540iA: Differences between model years?

[Petteri75]

I am interested in E34 540iA and been watching the local and continental automarkets (e.g. mobile.de). A 540iA -93 is nearby and I could have a chance to take a look of it.

Are there any significant differences between different model years; 1993, 1994, 1995? Is there reason why I should pass a -93 and take a better look for a -95 MY? I am tempted to get a fully equipped -95 (about EUR 6500) but there is a opportunity to get -93 for 5500 with ~85tkm:s (not certified) w/o CC etc.

So, I guess the question is, should I wait and see to get a nice -95 E34 540iA?

[brodee]

In the US the '94 model came with brake ducts in the lower front valance. In '95 they added the side skirts and front and rear valances painted to match the car which depending on color can really improve the look.

I'm sure some of the 540 guys will chime in with any other differences.

[Petteri75]

Any differences? In addition to the above I guess the remote key got integrated in -95 and there are rumous, that in later years the doors' upholstery (plastic parts or something) were glued better and do not stick out.

Any revisions, corrections and additions are greatly welcomed. The hunt for a perfect E34 540i is still going on.

[SharkmanBMW]

The interior on my '94 is sweet, excellent condition, '95 also had side marker lights i think(?)

[johnnyturbo2002]

I am interested in E34 540iA and been watching the local and continental automarkets (e.g. mobile.de). A 540iA -93 is nearby and I could have a chance to take a look of it.

Are there any significant differences between different model years; 1993, 1994, 1995? Is there reason why I should pass a -93 and take a better look for a -95 MY? I am tempted to get a fully equipped -95 (about EUR 6500) but there is a opportunity to get -93 for 5500 with ~85tkm:s (not certified) w/o CC etc.

So, I guess the question is, should I wait and see to get a nice -95 E34 540iA?

My 95 does have side markers but I really don't know about many more differences. check a search page..what was that guys name that did sprt models versus regular ones? Kimmel? something like that

here you go, this might have some info for you. http://www.kindel.com/bmw/
I'd get a 95 if I were you, or a very good earlier model will do too lower miles on any 540 is a great car to have.

[Sweetwater]

Don't forget to look at manufacture date. My '95 was built in mid-94 and I'm pretty sure that it's a common finding for those model years.

[rockyfeller]

Very minor differences....The 95's also have an updated steering wheel with a more "late-model" looking blue-white BMW emblem instead of the older imprinted look. As said sidemarkers and painted lower bodywork are added too check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1995-BMW-540i-EXTREAMLY-CLEAN-LQQK-AT-PICTURES_W0QQitemZ4577888926QQcategoryZ6008QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem

BTW remember.....Alusil!!

[Qsilver7]

Very minor differences....The 95's also have an updated steering wheel with a more "late-model" looking blue-white BMW emblem instead of the older imprinted look. As said sidemarkers and painted lower bodywork are added too check it out:

Wow..that's the first time I've seen a 1995 e34 that didn't have the gathered leather on the door panels...but it's an early production 95 (6/1994 mfg date)...so that's probably why. And it appears that it is suffering the same fate as the other non-gathered leather door panels:
http://i13.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/e2/de/fd_3.JPG

(note the difference in the rear door panel in pic above versus the rear door panel of a 1995 w/gathered leather in pic below)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/433000-433999/433594_304.jpg

At least it does have the updated steering wheel and power telescoping column (additional stalk beneath turn stalk:
http://i9.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/d8/5c/97_3.JPG http://i3.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/e9/4b/71_3.JPG

[Mendozart]

I am interested in E34 540iA and been watching the local and continental automarkets (e.g. mobile.de). A 540iA -93 is nearby and I could have a chance to take a look of it.

Are there any significant differences between different model years; 1993, 1994, 1995? Is there reason why I should pass a -93 and take a better look for a -95 MY? I am tempted to get a fully equipped -95 (about EUR 6500) but there is a opportunity to get -93 for 5500 with ~85tkm:s (not certified) w/o CC etc.

So, I guess the question is, should I wait and see to get a nice -95 E34 540iA?
Just remember to make sure the nikasil issue was addressed. Make sure it has an alusil block.

[mattyb]

I think the engine bay layout is a bit different buts thats of not much consequence as they are all a bit tight. the seats were a bit different. If I had to go shopping again I'd be looking at the 95 only because its a younger car but then the ks count! and the history, buy a car with a documented history. you can go to a dealer and be very nice about it, give them the vin and theyll be able to bring up the bm service history if a dealer has had anything to do with it or conducted repairs. or get the seller to get it

[rockyfeller]

That's right also the gathered door inserts some like em, some don't (some think It's Cadillacish) BTW the 94s also had power telescoping wheels but tilt was optional. My owners manual doesn't say it was optional it's as if it assumes it's standard. I wonder if the '95s had em standard.

[Russell]

My e34 is a US 95 made 1/95. While not a 540i, it has the preminum package and benefits from all the small but important running improvements BMW made to the car. Also get the lowest mileage with the best service records.

Good luck

[95-540iLE]

In Australia, the 95 also came with a passenger airbag.


I am interested in E34 540iA and been watching the local and continental automarkets (e.g. mobile.de). A 540iA -93 is nearby and I could have a chance to take a look of it.

Are there any significant differences between different model years; 1993, 1994, 1995? Is there reason why I should pass a -93 and take a better look for a -95 MY? I am tempted to get a fully equipped -95 (about EUR 6500) but there is a opportunity to get -93 for 5500 with ~85tkm:s (not certified) w/o CC etc.

So, I guess the question is, should I wait and see to get a nice -95 E34 540iA?

[Petteri75]

Thank you for the input so far!

I'm located in Finland, so The Car Market for us is in Germany. However, it is that for the rest of Europe too. It doesn't help that in Germany it was the "way of the land" the fiddle with the odometer, i.e. to put new kilometres (e.g. from 380tkm - > 180tkm) and in the process change the windshiel, use rougher leather on steering wheel (so that it doesn't show it's use) counterfeit the service book etc. And do this to deceit the poor non-germans, who have had to bear the burden of 127% car tax in the past and take the abuse from Customs who pretty much draw out of a hat the taxable value for the car.

The -95 models are scarce, especially in good condition and with low kilometres. Also, in Europe the CC seems to be a rare option and A/C is not always ACC.

The search would be fine, but I would neet to put together some sort of "multitask", which would search for options lists for all the E34 540i production years and compare them and even that wouldn't answer the basic question, what got different during the last years of production. E.g. I did not know about the streering wheel and the BMW-embel, now I do. Hey, it may even be that this thread is going to be the one to be referred to :)

[Paul in NZ]

euro cars can be quite different to their US counterparts......

[8 POTS]

Never seen a E34 with a passenger airbag in SA. I can imagine the whole glove box area has to be changed, find it hard to believe BMW went to all the trouble and costs of adding a passenger side airbag in the last year of the e34's production run. But if there are 540iA's out there with a passenger side airbag I am very jealous cause mine does not have one!!!!

In SA the only things I know about that changed on the 540's from 94 to early 96 was the steering wheel in 95, which was a vast improvement, and a brake light in the rear window. We also had a limited no. of 540i with 6spd manual at the start of 96. (think they sold +/- 200)

[rockyfeller]

US specs have always been different. Some non-US E34 owners were even allowed the option of Type 5 wheels. We only got that on the E39 here. As for airbags, the driver's side has had an airbag as standard longer than the euro version and the passenger side became standard. Laws here change a lot of what these companies throw in. My 94 had dual airbags, I think the 93s had em too.

Like you said Peter, you're in the right place. You will find more info than you need. Most of us here know more than your local dealer or average BMW mechanic. And when it comes to the obscure info, it's weird what some of us have researched already.