Turbo e34 540 i

**Hps9** · 08-08-2018, 01:25 AM

I am planning on purchasing a 1995 540 i and turbocharging it. What do I need to get started and what is the most reasonable turbo I could put in it for a starter ?

**GazM3** · 08-08-2018, 04:43 AM

E34 is very tricky to put front mounted intercooler. I had to lose the Ac condenser as with it in place you have to almost have the cores touch each other. The m60 very underrated engine. Saw on latest performance bmw magazine that some chap is managing some big power 700rwhp or something out of internally standard engine. I’ve got a supercharged m60 running 14psi and it’s begging for more timing & drivability is very good. I’ve got a larger crank pulley that will prob push over 16psi drawn up ready to lite the fuse on.

Good luck. See the dudmd thread on here.

**motorokr718** · 08-08-2018, 10:12 AM

Your best option is to get a 6 cylinder call and turbo that instead. Having turbo'd a 540, I can promise you that would be the easier option. That said, if you choose to go down the 540 route, you will need custom manifolds. Don't expect anything off the shelf - there is none. Like Gaz said, intercooler is tricky. You'll likely loose either AC or the front bumper. You'll probably want to go the standalone route. Turbo size is completely up to you. Big top end or useable throughout?

Here's my semi-build thread to give you some ideas.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...squirt-content

**GazM3** · 08-08-2018, 04:14 PM

Yes 6cyl much easier to turbo especial in a e34 chassis. The e34 is probably the worst bmw to run an air/air intercooler on. In e28 there is a massive space for one. The e34 chassis copes with big power nicely tho.

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Yes 6cyl much easier to turbo especial in a e34 chassis. The e34 is probably the worst bmw to run an air/air intercooler on. In e28 there is a massive space for one. The e34 chassis copes with big power nicely tho.

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Yes 6cyl much easier to turbo especial in a e34 chassis. The e34 is probably the worst bmw to run an air/air intercooler on. In e28 there is a massive space for one. The e34 chassis copes with big power nicely tho.

**jimmyz66** · 08-09-2018, 10:52 AM

I have a RMS after cooler, and it works pretty good. It is the only thing that works from RMS, I was warned but I am stubborn. That said, aftercoolers work for my 540i. I am in the process right now to replace my Vortech V2 Ti based s/c system with a turbo kit custom made by Zack at 222RPD. I have always respected the options tubos offer, mainly adjustability of boost on the fly and no parasitic loss. What I have personally learned is one is not "better" than the other, but rather that either one can hopefully satisfy different goals. There is more than 1 way to skin a skunk (I would never skin a cat

). I will start a new thread with Zack in the near future. As of today I am looking at several transportation companys to get my 540i from Bay Area to Seattle area asap (lowest quote so far is $1045). Any suggestions? Also Hps9 I am going with a Precision single turbo and I already have a fully built 4.9L M62 to use. Good luck and wish you the best in your adventure. Zack is a great guy to talk to and very knowledgeable. He also is a member here as "vollosso".