535i...a possible candidate??

[BobbyRitz]

You might recall my recent posts regarding the possible purchase of a 1994 540i. Well, my brother-in-law, who is a mechanic, and a local BMW mechanic, who owns an independent shop, have cautioned me about the trials and tribulations associated with the M60 4.0L V8. I'm still going to have them kick the wheels of that car, but I came across a 1990 535i automatic with 151,000 miles that is available local to me for $3,900. You might recall that I can get the 540i for $3,000.

I'm asking for the board's thoughts on buying an M60 4.0L E34 vs. an M30B35 3.5L straight six. If you had your choice, assuming all else equal, which would you get???

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/suggestions!!!

EDIT: The carfax on the 535i shows no negative reports or issues.

Here are a few pictures of the 535i:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/rlpatrick/535ifront.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/rlpatrick/535irear.jpg

No twisted seat!!!!!
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/rlpatrick/535iint.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f395/rlpatrick/535iengine.jpg

[BobbyRitz]

33 views...no posts?

[Russell]

I like newer cars given everything else is equal. However, thing are rairly equal. For example why is the 540 cheaper than the 535i?

Since you have two great sources of information, you should be able to tell which car is the best. If the 540 does not have engine issues, it will still be more expensive to maintain being more complex with know issues such as vacumn leaks and oil pump bolts. I am sure you can find if the engine has been replaced.

Just a little feedback. Other know much more about the V8s than I do.

[BobbyRitz]

The short block has been replaced in the 540i. The 535i is at a small used car lot and the 540i is owned by a co-worker. IMO, the 540i is cheaper because the seller wants out of the car. He's put a good bit of money in the car and seems tired of it.

I thought getting into the 540i at this point would be smart. But my BMW mechanic tells me that, on average, the 540i is a money pit. That the straight sixes are more reliable and have better life expectancy.

I'm leaning toward the 535i. I hope to go see it tomorrow or Tuesday.

[Russell]

I would consider the 540i as you have some knowledge of it's history which is critical on the e34. I agree the six has less issues. IMO,there will be no comparsion on performance as the 540i will be the much stronger car.

Your choice

[stargazer_61]

Russell is correct. If you know the history of the 540i, go for it. Nothing against the sixes, and they most likely will hold up longer. And that 535i looks like it is in fine condition. My 540i is not a money pit, but that could be relative. Yes, intake leaks require $100 - $150 in gaskets and parts. Two O2 sensors at over $100 each. 8 quarts of Mobil 1. Expensive trans fluid. The V8 is hard to work on but not impossible. If you can do much of the work yourself utilizing the Bentley & this board, and the car checks out, you won't regret it. I love mine. The German V8 just keeps pulling and pulling :)

[mattyb]

I dont agree that the 540i is a money pit compared with the 535i. we all seem to have the same gring when it comes to how much we have to spend. the key is getting a good example with good history. M60 is a good engine and i have had no problems even at 250,000 ks. most folks who give the disaster speil on the m60 dont even have one or have never owned one. any poorly maintained BMW engine is going to cost a heap of bucks to fix regardless of the engine configuration.

But its your choice, your money and your car so its up to you. as for me well i would go with the 540i and not just because i have one but of the two you are looking at at least you know the history of your mates car.

The 540i is a ball tearer and i would have nothing other!!!!!!!

Best of luck

[joshua43214]

I am with the others, my v8 is not a money pit. except for the engine, the v8 cars cost the same as the I6's to maintain, they all have the same front end issues. The 540i brakes are bigger so cost a bit more, but last longer unless you are very aggressive. Also, you wont have to spend all the money on mods to get that "540" look that every one seems to love, it comes complete with wide grill,brake ducts, tip down mirror, and of course the "540i" badge thats gives that extra shot of pride.

The 535i will get better fuel economy, but the 540i will get respectable economy if you stay off the pedal, If I don't hotrod arround, I get about 20mpg in mixed city/highway, but that falls right off to under 12mpg when I drive hard.

[shuriken]

I'm asking for the board's thoughts on buying an M60 4.0L E34 vs. an M30B35 3.5L straight six. If you had your choice, assuming all else equal, which would you get???


Always liked the idea of a V8 4.0 but my 535i 5speed manuel is an absolute tank. Engine is so strong, never missed a beat. All I have heard about the 540 is the coating on the bores. I have the interior from a 540 in my 535i (soon to go into my 525i), which was scraped because of the cylinder problems. Heavier on the front end too, but 750i bushings should deal with that. From what I have heard (others on this forum will have much more knowlege than I) all BMW did was raise the coolant tem to try and help aliviate the issue. More stonking power go for the 540, reliability and just an all round bloody good engine then the 535i, looks a goodun too.

[Kalevera]

If it were my decision to make, it'd be the 535. Any day. All day.


best, whit

[Paul in NZ]

with a brother in law as amechanic,so at least access to a shop there is no choice....540.

[BobbyRitz]

with a brother in law as amechanic,so at least access to a shop there is no choice....540.

I agree..I just got word back from the BMW mechanic...the 540i appears to be the winner.

[BobbyRitz]

Mods...feel free to delete this thread. The 540i won hands down... ;)

[Airborne001]

it comes complete with wide grill,brake ducts, tip down mirror,
Is there a way to put brake ducts into a 1990 535i?

I love my car, and don't actually want to change it to look more 540ish, but the longer brakelife would be a plus.

[callen]

Owned 535 and M60...535.

535 hands down...M60's are a pain in the arsch..as your mechanic buddy knows...they're sweet when running well but that will be rarely......they shake shudder, engine codes...need all kind of cooling components replaced on regular basis...intake leaks....PS leaks...almost impossible to fix...goes on and on...

[callen]

I would consider the 540i as you have some knowledge of it's history which is critical on the e34. I agree the six has less issues. IMO,there will be no comparsion on performance as the 540i will be the much stronger car.

Your choice

your very lucky you have straight six.....own a v8 for a few years..and you'd regret it..yes much more power and smoother..but the 535 is the best E34 made.

[laguner]

Drive both and decide. I have a 1990 535i with 156,000 and it's the nicest car I've ever had. I love it and it is pretty easy to work on.