E34 535i vs. 540i vs. 525i Comparison

[th3_blur]

Would someone please list some of the differences between the three models? I am hoping to buy an E34 in the near future, however, before doing so, I would like to know some of the positive and negative things about each car. Thanks for your input.

[Jehu]

First of all... i'm going to say this is probably going to turn out to be another chain yanking bunk thread but i will just point out you list three models and ask for differences of two... can your short term memory be worse than mine?Now,the 540 manual is the obvious choice.... more power,sport seats, plus everything good included in the lesser models.

[th3_blur]

Thanks for pointing out that rather exceptional error. I have since corrected it.

Thanks for the answer also, you bring up a good point.

[632 Regal]

535 and 525 are a biatch to bleed the radiators where 530 / 540 is self bleeding? The I6 owners dont like the V8 and the V8 owners dont care for the I6 so your going to have a bit of bashing going on. My 530 besides tire and suspension issues has been rather non problomatic. for whatever you buy I think full and current maintenance records are the main reason of buying or not buying a certain car. nightmare vs good deal.

[Paul in NZ]

if you into numbers look here (http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/other/Models.htm).
Note that some of the models are euro only
However the difference the three is night and day......its all about torque you see and the 540 has plenty the 535 has enough and the 525 is adequate.For an all round city and freeway car the later 525 is probably the most sensible choice,the 535 ended in 92 so any 535 will be 15 yrs old or more,the 540 well ......You dont say where you are loctated but in most markets the higher up the model lne up you went the more options you had,but in the US i think all cars were very well optioned.There are chices like sports seats,heated seats,manual transmissions,auto transmissions,sedan or touring(station wagon). asc,asc+t(traction control)..so you have more choices than you outlined above.You need to start with looking at lots to determine which options you want,are available,and then you can start looking for what you really really want!

[John B.]

I've had absolutely no issues bleeding the cooling system on my 535i. If you do your own maintenance you will find the I6 to be much easier to work around. Lots of items seem to be buried deep on the V8 models.

[swenpro]

If I were to do things differently in hindsight... I would look for a manual transmission. I have lost faith in 12+ year old auto trannies, and I believe my reliability experience would have been a lot better with a manual. Look for good service records as Jeff said, and consider the models based on what you're looking for in terms of power, maintenance, and economy. Personal choice: 540/6 (540 with 6-speed). Something to remember, though, is that V8 means 2 exhaust systems, 2 o2 sensors, 2 fuel filters, 8 spark plugs, etc etc.

[repenttokyo]

the 6 cyls don't have 2 fuel filters? one at the tank, one inline on the fuel line?

[winfred]

the 535 will walk away from the 525 and the 540 will walk away from the 535, the 530 v8 is sorta between the 525 and 535, the 535 is generally the best ballance of power and cheep/easy to work on, they also are the longest lived engine choice, the v8 cars are the quirkyest with odd and expensive problems but none of them are that bad if you can turn your own wrenches, auto trannys are the nastyest for expence on the dohc 525s and the v8s, manuals generally last a good long time

[winfred]

they all have a sock filter in the tank but the v8s have two small main filters side by side instead of a big single, you can loose one of the v8 filters and make it a single you just have less surface area and more frequant servicing


the 6 cyls don't have 2 fuel filters? one at the tank, one inline on the fuel line?

[markus]

i have had my 540i since the end of october 06 and put 3k on it and had no real reliabilty issues. Personally I think any E34 is a good car but something will always need attention. I just got done rebuilding my front suspension and replaced the rear shocks. This weekend Im getting an alignment, brake fluid change and new fuels and air filter. I really enjoy this car and I dont think the V8 is that bad to work on but I have had a 90 325i and a 95 M3 before this so yea it is a little cramped but not too bad. Try working on american cars. I think the biggest relaibilty concern is the POS auto that I have. I plan on swapping that out with a 5 or 6 speed in the future. I dont see why the 540/6 cant be as reliable as the 535 and 525.

[Evan]

ive put 20K miles on a 540 automatic in the last 15 months... no probs

the car you choose to purchase should have an excellent service history.. if it doesn't, you'll be farked.

[filip00]

if i had the money to pump one, i'd buy a 540i immediately. otherwise, 525i 24v always before the old 535i m30.

[Russell]

IMO, newer is better becaue of all the running improvements. Review service records before purchase. Biggest difference in different models is engine.

Obviously, I like the newer 1995 six with preminum package for an everyday vehicle. Even so, if power was important, the 1995 540i would be my choice. It also has all the luxury items.

I personally would not even look at the 535i, unless in perfect near stock condition, as it is getting old. I will take heat for that statement as this car is a favorite to many. Anyway, good luck

[brick8]

I have an M50 525i. Could use a bit more power or at least a 5 speed.

[th3_blur]

Thanks for all of the replies guys. Many of you brought up good points and others helped to reiterate those points, I appreciate all of your input on this subject.

[John B.]

I personally would not even look at the 535i, unless in perfect near stock condition, as it is getting old. I will take heat for that statement as this car is a favorite to many. Anyway, good luck

You are only talking about 2-3 years between the last 535i & the last E34 525i so I don't see much age difference. Having just bought a 95 525i Touring I see the same issues that need to be addressed as when I bought my 90 535i 4 years ago. The M50 is a smoother, more refined engine but I love the torque of the m30.

I do agree about buying stock & will only buy one of these cars from a long time owner with a service history. I have all records from new on the Touring including every oil change in the last 11 years.

[filip00]

I have an M50 525i. Could use a bit more power or at least a 5 speed.


get a manual!! :D