How Collectable are the 1995 E34 540I HE62 SERIES BMW?

[TechnoWeeny]

I have a 1995 E34 540i HE62 M60 series that I love and am in the process of rejuvenating it, but I'm interested to hear from those of you "in the know" as to how collectable or valuable they are when they are done up?

[shogun]

let us know the last 7 numbers of the VIN, then I can check the options the car was originally ordered

[TechnoWeeny]

let us know the last 7 numbers of the VIN, then I can check the options the car was originally ordered
Hi Shogun,
the VIN# is WBAHE62050GF21274, and many thanks for the assistance.

[mattyb]

hi techno welcome to the site! I have the same car its actually my second 540i he 62. as for collectability value I spent a while looking for a 1 owner in good nic and paid 6500, I do think I paid to much for it as I have needed to do a bit since. anyone who knows these cars knows they'll need particular attention at 17 years of age. can u tell us more about ur 540? condition and history etc. I have seen cars asking 15 plus but whether they get the money who knows. at the end of the day the big money is always going to be 540 LE theres less of them and being numbered they are usually in good or better condition. are you looking to keep it and realise a return at some point or trying to assess how much you can justify spending? regards Mattyb

[mattyb]

just read the other thread where u mentioned the bottom up rebuild, nice! take heaps of photos there's not much that isn't known on the site about these cars. I started quite scared about doing work myself even though I had experience with fords and holdens as we all do in this country. the key to the 540 is to get in there and have a go essentially it is just another engineered vehicle albeit a highly engineered one at that. but nuts and bolts etc are all the same at the end of the day. how they go together and the dynamic as to how they work will seem advanced, and they are, but with advice from the site and the experience of thousands of others over the years all here i have managed to learn to do so much. I have spent hundreds of hours just working through the archives when im bored etc

[TechnoWeeny]

Hi Matt,
i bought mine about 7 years ago for AUS$5K and drove it for about 12 months as a daily drive car, I then bought a another BMW and the wife wanted the V8 so she drove it for another 2 years before I bought her a more suitable shopping trolley, at which time I put the 540i in the shed to store until now (because I have the time) to devote to it to do it up again. What I'm fighting with is wether to keep it or sell it when done. Mainly because I just love this car

[TechnoWeeny]

Hi Again Matt,
his car was my introduction to BMW's and the family just loves it (the kids aren't allowed to drive it) but they love being driven around in it. I have always been impressed with the driver experience from the very first time I test drove it and every drive since.
There is a lot to do to bring it back to its former showroom condition but I'm determined to see it fully restored (from the ground up) because I think a vehicle as nice as this deserves to be kept alive and cared for.
i just received the bulk of the parts needed to repair the wear and tear and the power steering pump, but there is one job that gives me great concern, which is the ASC unit is on the fritz (continually shows warning light). I've even taken it to BMW, but they were not able to diagnose the problem for me. So I'll have to rethink this one again later.

[mattyb]

I regret the day I sold my first one, this ones not as fine as the first- I had to wait 5 years to get another ,for lots of reasons, but once you have rebuilt this 540 you'll never find another as good. most owners ( not all ) selling are not enthusiasts and have not delivered the same attention and care to the upkeep. Usually selling due to rising maintenance costs cause they cant/don't do the work themselves which is why I believe you'll never get another with out having to do the work all over again. and if you love this one you'll definitely want another sooner or later; I promise! what colour and interior do you have?

[TechnoWeeny]

It's Oxford Green Metalic, BMW 234 and the interior is Boston leather light grey. Front seats are all electric with the chair arm rests.

[mattyb]

same interior, but petrol mica outside, sometimes it looks black but in the sun u can see the blue coming through, spoiler as well

[TechnoWeeny]

Sounds nice, have you got some pics you can share on here? I'd like to see what it looks like

[mattyb]

i've been meaning to do pics for a while just cant remember how to do it, ill work on it tomorrow. Actually saw a nice oxford green 540 here on the central coast the other day

[TechnoWeeny]

Here's a pic of mine after it had been Stripped and before it was masked up ready for painting.
78457846

[shogun]

VIN WBAHE62050GF21274
Type code HE62
Type 540I (EUR)
E series E34 ()
Series 5
Type LIM
Steering RL
Doors 4
Engine M60/2
Displacement 4.00
Power 210
Drive HECK
Transmission AUT
Colour OXFORDGRUEN METALLIC (324)
Upholstery (0394)
Prod.date 1994-01-18
S214A AUT.STABIL.-CONTROL+TRAKTION(ASC+T) Automatic stability control (ASC+T)
S240A LEDERLENKRAD Leather steering wheel
S302A ALARMANLAGE Alarm system
S354A GRUENKEIL-FRONTSCHEIBE Green windscreen, green shade band
S401A SCHIEBE-HEBEDACH, ELEKTRISCH Lift-up-and-slide-back sunroof, electric
S438A EDELHOLZAUSFUEHRUNG Fine wood trim
S458A SITZVERSTELLUNG ELEKTR.FAHRER/BEIF. Electr. front seat adjustment
S472A MITTELARMLEHNEN VORN FAHRER/BEIF. Armrest, front, driver/passenger
S498A KOPFSTUETZEN IM FOND Headrests, rear, mechanically adjustable
S508A PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC) Park Distance Control (PDC)
S530A KLIMAANLAGE Air conditioning
S540A GESCHWINDIGKEITSREGELUNG Cruise control
S676A HIFI LAUTSPRECHERSYSTEM HiFi speaker system
S687A RADIOVORBEREITUNG Radio preparation
S806A 3.BREMSLEUCHTE Third stoplamp
L810A AUSTRALIEN-AUSFUEHRUNG National version Australia
S818A BATTERIEHAUPTSCHALTER Battery master switch
S850A ZUSAETZL. TANKFUELLUNG EXPORT Additional Export tank filling
S900A ANERK. WEGFAHRSICHERUNG LT. AZT/TUEV Electronic immobilizer
S925A VERSANDSCHUTZPAKET Transport protection package

[TechnoWeeny]

Many thanks Erich, I'd love to know how you get all that just from the VIN#, was there any indication as to how many of this particular model with these options were made. Or can you point me to a place where I can start looking?
kind regards,
Warwick (aka TechnoWeeny)

[shogun]

There are several online links where you can find out the VIN details, even BMW has it online now but your have to register

The electronic parts catalogue from BMW + VIN decoding
"Find what you’re looking for. The electronic parts catalogue from BMW. Whether you’re looking for a roof box, clutch or brake pads, in the electronic parts catalogue from BMW you’ll find quick and reliable information about the accessories and spare parts available for your BMW. To use the free online search, just log in under the username ‘eu111111’ and the password ‘bmwetk1’ and get immediate access to our extensive database of Original BMW Parts and Original BMW Accessories. Then select your BMW model and narrow down the search results by entering the required criteria. Send off your query and the system will give you a complete overview of all the Original BMW Accessories and Parts available for your vehicle."

For anyone else who wants to do a look up - Per the details on the page, log in with:

U: eu111111
P: bmwetk1

Enter the last 7 digits of the VIN and then click Options in the title row at the top of the page. When you hit print you get your paint colour etc. as well, although not on the initial page, not until the "Print" version opens.
Electronic parts catalogue (http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/accessories/electronic-parts-catalogue/electronic-parts-catalogue.html)

here you also have to sign up BMWVin.com (http://bmwvin.com/)
here no sign up BMW Model Archive · BMW VIN Decoder · bmwarchive.org (http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html)
here, but limited info http://bmwfans.info/vin/

A separation by option codes is impossible. I tried that even for my E32 750iL Highline which was produced less than 5000 times (according to the info/guesstimate of an old friind from BMW Munich who is now retired), but even the Highline was just an optional extra and no type.
What I have:
There were a total of 1,331,056 E34s.
By Market:
Market Total_Production
anon 8957
ECE 1124271
IDN 4504
MYS 1500
THA 8476
URY 108
USA 166696
VNM 94
ZAF 16450

By Model:
Model Total_Production
518g 298
518i 53248
520i 426971
524td 70901
525i 434549
525ix 9366
525td 19334
525tds 122401
530i 57570
535i 97679
540i 26485
M5 12254

By Chassis type:
Chassis_Type Total_Production
SAL 1206342
TOUR 124714

By Motor:
Motor_Type Total_Production
M20 299243
M21 70901
M30 117958
M40 38054
M43 15492
M50 571643
M51 141735
M60/1 37291
M60/2 26485
S38 12254

By Transmission type:
Transmission_Type Total_Production
AUT 505173
MECH 825883

By Drive:
Drive_Type Total_Production
4WD 9366
RWD 1321690

[TechnoWeeny]

WOW !!!! this is amazing stuff, scary but amazing, many thanks Shogun santa

[mattyb]

u didn't know we could this?

[TechnoWeeny]

LOL, NO !!! and its damed impressive, I just wish I had found this forum and you guys tears (years) ago :-)

[Paul in NZ]

There are several online links where you can find out the VIN details, even BMW has it online now but your have to register

The electronic parts catalogue from BMW + VIN decoding
"Find what you’re looking for. The electronic parts catalogue from BMW. Whether you’re looking for a roof box, clutch or brake pads, in the electronic parts catalogue from BMW you’ll find quick and reliable information about the accessories and spare parts available for your BMW. To use the free online search, just log in under the username ‘eu111111’ and the password ‘bmwetk1’ and get immediate access to our extensive database of Original BMW Parts and Original BMW Accessories. Then select your BMW model and narrow down the search results by entering the required criteria. Send off your query and the system will give you a complete overview of all the Original BMW Accessories and Parts available for your vehicle."

For anyone else who wants to do a look up - Per the details on the page, log in with:

U: eu111111
P: bmwetk1

Enter the last 7 digits of the VIN and then click Options in the title row at the top of the page. When you hit print you get your paint colour etc. as well, although not on the initial page, not until the "Print" version opens.
Electronic parts catalogue (http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/accessories/electronic-parts-catalogue/electronic-parts-catalogue.html)

here you also have to sign up BMWVin.com (http://bmwvin.com/)
here no sign up BMW Model Archive · BMW VIN Decoder · bmwarchive.org (http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html)
here, but limited info http://bmwfans.info/vin/

A separation by option codes is impossible. I tried that even for my E32 750iL Highline which was produced less than 5000 times (according to the info/guesstimate of an old friind from BMW Munich who is now retired), but even the Highline was just an optional extra and no type.
What I have:
There were a total of 1,331,056 E34s.
By Market:
Market Total_Production
anon 8957
ECE 1124271
IDN 4504
MYS 1500
THA 8476
URY 108
USA 166696
VNM 94
ZAF 16450

By Model:
Model Total_Production
518g 298
518i 53248
520i 426971
524td 70901
525i 434549
525ix 9366
525td 19334
525tds 122401
530i 57570
535i 97679
540i 26485
M5 12254

By Chassis type:
Chassis_Type Total_Production
SAL 1206342
TOUR 124714

By Motor:
Motor_Type Total_Production
M20 299243
M21 70901
M30 117958
M40 38054
M43 15492
M50 571643
M51 141735
M60/1 37291
M60/2 26485
S38 12254

By Transmission type:
Transmission_Type Total_Production
AUT 505173
MECH 825883

By Drive:
Drive_Type Total_Production
4WD 9366
RWD 1321690


how come there are 26485 540,s yet a total of 37291+26485 cars with M60 engines?

[TechnoWeeny]

how come there are 26485 540,s yet a total of 37291+26485 cars with M60 engines?

Paul, my guess is that there are more motors than 540's because the same engine was used in different models perhaps? Shogun would be able to advise in more detail though I'm sure, I'm just a newbie here and taking a guess.

[shogun]

Ask the source of this info
Source: http://www.e30ic.com/BMWProductionData.pdf

@TechnoWeeny
1 outer doorhandle gasket set for your E34 540 was sent to Logan Village, Australia
Thanks

[TechnoWeeny]

Many thanks Shogun,
I will advise when received and also post pics of before and after installation. (now that I have worked out how to do it)


Ask the source of this info
Source: http://www.e30ic.com/BMWProductionData.pdf

@TechnoWeeny
1 outer doorhandle gasket set for your E34 540 was sent to Logan Village, Australia
Thanks

[rph]

Warwick,

Re your ASC problem. I have a 1995 540iLE (#50) that had the ASC warning light on all the time. In my case, it turned out there was a broken Bowden cable that runs from a servo motor driving the cruise control, to a butterfly valve in the air intake. The servo motor is located down behind the left headlight. There are 2 cables coming from there: one is a cruise control cable; the other is the one I am talking about. Once this cable was replaced, my ASC warning light went off, and now operates as it should. I am not saying this is your problem. But you might want to take a look anyway. I think the replacement cable cost about $USD25 + shipping from BMA Parts. It was more challenging to fit than I was capable of, so my friendly independent BMW mechanic did the work.

Just a thought.

Robert

[TechnoWeeny]

Warwick,

Re your ASC problem. I have a 1995 540iLE (#50) that had the ASC warning light on all the time. In my case, it turned out there was a broken Bowden cable that runs from a servo motor driving the cruise control, to a butterfly valve in the air intake. The servo motor is located down behind the left headlight. There are 2 cables coming from there: one is a cruise control cable; the other is the one I am talking about. Once this cable was replaced, my ASC warning light went off, and now operates as it should. I am not saying this is your problem. But you might want to take a look anyway. I think the replacement cable cost about $USD25 + shipping from BMA Parts. It was more challenging to fit than I was capable of, so my friendly independent BMW mechanic did the work.

Just a thought.

Robert

Hi Robert,
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a look at that in the morning, any idea as to how I can identify which of the two cables coming out of the servo motor is the one that your are suggesting should be investigated?

[shogun]

Maybe you buy from Meecham these Billet Aluminum Throttle Cable Bushings
Aluminum Bushings (http://www.meurosport.com/Aluminum_Bushings.php)

As for which one is which one, see RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog (http://www.realoem.com)
or
https://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/

[rph]

The cruise control cable goes from the servo motor and enters at7857 the front of the valve cover oriented to the length of the car. In the attached pic you can see it entering near the dipstick; the other cable, visible in the pic, has a casing that is slightly thicker. It continues on lower down to attach at a point in the air intake assembly.

[TechnoWeeny]

Thanks for the pointers and information on the potential Bowden cable issue for the ASC warning light always being on guys, I'm off to the shed to do some under hood investigations :-)