Swap trans in M50TU 525iA or E39 540i6?

[Denton]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma here.

I have a chance to have a trans swap done in my E34. The automatic has a questionable amount of miles left in it and I hate the thing anyways.

My E34 needs a new rear bumper (I have an M5 one waiting for paint) and a hood that's dented. Also needs door brake.

I was considering going with an E39 because of the luxury. I hate to say it, but I do like the E39 better.

I do know that the e39 will cost lots more to run.

But: I'd have a $150/mo. car payment on it for 30 months. 110k mile '97 540i6 that has all problems but cooling system and clutch addressed.

For the E34 I have ready to install:
Hella Euro Smiley headlights
6000k HIDs
Euro trim
E34 M5 rear bumper
Bent Style 19s that I need straightened (for winter)

which won't go in if I do the E39.

What say you? Cheap, timeless E34 525iM with no payments or a black/black 540i6, a musclecar in a tuxedo but would put a bit of strain on the finances.

[CharlesAFerg]

I like the E34 style better, but I like the guts of the E39 540i much better, and the reliability of the e39 will be a plus, as well as availability of parts as our e34s as well as our great community begins to die. It's like the E24, it will become a classic, and hardly worth the daily driver title. What a shame that would be!

I myself have an E39 540i lined up in SoCal that I will purchase from a friend later in the year or so. 50k miles ;-).
(Guy is retired and only goes down there for 3 months in the winter.)
Me = score, I know...

[Paul in NZ]

age old dilemna...the e39 will cost lots lots and lots more......I dont know that a 97 540 will be any more reliable than a 95 e 34.....its already done the same ammount of miles,you need to replace some cooling system parts AND a clutch and make payments..

[bimmerd00d]

Coming from an E34/E39 owner, the only thing that the E39 has for reliability is that it's younger. They still eat cooling systems, cats, random sensors, window regulators, bushings, the works. Brandon J can chime in this as well.

[Macv]

If anything, uprgrade to a 540. When Nick and I ran our 5s (e34 540 v e39 540) on the way to Merrillville I stuck with him very well. At an 80mph roll He was maybe 1-2 lengths ahead @ 130-140. Remember... mine's an auto.

You remember that run right? Weren't you there? Like.... WAY behind us....

On a more serious note..... I work on e39's very often and although they look neat and drive a little smoother, I've found they fall apart alittle easier.

Everyone has the times that they seriously consider upgrading, but then you eventually stop and think about whats important. Do you really NEED an e39 after all the repairs and extra cash to get it running?

[Denton]

If anything, uprgrade to a 540. When Nick and I ran our 5s (e34 540 v e39 540) on the way to Merrillville I stuck with him very well. At an 80mph roll He was maybe 1-2 lengths ahead @ 130-140. Remember... mine's an auto.

You remember that run right? Weren't you there? Like.... WAY behind us....

On a more serious note..... I work on e39's very often and although they look neat and drive a little smoother, I've found they fall apart alittle easier.

Everyone has the times that they seriously consider upgrading, but then you eventually stop and think about whats important. Do you really NEED an e39 after all the repairs and extra cash to get it running?

Yeah, exactly right.

I'm gonna keep the E34 and maybe swap out the trans. in the next year.

She's too beautiful to kick out of bed anyways.

[winfred]

i know id stick with the e34 even if the e39 was the same price, better overall hold together and piss you off less car, i am not impressed with e39s

ps i have just about everything for a 525 5 speed swap on the shelf at the moment

[Sam-Son]

The only E39 I could see as a replacement for an E34 is the M5. And of course you know where I stand on the tranny swap