Which car to purchase...(potentially)

[stan]

I've been kicking around an E39 540 for some time and have plans to "do" something about it soon. Given the choice I can probably pick up a 97+ 540 for somewhere in the 20's range, mileage/condition contigent, OR my buddy has a mint '95 540 6/sp, M-tech package with mid 50k miles on the clock, 18" BBs wheels, MB Quartz stereo upgrade, etc. for around $21k.
I'm vaguely aware of the newer suspension on the E39 and am very fond of both body styles, hence I'm torn.

Thanks

[mholbrook]

Of course, the E34 is very beautiful and a 540 Sport with 6 speed is "almost" an M5. However, if it has the Nikisil engine, I'd highly recommend a leakdown test and some very experienced advise. If it is a Nik engine the price is too high by a lot. Alusil and perfect condition, maybe ok.

The E39 540's are very nice and Alusil motors. Would the E39 also be of manual transmission or if an automatic, you are into lifetime fluid trans which are very expensive if they fail.

Just my .02 worth.

Mike Holbrook
89 535im
x 94 530ia
x87 528em
x 76 2002

[stan]

Sorry, I should have specified. It does have the Alusil block, otherwise I wouldn't even consider it.

[Craig]

The M540i E34 seems to be more collectible if that's important to you. Weren't there only a few hundred made? I think that, given the fact that auto makers tend to improve their cars with each generation, the E39 may be the "better" car but that doesn't take into account personal preference.

If it were me I'd probably go with the E34, but only if it's really an M540i. If it's a regular E34 540i vs an E39 540i I'd probably go with the E39 (everything else being equal).

[DrewZ]

There were only 32 M540is, and they were only imported to Canada. There were 200 540i Sports imported to the US. Check out this site (http://www.kindel.com/bmw) for a detailed list of the differences among the M540i, 540i Sport, and "regular" 540i 6-speed.

Drew Zacharda
6-speed Touring
http://members.aol.com/apzjd/newavatar.jpg (http://www.bmwe34.net/ASP/DURegistry/RegDetail.asp?id=100)



The M540i E34 seems to be more collectible if that's important to you. Weren't there only a few hundred made? I think that, given the fact that auto makers tend to improve their cars with each generation, the E39 may be the "better" car but that doesn't take into account personal preference.

If it were me I'd probably go with the E34, but only if it's really an M540i. If it's a regular E34 540i vs an E39 540i I'd probably go with the E39 (everything else being equal).

[Tiger]

E39 540i motor has much more lower RPM torque... whereas E34 V8 is a high revving engine... the torque is at higher RPM. So that means for normal driving... the E39 is better.

[632 Regal]

I reluctantly agree

[DueyT]

E39 540i motor has much more lower RPM torque... whereas E34 V8 is a high revving engine... the torque is at higher RPM. So that means for normal driving... the E39 is better.
...unless you chip it and gain a whole rack-load full of torque down low! :)

The E.A.T. will make the M60B40 engine come alive at 2000-2500 vice the standard E34's 3000-4000.

Cheers,
Duey

[632 Regal]

...unless you chip it and gain a whole rack-load full of torque down low! :)

The E.A.T. will make the M60B40 engine come alive at 2000-2500 vice the standard E34's 3000-4000.

Cheers,
Duey

[BigD]

Well, let's not forget that the E39 is a 4.4 vs E34 is a 4.0. Unless they detuned the engine for some stupid reason, I think they lied about the power of the E39. But torque went up quite a bit.


E39 540i motor has much more lower RPM torque... whereas E34 V8 is a high revving engine... the torque is at higher RPM. So that means for normal driving... the E39 is better.

[Sbloxxy]

You guys regularly refer to a chip for the 540. I'm in the UK - I don't suppose anyone knows of a company over here who can supply the correct chip?

[Warren N.CA]

The E34 might lend itself better to that. Have you ever read the posts on the E39 boards (like roadfly)? E39 is vastly more complex with many tasks that would be difficult for an owner to do, himself.




Sorry, I should have specified. It does have the Alusil block, otherwise I wouldn't even consider it.

[Warren N.CA]

E39 has an "environmentally friendly" clutch that is sealed so all the dust from the disk wear remains inside. There, it is likely to contaminate the throwout bearing, causing the need for premature clutch replacement. Progress marches on!



I've been kicking around an E39 540 for some time and have plans to "do" something about it soon. Given the choice I can probably pick up a 97+ 540 for somewhere in the 20's range, mileage/condition contigent, OR my buddy has a mint '95 540 6/sp, M-tech package with mid 50k miles on the clock, 18" BBs wheels, MB Quartz stereo upgrade, etc. for around $21k.
I'm vaguely aware of the newer suspension on the E39 and am very fond of both body styles, hence I'm torn.

Thanks

[DueyT]

You guys regularly refer to a chip for the 540. I'm in the UK - I don't suppose anyone knows of a company over here who can supply the correct chip?
Sbloxxy, I think that Mark D'Sylva of E.A.T. can ship across the Atlantic to you if your DME #'s match the chip he made for the 540i/6's. You'd like the chip a lot!

Cheers,
Duey