1995 BMW 540i

[bcasey6747]

Im looking at a 1995 540I with 220K.

6 speed with the v8

new lower control arms, front sway bar links, rear dogbones and recent (less than 10k miles), complete clutch, flywheel, catalytic converters, fan clutch, center support bearing.

Asking $2200

In your opinion is it worth it? will there be a lot of maintenance? Im decant with cars and im willing to put some work into the car, i just don't want to buy a money pit. Opinions?

[pizzaman09]

The big question with the engine in that car, the M60 engine, is if it has good compression. If it does then I would say buy the car, it will be a lot of fun. If it does not have good compression, you might be shopping for a new engine in the future.

It's a nice price for a great car with the perfect engine transmission combo.

[ElleShooTiger]

Thats a lot of miles for any car, but if its cheap enough to make up for any mileage-related issues, it can be a great deal and fun (as long as you do the work yourself!). If it has a lot of new parts and good records, I'd go for it.

How is the condition of the body and electricals? Those are the hardest and most expensive to repair, the rest is all bolt-on's. It wouldnt be a bad idea to go around your local u-pull-it junkyards and keep an eye on a lower-mileage engine and keep it until you need it. Stockpile on other parts too haha.

[ClarkWGriswold]

The transmission is worth $1300. by itself so if the body is in decent shape I would buy it. Don't let the miles scare you away. You probably will get a better response in the E34 section.

[Adrianl]

I love e34 V8s. I wouldn't be afraid of the mileage as long as it's been maintained. $2200, that's a lot of car for the price. If i were in your shoes, i'd go for it. (assuming that indeed the engine has a successful leakdown/compression test)

[pMak26]

If you don't want it, pass it my way, I'll take it.

[BoldUlysses]

As others have said, do a compression check. They're concerned about the possible composition of the block (read about Nikasil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M60)), although the consensus is that if your compression is good, even if you have a Nikasil block, if it's lasted this long, there's no longer any danger since gas has been reformulated since the mid-late '90s.

Check for rust along the lower lips of the doors. That's a common trouble spot.

Otherwise, great deal for a seriously underrated car. :thumbup:

-Matt

[bcasey6747]

Thanks for your help. Lots to think about and look at

[me78569]

sounds like the owner of it has done maintenance so I wouldn't worry about mileage. Mine has 265k and it runs like a top.

[ktm250rider]

seems like a lot of miles. Im looking at a 98 540i with only 85k miles (allegidly) for $4500.

[robmpulse]

without a compression check, you will need to factor in the cost of replacing the motor at any given time of ownership. As long as you can afford that, go for it. IF not, then you better do a compression check.

[ktm250rider]

whats the acceptable compression range?

[Boomer M3]

im with pmak26, I'll take it!

[NikosX]

Thats a lot of miles.