questions about looking at 95 540i

[JustinM]

hey guys i have a 525i automatic now and am looking at possibly either getting a 540i or just do a 5 speed conversion for my car ,but i figured out that the swap is going to cost about 4 grand. so id rather invest in getting a 540i with the manual transmission,plus the extra power would be nice too . Well my question is what do i need to look for when buying a 540 compared to the 525i i currently have.????

[andyman32]

With the '94 and '95 540, you have to watch out for the Nikasil short block.

See:
http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/misc/v8shortblock.htm

You really have to get under the car to see it, and you'll need a flashlight even in daylight. There's a wire bundle that can get in the way, too, so it might be handy to have a pen or knife you can use to stick up there and push the bundle out of the way.

[JustinM]

The only reason why now i'm wanting to change cars is ESS stoped making a supercharger system for my year and i can't find another company who makes one cause i would probably be happy if i could get around 280-300 out of what i have

[DueyT]

Justin, if you found a 540 that passes a leakdown test (or has had a replacement Alusil block) then you'll have 282hp and push over 300 with Mark's chip! :D

Cheers,
Duey

[JustinM]

i know it is...but i've put so much money into it already and olnly had it 4 months(Change Entire front suspension,Bilstein's all the way around with BavAuto Springs,Plugs,Air,oil,Fuel,Filter,wheels and tires) i might be happy if it had a Five speed But no local place will touch it..any help needed