Goodbye 540i

[Cambridge]

My 540i died last weekend. Wrecked in an accident. Tried to avoid T-boning a Honda making a left turn from the right lane across a divided highway. Completed the manuever and saved the Honda, but on trying to return to my lane (and avoid oncomming traffic) I hit curbing on median strip. Destroyed rims throwing car into a spin. Crashed into concrete wall on opposite side of highway. Honda never stopped...

I walked away from accident, but it was like losing an old friend. Sigh... :(

I now start my search for another 540i...

[Alexlind123]

Thats really too bad :( It cant be fixed?

[Tiger]

DAMN! Sorry to hear about the accident...Did the Honda stop to assist afterward?

[Cambridge]

DAMN! Sorry to hear about the accident...Did the Honda stop to assist afterward?

Police figured it was probably an uninsured or illegal motorist.

[SharkmanBMW]

you really should have hit him!
I have a theory, if someone is causing me to crash, they are coming with me!
(for the simple reason that the guilty party will not stop)!

seriously, glad you are ok, that is what counts, can you save it and sell it for parts, ALUSIL is still worth some $$!

[Cambridge]

Thats really too bad :( It cant be fixed?

Frame is twisted. Radiator ruptured. Entire front clip is bent upwards. Front fascia and headlights smashed off. Doors on driver's side bent; cannot be opened. Trunk twisted and cannot be opened without a crowbar. Hood twisted. Rims on driver's side shattered. ...very sad. :(

[Cambridge]

you really should have hit him!
I have a theory, if someone is causing me to crash, they are coming with me!
(for the simple reason that the guilty party will not stop)!

seriously, glad you are ok, that is what counts, can you save it and sell it for parts, ALUSIL is still worth some $$!

I was glad I was in the E34. This event underlined for me how safe and solid they are.

And I'm glad no one got hurt. I think if I had broadsided him there may have been a fatality. I think the bumper of my car would have just sliced through the Honda driver's door. I'm very glad that did not happen. The BMW responded well and steered around him. What the driver of the Honda probably doesn't realize is that the BMW probably saved both our lives.

As for parting it out; I really have no place to store the car remains while I pull pieces off of it.

[Bill R.]

nicely





I was glad I was in the E34. This event underlined for me how safe and solid they are.

As for parting it out; I really have no place to store the car remains while I pull pieces off of it.

[SharkmanBMW]

Frame bent, must have been a really big whack.

Did the airbag blow?

That really sucks, you had such a nice 540, great website, so much time and effort in that car.

Any plans for another?

[Traian]

Arr, what a shame, she was a very pretty 540. Good thing you walked away with no harm. Was your car insured for collision?

[Cambridge]

Frame bent, must have been a really big whack.

Did the airbag blow?

That really sucks, you had such a nice 540, great website, so much time and effort in that car.

Any plans for another?

The seat belt pre-tensioners fired but not the air bags.

I hope to pick up another 540i... I've started looking.

[Cambridge]

I hope I can get another 540. From what I hear about the E39's they seem a bit more involved for DIY'ers than the E34's. I know you're not supposed to, but I sort of got a soft spot for the E34's. So, I'm leaning toward another E34 540i. Maybe I can pickup my repair pages from there. (I hope).

[angrypancake]

Frame is twisted. Radiator ruptured. Entire front clip is bent upwards. Front fascia and headlights smashed off. Doors on driver's side bent; cannot be opened. Trunk twisted and cannot be opened without a crowbar. Hood twisted. Rims on driver's side shattered. ...very sad. :(


after all of that and you still walked away. yet another tesitment to bmw.

[liquidtiger720]

If i show you a nice 540i6, do I get a finders fee?!?! lol


BTW: I am glad you are okay. The car did its job in protecting you.

[BigKriss]

What about if your uninsured, will you do it then?


you really should have hit him!
I have a theory, if someone is causing me to crash, they are coming with me!
(for the simple reason that the guilty party will not stop)!

[SharkmanBMW]

What about if your uninsured, will you do it then?


if I am crashing either way and it is HIS fault for certain... he's a comin with me!

[Cambridge]

Yes, fortunately I had collision insurance. I'll start looking for my next 540.

[rob101]

What about if your uninsured, will you do it then?
or if you don't like the thought of killing someone, side impact can kill quite easily.:( you did the right thing in avoiding the accident, it sucks but some people are just heartless. They usually are the people who end up running out of luck one day.

[Cambridge]

I would love a 540i6!! :)

[Traian]

I know you're not supposed to, but I sort of got a soft spot for the E34's.

Er I don't think that something you're supposed to be ashamed of...
Go for the six-speed if you can find one. I dream of a swap almost every day.

[digitaldragon03]

Im very sorry to hear. I loved your page and i hope you stay with a E34 in the future.

[liquidtiger720]

just fyi...there's a alpien white 540i6 for sale locally here in the bay area.

[Cambridge]

I found one here on craigslist: 1995 BMW 540i6 $4995 (http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/car/138925218.html)

I was quite excited. Unfortunately, one of the previous owner's had been a heavy smoker. Some can deal with residual cigarette smoke smell; unfortunately I'm not one of them. It gives me nasty headaches. Oh well...

[Cambridge]

just fyi...there's a alpien white 540i6 for sale locally here in the bay area.

Perhaps you were thinking of this one: 1995 BMW 540i6 $9600 149k miles (http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/138387826.html)

Looks like a nice one.

[genphreak]

if I am crashing either way and it is HIS fault for certain... he's a comin with me!One seldom has such a decision to make. Also, if you can avoid an accident, you have a legal obligation to do so. Taking someone out is a choice we would seldom get and hopefully mostly avoid and not just because of the potential consequences of a manslaughter or murder case!

Personally I watch for other people to miss seeing me, even though it kills me being so paranoid, it won't kill me as quickly as all those fools that don't look where they are going could...

Bad luck cambridge, I think you were on the right thing with your 540i, it doesn't get better. An e39 has half the flair of the 34, is more expensive and less raw. An e38 is a nice option perhaps as you get the newer niceties without so much loss of style, if you don't mind the size.

Personally I think the 34 is the best car they ever made... but heh, my baby biases me...

[genphreak]

Perhaps you were thinking of this one: 1995 BMW 540i6 $9600 149k miles (http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/138387826.html) Looks like a nice one.Good luck hunting.. btw, on your webpage you show the allowable wear specs for the brake rotors:


Wear limit: (min. thickness) 20.4mm (0.803 in.)8.4mm (0.331 in.)


A 540 has 28mm thick front rotors and 20mm rears. Are you sure about those specs? They allow for a full 11.6mm wear at the rear, yet only 7.6mm at the front on a thicker disc (and this is before the last set of pads is fitted). Might I ask how you worked this out? Cheers, :) Nick

[Alexlind123]

Good luck hunting.. btw, on your webpage you show the allowable wear specs for the brake rotors:


Wear limit: (min. thickness) 20.4mm (0.803 in.)8.4mm (0.331 in.)


A 540 has 28mm thick front rotors and 20mm rears. Are you sure about those specs? They allow for a full 11.6mm wear at the rear, yet only 7.6mm at the front on a thicker disc (and this is before the last set of pads is fitted). Might I ask how you worked this out? Cheers, :) Nick


Thats the minimum thickness, not the maximum wear.

[liquidtiger720]

Perhaps you were thinking of this one: 1995 BMW 540i6 $9600 149k miles (http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/138387826.html)

Looks like a nice one.


nope....something better

http://www.craigslist.org/nby/car/139183651.html

[Cambridge]

Good luck hunting.. btw, on your webpage you show the allowable wear specs for the brake rotors:


Wear limit: (min. thickness) 20.4mm (0.803 in.)8.4mm (0.331 in.)


A 540 has 28mm thick front rotors and 20mm rears. Are you sure about those specs? They allow for a full 11.6mm wear at the rear, yet only 7.6mm at the front on a thicker disc (and this is before the last set of pads is fitted). Might I ask how you worked this out? Cheers, :) Nick


I'm sorry, my table was incomplete. I got the information from the BMW TIS. E34 front rotors show five flavors; solid, vented, 4WD/540i, and two for the M5. The minimum thicknesses shown are:
Solid - 10.4mm
Vented - 20.4mm
4WD/540i - 26.4mm
M5 - 26.4mm / 30.4mm

The E34 rear rotors show two flavors: solid, 540i/M5.
The minimum thicknesses shown are:
Solid - 8.4mm
540i/M5 - 18.4mm

So, on 540i rotors, 1.6mm of wear is allowed on front and rear rotors. (The BMW TIS gives the maximum machining limit for front and rear rotors as .8mm with no machining allowed on M5).

I'll correct my web site tommorrow. Thanks for the "heads up!"

Hope this helps! :)

[Bill R.]

I'm sure that Cambridge just made a mistake and will be sure to correct it now that he has right data.http://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images2/frontbrakethickness.jpg

http://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images2/Rearbrakeminimum%20thickness.jpg





Thats the minimum thickness, not the maximum wear.

[rob101]

Good luck hunting.. btw, on your webpage you show the allowable wear specs for the brake rotors:


Wear limit: (min. thickness) 20.4mm (0.803 in.)8.4mm (0.331 in.)


A 540 has 28mm thick front rotors and 20mm rears. Are you sure about those specs? They allow for a full 11.6mm wear at the rear, yet only 7.6mm at the front on a thicker disc (and this is before the last set of pads is fitted). Might I ask how you worked this out? Cheers, :) Nick

those are the BMW specs I have seen them also independent of his website, I think that the fronts are vented discs and also see more heat loading.

[Cambridge]

nope....something better

http://www.craigslist.org/nby/car/139183651.html

Yes, much nicer!

[Tiger]

Haha... I got a MB diesel with heavy cigar smoker... whoo does it take a while to remove majority of the cigar smell...

[ryan roopnarine]

wow...did you make the cruise control guide yourself? i clicked on it thinking it was something like what shogun usually provides, bmw technical specs w/o repair instructions. even though the local junkyard will sell me a cruise control actuator for $10-20, i'm going to open mine up (like i originally wanted to do) and see about repairing it. good job. sorry to hear about your car.

[MBXB]

Cambridge, Sorry to hear of your loss. Glad you came out unscathed.
Good Luck finding the next 540i.

[mattyb]

glad to hear u r ok 540 comrade! such a shame though

[genphreak]

I'm sure that Cambridge just made a mistake and will be sure to correct it now that he has right data. Thanks Bill, I really have to get the TIS fired up ASAP. I'm doing an upgrade to e32 front rotors on my 535 and was working out how to swap the 10mm rear discs to 20mm, so got interested when I saw those wear specs as it implied the 540 calipers could cope with 10mm rotors. Oh well, I'll just have to hunting for more brakes... thanks for confirming this everyone- and a great site you have their Cambridge, I hope and trust you will have much more to add on there in a happy and fulfilling e34-filled future... :) nick

[Cambridge]

Corrections made and posted!

[dacoyote]

Sorry to hear about the wreak... day after are you doing ok...or are you hurting now...

[Cambridge]

I doing well, all things considered. My left shoulder got bruised up a bit as that was the side of the car that hit the wall. Mobility is a bit limited, but each day it gets a bit better. Thank you for asking!

[stargazer_61]

Very sorry for your loss but glad that you came through unhurt. Here's hoping that you find that perfect 540i/6.

[Cambridge]

Thanks Ryan,
I, too, bought a junk one and installed it. But while installing it I thought I might document the process. Then, I thought, what would be the harm in cracking open the old one and taking some pictures? Then, you think to yourself, why not trace out the circuit board and make a schematic? And, then you think to yourself...etc, etc. Well, one thing led to another and, before you know it, you've got a little book.

I'm sure most will just get another from a junkyard; but, maybe this will take a little mystery out of the internal workings. It was a fun little project; a little harmless fun. :)

[1995 525i]

Cambridge, Sorry to hear of your loss. Glad you came out unscathed.
Good Luck finding the next 540i.

Sorry to hear about the wrekc, but am glad to hear you weren't seriously injured. Did the insurance company give you what you wanted for your car?

Here's a 540 you might want to check out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1995-BMW540i-1-3-THE-PRICE-OF-A-2004-WITH-SAME-MILES_W0QQitemZ4619187647QQcategoryZ6008QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

Michael

[Cambridge]

http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t1.jpg
http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t2.jpg
http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t3.jpg
http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t4.jpg

[Cambridge]

http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t5.jpg
http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t6.jpg
http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t7.jpg
http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t8.jpg

[Cambridge]

http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t9.jpg
http://www.bmw-540i.com/images/540i/t10.jpg

[tim]

the horror...
the horror...

[Smitty]

Golly, what a terrible experience. What a beautiful car, God I so sorry about the accident, and the guy kept going. I guess you can't salvage the car, can't fix it. yeah, I'm thinking about it now, it wouldn't make sense trying to fix the car now, it would costs too much to repair. There are people who can do majic with issues like this. Well, this might be the time to find one with the sport option, right? ;)

Smitty in Idaho








My 540i died last weekend. Wrecked in an accident. Tried to avoid T-boning a Honda making a left turn from the right lane across a divided highway. Completed the manuever and saved the Honda, but on trying to return to my lane (and avoid oncomming traffic) I hit curbing on median strip. Destroyed rims throwing car into a spin. Crashed into concrete wall on opposite side of highway. Honda never stopped...

I walked away from accident, but it was like losing an old friend. Sigh... :(

I now start my search for another 540i...

[ArtemLepilov]

Hey - I know someone who may be selling a 6-spd 540I in boston area. PM me for info - its in very good shape, dealer maintained - the ower just replaced the clutch recently and he spent like $2k replacing the valvecovers and coils.

The owner wants about $10k for it.

-Artem

[Dave M]

Yowzers, that is quite the damage. You seem to be taking it in stride, and i believe you made the correct decision in avoiding the Honda. Would hate to hurt someone regardless of fault.

With your attitude, you'll have a fine e34 in no time,

Dave M

[SC David]

Sheesh, that's awful! Sorry about the car, but good to hear you're okay. Hopefully karma will strike upon the Honda driver one day.

[Nick.Hay]

RIP To the grand ol' Lady :( :(

****ing Hondas!!!