WTB 540i/6, need help with choosing

[Guidonhue]

Hey all,

I currently drive an E21, and want something more modern/powerful that can cruise the highways with ease. I've done a decent amount of research and have driven a 540i/6, so I know this is the E34 I want. I'll feel as though I'm missing out with I go with less powerful or E39 and up. I want one that can be daily driven and last at least 6-7 more years before needing a full overhaul. I've located a few that are in my price range (operable at $7500) and want some opinions on what to eliminate and what to further pursue.

Option 1: Silver w/ white interior, 173k miles, $7300
Pros - Owner is trusted BMW enthusiast/friend and local, has all the desirable upgrades (headers, new coilovers, 3.15 LSD, PCV and supplemental hoses replaced, M62 top end), and good documentation
Cons - Higher mileage, interior is worn, rust spots on rear bumper and trunklid, was not treated well by 1st owner (friend is the 2nd)

Option 2: Black on black, 113k miles, $7500
Pros - Low mileage, E31 front brake setup, short shifter, custom exhaust, winter and summer tires/wheels, well maintained with decent documentation, PCV done, new top end gaskets and water pump
Cons - Not local, but coincidentally flying out to his location for vacation so will try to see the car soon, priced highest

Option 3: Oxford Green w/ tan interior, 160k miles, $5500
Pros - Price, knowledgeable seller (has owned 540i/6's before), great documentation (all records in past 10 years), essentially stock other than poly bushings
Cons - Don't love the look, higher mileage and some rust along the doors, does not know if PCV has been done

Option 4: Grey w/ black interior, 119k, $5500
Pros - Low mileage, dinan everything (chip, exhuast tune and tips), alusil block (I know not a problem anymore, but I heard it's better for resale), new clutch
Cons - Poorly documented, Will need some work... has SLS that does not work now, occasional cold start rough idle (MAF/vacuum leak?), occasional lambda 1 code thrown randomly (o2 sensor?), cats are gutted (95's in VA still need to pass emissions) and small rust on the bottom of all 4 doors

Sorry for bombarding with all the info! Just found 4 cars I'm interested in, but want to pick the one that'll be the most reliable (hoping for 100k more miles!) and won't need a huge overhaul soon.

Let me know what you guys think - thanks for the help!

[katit2]

If I was you I would look for low mileage stock CA car with no rust at all. It’s funny to read “little surface rust on doors”. It’s doors rusted through and most likely rocker panels too.

none of the above

[moroza]

Except for No.2, they all seem overpriced, and that's assuming the only Con to No.2 is that it's far. Anything over 5k is "nice and sorted, or really special" territory for an E34, where rust and worn interiors do not belong.

No.1 has some questionable items: M62 top end, presumably valvetrain? M60 heads are sometimes put on M62 blocks for hotter cams, stronger timing chain, and higher compression, but not the other way around. And headers? Really?

PCV is a $200 job if you pay someone to do it, not a big deal in the bigger picture. You'll pay more than that for any meaningful rust repair.

None of these I'd consider "higher mileage", certainly not worth worrying about.

[wannaBMthree]

Def stay away from 4. Black on black is the best, I get compliments on mine all the time. If you can get him down closer to 7K I'd say go for it, it will hold it's value IMO. You can always find maintenance items or bushings that need to be done to help drive the price down.

If option 1 has the "m60b44" as Moroza properly described I'd take a good hard look at it, if you want more of a hotrod. The 3.15lsd is $$$ and a significant mod. That said if you just want a fun solid cruiser option 2 sounds well equipped, I "overpaid" for my e30 back in the day and it was a great decision.

[Kingpin025]

If it has rust and you're planning on keeping it that would be a no go in my book. Rust repair on doors and probably rockers could easily be $4k. I had my M5 sport seats redone a couple years ago for $1350 so there's a baseline cost for that. If you've researched E34s then you know you can expect to replace all the bushings, hoses and do a cooling system refresh if there is no evidence they've been done. Search California, Nevada and Arizona for rust free examples which in my book would be worth waiting for. Here's a current BAT auction you might keep an eye on.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-540i-5/

[WordMan]

I just paid $7,000 for a 155,000 mile, black on parchment 540i/6 with a fairly well documented history.

[MMMEAT]

If it has rust and you're planning on keeping it that would be a no go in my book. Rust repair on doors and probably rockers could easily be $4k. I had my M5 sport seats redone a couple years ago for $1350 so there's a baseline cost for that. If you've researched E34s then you know you can expect to replace all the bushings, hoses and do a cooling system refresh if there is no evidence they've been done. Search California, Nevada and Arizona for rust free examples which in my book would be worth waiting for. Here's a current BAT auction you might keep an eye on.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-540i-5/

Yeah over 15K plus buyer's commission..Wow! I'm not so sure any of the cars listed above are high priced..at all

[moroza]

15 grand, no mention of suspension work, and they didn't even bother to tighten up the peeling weatherstripping on the RR door?

[WordMan]

I'm not so sure any of the cars listed above are high priced at all

I'm sure I over paid for mine, but in the end I think it was worth it (at least to me) as it was exactly what I was looking for. A 540i/6 with nice paint, a nice interior, no rust, and no EDC, SLS, or ASC.

[Avec]

To be honest, the top two are in higher regard, but the performance upgrades (headers?) always make me think the car has be driven very hard. Other than the coil overs and "M62 top end" for #1, the things you list are fairly cheap upgrades. PVC is cheap, LSD can be found for $300-$400, etc

Truthfully, I would look for a bone stock, well treated, rust free example in the color you want. Black on Black is the best, although I am biased. Use Searchtempest and be patient

[nonturbodan]

I've got one out here in NM. M60B44, 280rwhp, needs paint and the drivers seat is worn out. No rust. Black on beige. 218k on the chassis. 3k takes it.

[Mackman]

I have an E39 Black on Black sport with sport seats heated with 64k. I just got it back form being repainted Cosmo Metallic with 4 coats and 4 coats of BASF clear $400 a gallon. It's an automatic so, that may be an issue for you but it's a lot less $ that the clutch will cost when replaced at$2,500. You can call 417-299-8813. Mack and I'll send pics

[nonturbodan]

Let me know what you guys think - thanks for the help!

PM replied. Had to log back in after I finished typing, if you didn't get it I can send it again.

[Guidonhue]

Got it! Thanks

[moroza]

I have an E39 Black on Black sport with sport seats heated with 64k. I just got it back form being repainted Cosmo Metallic with 4 coats and 4 coats of BASF clear $400 a gallon. It's an automatic so, that may be an issue for you but it's a lot less $ that the clutch will cost when replaced at$2,500. You can call 417-299-8813. Mack and I'll send pics

A clutch is nowhere near $2500. That's wholesale price for a new slushbox, before installation. And it's still a slushbox.

[RobZR]

This is the E34 you want, or everyone wants.
RobZR

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-540i-4/

[prash]

This is the E34 you want, or everyone wants.
RobZR

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-540i-4/

Nice. Except for your intake manifold.

This 540 6spd sold for 6300. I don't know who's car it is but seems well cared for.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-540i-3/

And an M5 sold on the same day for $13,500

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-bmw-m5-9/

[atl530i]

Have any information on option 4? If it's a 540i6 with SLS, chances are it's an M Sport.

[RobZR]

But, but, but, fresh Calypso, M-pars,blk sport seats, and LSD is all I needed to see.

If I didn't have one in the garage just like it, I'd all over that auction.
Hellrot, and Calypso have to be the best E34 colors. But I'm a little biased.

RobZR

[Layne]

Unless I've forgotten or missed something, a US model 540i/6 cannot have SLS unless it's an M-sport. So confirm if it is an M-sport, and buy that one.

[95525ibob]

buy mine. . 165 kms mint 6000 CDN

[hakentt]

nothing worse when seller says it has "upgraded" intake and all it is crappy cone filter that drags hot air from the radiator reducing the power and increasing the chance for detonation