Do i want an 535?

[Dragunov]

Ok so initially, i wanted the best E34 i could get and keep running. That would be a 540i. But that recent topic about that B10 made me think. A whole lot and now i'm thinking about going for the 535 instead, but i have a couple of questions for you guys.

-How much less powerful the 535 is IN PRACTICE? Some of the uber-alles E34's are based on the straight 6(M50, is that it?), like the M5 and the B10 BT, so it can't be a weak engine, right? Even with those 200-something horses that 535 has.

-Is it considerably more reliable than the V8?
This would be one of my main reasons for the 535. I heard it's less maintenance-heavy. So is it? And what makes it more reliable, apart from the relatively less complicated engine itself?

-Am i missing out on any gadgets if i go with the 535 instead of the 540?

-Is the 535 with manual 5 spd tranny any more common than the 540/6?

That's it for now, i'll think of some more. Thanks for the answers in advance. And obviously, i'm mainly looking for those who know and drove both, but all opinions are welcome.

[Paul in NZ]

i have a 535 5 spd manual and have driven two e34 540 six speed manuals and one e39 540 six speed manual.The std 535 has 155 kw and the 540 has 210 Kw has a big difference and even though the 535 is quite tourquey the 540 is(and feels) much faster and more civilised which is to be expected ,the M30 engine is old by comparison.The v8 may use LESS petrol than the 535 but is harder to work on(less space) and more spark plugs and more oil.The initial models also had some issues withthe nikasil bore coatings,not all markets were affected.In my experience the 540 does not actually feel quite as responsive the 535 esp in steering and braking.You need to drive some,but once you have driven a 540 ..

[pundit]

Basically what Paul said.

A 540i is faster, higher tech, higher maintenance & more difficult to work on yourself.

However a manual 535i is still no slouch plus is easier & cheaper to maintain.

The 535 engine (M30) has been a highly regarded motor and had a very long run.

The M30 engine in the 535 was the basis for the M5 (albeit single cam 12 valve etc, versus the M5's 24 valve twin cam head) so, looked after, they are pretty strong.

Of course the B10 Bi-Turbo is a M30 with Alpina 'go faster' bits attached.

Neither the 540i or 535i have great around town economy but a 540 maybe slightly better especially on the highway due to a more advanced engine design and management system.

I'd like to experiment down the track with increasing the compression ratio of my M30 to around 10.5:1 and fitting Megasquirt and a MAF.

Alternatively I might just buy an E39 530i... who knows?! ;)

[pundit]

BTW Paul - Have you EAT chipped your 535is?

[Ross]

Owning only a 530 for comparison I will concur with the servicing issues already mentioned. My limited time behind the wheel of a 540 left the distinct impression of lots more power than my M30.
What no one has mentioned so far is all the right sounds the V-8s make that add to the experience. When I'm in the 530 I find myself rowing the gearbox lots more than necessary just to hear the revs climb up and down.
The M30 is like a lump of granite with regard to reliability.

[Paul in NZ]

no eat chip for me.In NZ we had a "leaded" version of the m30b35,so there is no eat chip for us.Another point above...there should be very little diference in "gadgets",and really you should get the best condition car you find,wether its a 540 or a 535..or even an M50 TU 525?

[repenttokyo]

the M50 is SLOW. So keep that in mind. I enjoy mine but even EAT chipped it is SLOW.

[rob101]

the M50 is SLOW. So keep that in mind. I enjoy mine but even EAT chipped it is SLOW.
I also enjoy the fact that my m50 is slow :-P also enjoy the fact that it does 10-11L/100 kms most of the time.

[CharlesAFerg]

I also enjoy the fact that my m50 is slow :-P also enjoy the fact that it does 10-11L/100 kms most of the time.

...m20 anyone? put put.