1993 vs 1994 BMW 5 Series

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

1993

Nothing that 1994 lacks.

1994

  • Worn Nikasil bores on early V8s 1994–1996 One source so far

    What to check: Have a compression test done, and look for white smoke and oil use.

    Euro Premium Parts says the Nikasil coating on early M60 bores reacted with sulfur-rich US fuel and wore fast, losing compression, and that later engines are unaffected. It also lists failing engine wiring insulation on the M60.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

  • Cooling system failure All years One source so far

    What to check: Ask when the water pump, hoses, thermostat and expansion tank were last replaced, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the plastic water pump impeller, hoses and expansion tank consumables, and says a failed impeller is the leading cause of head gasket damage on the six-cylinder engines.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Rust in the sills and floor All years One source so far

    What to check: Look at the jacking points, sills, floor pans and inner wheel arches.

    Euro Premium Parts calls sill and floor pan rust the biggest structural concern on any E34, especially where roads are salted.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Worn VANOS seals on the twin-cam six 1991–1996 One source so far

    What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

    Euro Premium Parts says early VANOS units leak oil and rattle on a cold start as their seals wear, and that the idle control valve can cause a rough idle and stalling.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Worn suspension bushings All years One source so far

    What to check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering or pulling, and listen for clunks over bumps.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the front control arm and rear trailing arm bushings wear items.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

1993

  • 94V066000 1989–1993

    The fuel feed hoses can harden over time and let fuel seep at the engine fitting. Dealers fit a redesigned hose and clamp. NHTSA

1994

  • 94V017000 1994

    The remote can close the windows and sunroof from farther away than the federal standard allows. Dealers replace the mirror that holds the receiver with one that cannot work the windows. NHTSA

  • 94V219000 1994–1995

    The double-lock feature can engage with people and the key inside the car. Dealers replace the general control module with one whose software lets the windows open. NHTSA

Both years

  • 96V111000 1990–1994

    The brake light switch can fail with the brake lights stuck on or off. Dealers fit a newly designed switch. NHTSA

  • 97V131000 1989–1995

    A plastic bushing on the cruise control or throttle cable can break, letting the outer cable catch on it when the accelerator is pressed. Dealers fit a spring steel clip to each cable. NHTSA

  • 98V178000 1989–1995

    If a thermostat, water pump or fan belt fails and the driver misses the overheating warning, coolant pressure can damage the cooling system. Dealers fit a new design of radiator cap. NHTSA

What changed between

After 1993, up to and including 1994.

  1. 1994The 535i gives way to two V8s, the 530i and 540i. CarGurus

What it came with

1993

Engines
3.4L inline-six (1989–1993) CarGurus, a published reference

1994

Engines
3.0L V8 (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference, 4.0L V8 (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference
Transmissions
Five-speed automatic (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference

Both years

Engines
2.5L twin-cam inline-six (1991–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Five-speed manual CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, Four-speed automatic CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference
Body styles
Sedan Edmunds, a published reference, Touring (1992–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1993

Nothing that 1994 lacks.

1994

  • Watch for: An early V8 without a compression test 1994–1996 Walk away One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts advises avoiding early M60 V8 cars unless a compression test shows the Nikasil cylinder bores are undamaged. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

  • Sought after: Manual sedans, V8s and the Touring All years

    CarGurus says manual sedans, V8s and Touring models are already becoming collectibles, and Euro Premium Parts says the Touring is increasingly sought after in the US. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)