've gone through that a bunch
of times already with several memorable vehicles.

Thanks,

Bill K

Paul Iancu

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Apr 23, 2023, 4:57:38 PM4/23/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
My suggestion would be to ask a dealer specializing in classic BMWs to sell it on consignment for you. However for top dollar bat is the place. People there seem to have the deepest pockets. 


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Jeff Gomon

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Apr 24, 2023, 10:00:06 AM4/24/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
The BMW CCA has developed it own BaT and Cars and Bids site called Collector Chassis. You can post all your cars on the site, talk about them and if you decide to sell, you select that as an option. Best thing is, it’s free to all members. You must be a CCA member to sell or bid on the cars offered. It’s another option.
Log into the club website and search for “Collector Chassis”.
image0.jpeg

Bill and Jan Klemme

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Apr 24, 2023, 10:26:10 AM4/24/23
to Jeff Gomon, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Thanks guys....guess I'll try this CCA one first and have BAT as a last
ditch option.

On 4/24/23 9:59 AM, Jeff Gomon wrote:
> The BMW CCA has developed it own BaT and Cars and Bids site called Collector Chassis. You can post all your cars on the site, talk about them and if you decide to sell, you select that as an option. Best thing is, it’s free to all members. You must be a CCA member to sell or bid on the cars offered. It’s another option.
> Log into the club website and search for “Collector Chassis”.
>
>
> D. Jeff Gomon
>
> Sent from das iPhone Vierzehn Pro
>
>> On Apr 23, 2023, at 3:49 PM, Bill and Jan Klemme <wkl...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Group,

Michael P Andre

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Apr 24, 2023, 11:39:39 AM4/24/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, Jeff Gomon, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Watch outfor the CCA website. I had a string of annoying phasing attempts and even a bot attack from one classified ad.

Michael Andre

From: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Bill and Jan Klemme <wkl...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2023 7:26:06 AM
To: Jeff Gomon <jeff...@gmail.com>
Cc: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [M5] selling my '92....any suggestions?
 

Michael P Andre

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Apr 24, 2023, 11:57:46 AM4/24/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, Jeff Gomon, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Dang the spell checkers. That should be "phishing".

Michael Andre

From: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Michael P Andre <m.a...@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2023 8:39:33 AM
To: Bill and Jan Klemme <wkl...@gmail.com>; Jeff Gomon <jeff...@gmail.com>

chrich...@yahoo.com

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Apr 24, 2023, 12:38:08 PM4/24/23
to Michael P Andre, Bill and Jan Klemme, Jeff Gomon, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com

Thanks all for your information! I didn’t know about the CCA site though I just sold a modified E91 through the regular classified section quickly. Wagons are hot these days! A couple thoughts on selling for you:

 

  1. Try the classifieds first – I think you will have enough interest there with less work. Lots of nice people in the CCA as we know.
  2. On the phishing/bot attacks: No expert here, but would it help to restrict the cookies CCA places? If they use third parties, there are more holes in security potentially. Of course, use McAfee or Kaspersky or some kind of protection software.
  3. BaT requires an exclusive listing, so if you are considering going there, use other options to the fullest first. I dropped my application with them for various reasons such as the legalese I would have to sign. The other one was they would not let me use the gallery posted by the seller of my vehicle even though it was less than 12 months prior. They are not helpful, and I don’t think I will ever buy or sell there in the future.

 

Chris Richards.

chrich...@yahoo.com

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Apr 24, 2023, 12:56:40 PM4/24/23
to Michael P Andre, Bill and Jan Klemme, Jeff Gomon, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com

All: I forgot to mention that CCA Classifieds let you restrict who gets your contact information (partially) to members only. Another strategy would be to NOT give out your email until someone contacts you by phone.

 

I also just sold a Lexus using Autotrader and NextDoor. I got a lot of phishing attempts through Autotrader. And NextDoor sold the car anyway. The typical phish says they need the car immediately and they will send a shipper to pick it up. I got a lot of annoying texts demanding information that was in the ad also. Not a pleasant experience!

 

From: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Michael P Andre

johnsi...@charter.net

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Sep 28, 2023, 10:38:47 AM9/28/23
to Gary Derian, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com

Gentlemen,

 

My gas tank is slowly leaking. New part around $1600.

Thought about POR 15, but not convinced.

Anyone know of a good source for new or high quality used?

Have look for a plastic tank but to no avail.

 

Thanks for any assistance.

 

John

 

From: johnsi...@charter.net <johnsi...@charter.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2023 11:56 AM
To: 'Gary Derian' <gade...@gmail.com>
Cc: 'bmw-e...@googlegroups.com' <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Bumper cover parts question

 

Gentlemen ,

Backed into low rock.  Passenger side back bumper cover popped out below fuel access. The round slider piece shattered.  

Is there a part number for  the  plastic assembly on the passenger side interior of the bumper cover. In the REOEM diagram it doesn’t call out a separate part.

 

Option 2, I have a ’95 530 parts car . It has a similar part, but the attachment  mechanism to the cover is slightly different. The M5 has  plastic wedge pieces that can be easily removed. The ’95 530 has molded tabs which only want to break off ( tested removal of driver side bracket to no avail) . Any suggestions before I break out the heat gun?

 

Thanks for the help

 

John

 

From: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com <bmw-e...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Gary Derian


Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:19 PM
To: Scott Szachara <szac...@yahoo.com>

Cc: bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [M5] 1991 E34 M5 for sale in Jacksonville FL

 

Mine was BK05368 but had 100k more miles.

Gary Derian

 

image001.jpg

Bill and Jan Klemme

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Oct 3, 2023, 10:29:40 AM10/3/23
to bmw-e...@googlegroups.com

I'd avoid used ones...got one years ago and after installing found out it leaked. POR sealer should work if you do it right. It's good stuff.

Bill K

Gary Derian

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Oct 3, 2023, 2:39:51 PM10/3/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
POR 15 is great for stopping rust, but it is not a tank sealer.  Years ago I cleaned my fuel tank.  Scraping out rust from
 the seam weld around the perimeter.  2 coats of POR and it still works today.  Plastic tanks are Euro only, my 525tds has one.

Gary Derian


On Tue, Oct 3, 2023 at 10:29 AM Bill and Jan Klemme <wkl...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'd avoid used ones...got one years ago and after installing found out it leaked. POR sealer should work if you do it right. It's good stuff.

Bill K

On 9/28/23 10:38 AM, johnsi...@charter.net wrote:

Gentlemen,

 

My gas tank is slowly leaking. New part around $1600.

Thought about POR 15, but not convinced.

Anyone know of a good source for new or high quality used?

Have look for a plastic tank but to no avail.

 

Thanks for any assistance.

 

John Simmons

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Oct 3, 2023, 2:57:04 PM10/3/23
to Gary Derian, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Would the plastic tank on the 525tds be compatible on a ‘95 540i  (80 l capacity) and it’s fuel pump and filler neck?

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 3, 2023, at 2:39 PM, Gary Derian <gade...@gmail.com> wrote:


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Gary Derian

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Oct 3, 2023, 7:22:08 PM10/3/23
to John Simmons, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
Fuel pump attachment is different.  It has a large threaded plastic ring, not the bolt-on metal flange.  The pump is probably not right for port fuel injection.  Not impossible to fix.  Filler neck doesn't have the unleaded restrictor.  Also diesels don't capture evaporative emissions, but I think the tank vents are similar.

An E32 tank fits right in, but the filler neck has to be shortened due to the narrower E34 body.  Nice thing is it holds 24 gallons.  It is a few inches deeper.  E32s also have a 100 liter tank in Europe.  The gauge cluster coding plug must be re-coded to get a proper gauge reading and OBC fuel range.

Gary Derian

Bill and Jan Klemme

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Oct 8, 2023, 5:15:59 PM10/8/23
to Gary Derian, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com

Gary Derian

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Oct 8, 2023, 6:06:57 PM10/8/23
to Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com
I've never used the sealer.  Don't know why it wouldn't work, but first the outside rust must be cleaned up and stopped.
Gary Derian

Bill Klemme

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Oct 8, 2023, 6:56:41 PM10/8/23
to Gary Derian, BMW E34 ///M5
For sure! 😁

johnsi...@charter.net

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Aug 12, 2025, 10:17:14 AM8/12/25
to Gary Derian, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com

Gentlemen,

The metal gas tank is leaking at the seam on the daily driver 540i. This was replaced 2 years ago.

At 30 plus years, I think it is time for a new one or at least a high quality  used one from a good source. That would be you guys.

 

Anyway, the usual online suppliers can only access one from Europe with a 5 week ship time. Does anyone have thoughts on finding a replacement in a reasonable amount of time.   And price.

Best price from ECS is $2099.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

John

Gary Derian

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Aug 12, 2025, 5:50:48 PM8/12/25
to johnsi...@charter.net, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com
There are BMW specific junk yards around the country.  Fortunately the M5 tank is the same as all E34s.

Gary Derian

Brad Mehlinger

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Aug 12, 2025, 7:19:10 PM8/12/25
to Gary Derian, johnsi...@charter.net, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com
I use this site frequently for my collection of vehicles...


fill in the form and the site will produce a nationwide list of auto salvage yards that have an E34 fuel tank to sell.  The list will be sorted by proximity to the zip code you provided.  

John Simmons

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Aug 12, 2025, 7:31:52 PM8/12/25
to Brad Mehlinger, Gary Derian, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com
Thanks, Brad
Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 12, 2025, at 7:19 PM, Brad Mehlinger <prair...@gmail.com> wrote:



John Simmons

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May 1, 2026, 6:09:14 PM (14 days ago) May 1
to Gary Derian, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com

Gentlemen,

 

My fuel line failed and needs to be replaced.

I have a bid of $800 from a nearby independent shop that I have been thinking of trying.

Labor is $462; Parts: hose 135; fuel $138( 5 units .????); shop supplies $14.

Total: $802

 

It seems ridiculous.

Is the line replacement challenging?

 

Thoughts?

 

Many thanks for all the great advice from this group.

 

Regards,

 

John

jaw...@frontier.com

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May 1, 2026, 6:45:21 PM (14 days ago) May 1
to John Simmons, Gary Derian, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com

Hi John,

 

How did your fuel line fail? Did a hose burst and leak or do you have a clogged line or something else? Asking because my M5 won’t start and I believe it’s a fuel issue as I don’t smell gas at the tail pipe. And my M5 has never failed to start in the 27 years of ownership.

In my region North of Seattle hourly rates are around $200 for independents. Just had my valve cover replaced on my 135i and it cost over 3 grand but they provided a free service loaner and replaced the plugs. So, I don’t think $800 for a fuel line replacement is unusual but why 5 units of fuel at $138? Do they need to drain the tank and replace the fuel?

 

Jack Wheat

John Simmons

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May 1, 2026, 6:57:04 PM (14 days ago) May 1
to jaw...@frontier.com, Gary Derian, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com

Hi Jack,

 

Thanks for your response.

Concerning my failed fuel line, I do not know the exact failure mode.

My wife ( what???) was driving the car. Her E34 540 was blocked in  by our kids car, so she took the M5 ( what???). She drove 8 miles and parked. She noticed fuel in the parking lot but didn’t make the connection. On the way home, the car sputtered and eventual stopped. Then she called me.

 

I replaced the fuel tank several years ago, so I may have made a poor connection.

 

On the 540, we have had several crankshaft position sensor  fail and cause no start. 

 

Good luck.

 

John

Gary Derian

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May 2, 2026, 8:20:01 PM (13 days ago) May 2
to John Simmons, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com
If one uses nickle-copper tubing, it is fairly easy since it is easy to bend by hand.  The toughest part is where it passes between the rear subframe and the body.  I just put a hose connection there and made the front and rear parts separately.  When I was fitting the LS engine in another E34, I had the subframe removed and ran two  3/8 inch mm tubes, each feeding one bank of the V-8.  I also put two fuel pumps in the tank, like an E32 750i.  The new lines ran outside the frame rails since the exhaust ran inside.
IMG_1652.JPG

Gary Derian

Gary Derian

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May 2, 2026, 8:24:15 PM (13 days ago) May 2
to jaw...@frontier.com, John Simmons, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com
Jack, if you suspect a fuel problem, T in a fuel pressure gauge at the rubber hose between the frame and the engine.  It is under the rear of the plenum.  Tape the gauge to a windshield wiper and watch it.  Fuel pumps fail way more often than lines break or clog.  Another place to check is the fuel filter, but those can go many years without clogging.  A sneaky fuel problem is when the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm fails and fuel gets sucked into the engine through the vacuum hose.

Gary Derian

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Ben Trigg

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May 3, 2026, 4:11:38 PM (12 days ago) May 3
to Gary Derian, jaw...@frontier.com, John Simmons, Bill and Jan Klemme, bmw-e...@googlegroups.com, jeff...@gmail.com
If the fuel pump is turning on when you start and you don't smell any fuel, I'd move towards doing the electrical diagnosis first before I pull fuel lines. Is there a way to feel the pump like on the e28? The risk of spilling a bunch of fuel in the engine bay or breaking an old line is much higher than looking into relays, spark plugs, and sensor signals, in my experience.

A shop that thinks there's a clogged fuel line probably drains the tank for good measure, suspecting that bad fuel might be the reason for the clog.

Thomas Bichler

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May 5, 2026, 2:10:18 AM (11 days ago) May 5
to BMW E34 ///M5
I'd check the rubber hose Gary mentions. Tightening the clamps stopped my "fuel leaks". Not easy to spot.
///Thomas

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