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Blakeoffire · 02-22-2008, 10:16 PM

Fellow Bimmerheads,

Does anyone here on the board have any advice or recommendations re: the E34 540i ...?

Other than the Nikasil problem with the engines (which were recalled under warranty), is there anything else about these early 540i's that may be an area for concern...? Are they as 'bulletproof' as the E39 models..? Should the E34 540i's be avoided altogether...?

I'm obviously a little uneducated on the E34 540i, so any helpful info or advice from someone that has owned one of these models would be greatly appreciated...

Cheers,
B.

M635 · 02-22-2008, 11:58 PM

Any V8 from BMW should be avoided. Nothing runs better than a 6 cylinder. Doesn't matter what model it is. Good power, better somewhat on gas, much more reliable, and a much more properly built motor. But if you want good power to get around the city fast, go for a 535i. Will last with you longer. Maintanence on any V8, tends to double.

evo3 · 02-23-2008, 12:37 AM

ok, so e39 m5s are garbage? ahah, dude, you're on crack. honestly, how do you have any right to say that.

M635 · 02-23-2008, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by evo3

you're on crack. honestly, how do you have any right to say that.

hmm... I don't know, I've had experienced it... Plus with 29 years of experience by my side (AKA my dad) I think I know what I'm saying. And how much experience of BMW have you had? We're talking about the 540i, do you really need such a big motor for a daily driver? The 3.5L is great! Powerful enough, good on gas, fun. BMW does not have THAT much of experience with the V8's. Mostly the straight 6's, which I find are marvelous (And I bet the majority of guys here would agree). With many many years building these inline 6's nothing is as reliable, driver freindly, and just built like a tank.

Al Canuck · 02-23-2008, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by evo3

ok, so e39 m5s are garbage? ahah, dude, you're on crack. honestly, how do you have any right to say that.

You get 'im, Luis!

Seriously though Gregory, put down the pipe. Aside from the early Nikasil block issues, the BMW V8's are just fine. Seen a few with many hundreds of thousand km on them, still running strong.

The nikasil issue is long dead, and no need to worry anymore. The cars that needed fixing, have been fixed, and the ones that survived, will be fine from here on out.

Blake, I've always loved the thought of owning a 540i, but ultimately, I'd likely opt for a nice E34 535i. The V8 is fine, but the 6 is even sweeter, overall. Less maintenance, and 30 years of service are hard to argue with in my book.

Al

M635 · 02-23-2008, 12:59 AM

Well I'm not saying that they are horrible. I already know that they have resolved their issues. But for Blake, seeing that he's basically in the city, a V8 would just be horrible in the city, a 530i or 535i would do great.

Al Canuck · 02-23-2008, 01:05 AM

E34 530i is a V8! A small, buttery smooth V8, but a V8 nonetheless.

535i is going to be just as heavy on fuel around town as a 540i is, so no real issue there.

I've had a hankering for an E34 down the road. My choice would be a 525i with M50(NOT the early M20 ones), with a 5 speed. Decent mileage, simple engine, and parts a plenty for them. Plus, they're DIRT cheap to buy.

Al

evo3 · 02-23-2008, 01:07 AM

Oh, okay sorry. I take back everything I said, especially since my dad doesn't have 29 years BMW experience.

6 cylinder cars are enjoyable though, no doubt about that.

Al Canuck · 02-23-2008, 01:15 AM

Originally Posted by evo3

Oh, okay sorry. I take back everything I said, especially since my dad doesn't have 29 years BMW experience.

6 cylinder cars are enjoyable though, no doubt about that.

I'm your real dad, Luis. I don't quite have 29 years experience, but I have a few.

Al

M635 · 02-23-2008, 01:47 AM

Its not like we want to start a fight and have a contest of who's opinion and experience is better. And don't worry about it there evo3.

All I'm saying is, I would not want Blake to get stuck in the same situation as he did with his E28. Not because the 540i is crappy or anything (He's going to be stuck with it in the future, in case he wanted to sell it). Its basically these soaring gas prices. Yes the 540i is strong, and yes it would be cool to own a car with a V8, but you have to be reasonable for what your going to use it for.

I say go for the 535i, or as Al also suggested, a 525i for an incredible daily driver. The comfort of a sedan, and great car on gas. But Blake if you want something a little stronger, go for a 535i...

Blakeoffire · 02-23-2008, 02:33 AM

Thanks for your inputs guys... appreciated.

Just let me point out that, I really don't care, at all, about the gas prices. They will continue to rise until the day I die so it's not worth freaking out over or worrying about if I'm being reasonable or not with my vehicle purchases. Never have, probably never will. If they were able to sell TVR's in Canada I'd own one in a heartbeat and use it every single bloody (smiling heavily) day. I mostly buy my cars for the driving experience itself...

The recently departed 535iS had LOADS of character, a waggable and manageable pendulum-like tail and a menacing exit roar to accompany the somewhat ferocious intake howl that the engine produced. It was (was) fun to drive....... on that one day...

.

I'm just curious about the characteristics of the V8 in that particular chassis. Is it a dog..? Is it too heavy..? Will I be yearning for the potency of an I6..? The other thing I'm also interested in is how the car handles, delivers and copes with 286 bhp and almost 300 lb ft of torque with a manual 6-speed.

Thanks guys,
B.

**motoyen** · 02-23-2008, 02:53 AM

From wikipedia:

"The E34 was among the most reliable luxury cars on the market, earning the best-in-class reliability rating from Intellichoice in 1991. It is still considered one of the most reliable BMWs made. It was also one of the safest cars on the road during its production,[citation needed] providing airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a very rigid body structure to protect occupants in the event of an accident. "

I have to say that most of the E34's that came into the shop were in pretty good shape. I'd say if you could find a decent one it should be pretty reliable.

Mark D. · 02-23-2008, 06:16 AM

I actually like the E34, in 535i or 540i 6 speed form. The 540i would make a great cruiser, but if I bought one it would have to be a manual, the autos are way to expensive to fix or purchase used.
I would probably look for a 535i 5 speed E34 myself, only because I like the M30, but there is NOTHING wrong with the 540i, it has quite a following.

carter · 02-23-2008, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by Al Canuck

I've had a hankering for an E34 down the road. My choice would be a 525i with M50(NOT the early M20 ones), with a 5 speed. Decent mileage, simple engine, and parts a plenty for them. Plus, they're DIRT cheap to buy.

Al

Seriously, really tight cars, with 5-speeds, and style 5 wheels are being sold for $2k - $3k. I've even seen a Touring or two.

carter · 02-23-2008, 07:20 AM

Oh! I forgot about this Canada only e34 rare bird... the M540i.

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=13

Those that have them are fanatics. I like them because other than the Alpinas they are the only handsome e34s (besides Tourings).

02-22-2008, 10:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blakeoffire Senior Member Supporting Member Name: Blake Joined: Sep 2006 From: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,283 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 10 2 Times in 2 Posts Blakeoffire's pictures	E34 540i questions/curiosities Fellow Bimmerheads, Does anyone here on the board have any advice or recommendations re: the E34 540i ...? Other than the Nikasil problem with the engines (which were recalled under warranty), is there anything else about these early 540i's that may be an area for concern...? Are they as 'bulletproof' as the E39 models..? Should the E34 540i's be avoided altogether...? I'm obviously a little uneducated on the E34 540i, so any helpful info or advice from someone that has owned one of these models would be greatly appreciated... Cheers, B.

02-23-2008, 02:53 AM	#12 (permalink)
motoyen M3 Less Name: Anthony Joined: Feb 2004 From: Vancouver Posts: 1,694 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 9 Times in 7 Posts motoyen's pictures	From wikipedia: "The E34 was among the most reliable luxury cars on the market, earning the best-in-class reliability rating from Intellichoice in 1991. It is still considered one of the most reliable BMWs made. It was also one of the safest cars on the road during its production,[citation needed] providing airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a very rigid body structure to protect occupants in the event of an accident. " I have to say that most of the E34's that came into the shop were in pretty good shape. I'd say if you could find a decent one it should be pretty reliable. __________________

02-23-2008, 06:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
Mark D. Senior Member Name: Mark Joined: Oct 2005 From: N.Vancouver Posts: 1,468 iTrader: 1 Thanks: 0 1 Time in 1 Post	I actually like the E34, in 535i or 540i 6 speed form. The 540i would make a great cruiser, but if I bought one it would have to be a manual, the autos are way to expensive to fix or purchase used. I would probably look for a 535i 5 speed E34 myself, only because I like the M30, but there is NOTHING wrong with the 540i, it has quite a following. __________________ 1991 318is X 2 1988 E28 M5

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02-22-2008, 11:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
M635 Senior Member Name: Gregory Joined: Dec 2007 From: Vancouver Posts: 1,016 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 3 Times in 3 Posts M635's pictures	Any V8 from BMW should be avoided. Nothing runs better than a 6 cylinder. Doesn't matter what model it is. Good power, better somewhat on gas, much more reliable, and a much more properly built motor. But if you want good power to get around the city fast, go for a 535i. Will last with you longer. Maintanence on any V8, tends to double.

02-23-2008, 12:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
evo3 Banned Name: Luis Joined: May 2005 From: Richmond, BC Posts: 957 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 7 6 Times in 6 Posts	ok, so e39 m5s are garbage? ahah, dude, you're on crack. honestly, how do you have any right to say that.

02-23-2008, 12:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
M635 Senior Member Name: Gregory Joined: Dec 2007 From: Vancouver Posts: 1,016 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 3 Times in 3 Posts M635's pictures	Well I'm not saying that they are horrible. I already know that they have resolved their issues. But for Blake, seeing that he's basically in the city, a V8 would just be horrible in the city, a 530i or 535i would do great.

02-23-2008, 01:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
Al Canuck Banned Name: Al Joined: Jul 2005 From: Surrey, BC Posts: 1,850 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 4 3 Times in 3 Posts	E34 530i is a V8! A small, buttery smooth V8, but a V8 nonetheless. 535i is going to be just as heavy on fuel around town as a 540i is, so no real issue there. I've had a hankering for an E34 down the road. My choice would be a 525i with M50(NOT the early M20 ones), with a 5 speed. Decent mileage, simple engine, and parts a plenty for them. Plus, they're DIRT cheap to buy. Al

02-23-2008, 01:07 AM	#8 (permalink)
evo3 Banned Name: Luis Joined: May 2005 From: Richmond, BC Posts: 957 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 7 6 Times in 6 Posts	Oh, okay sorry. I take back everything I said, especially since my dad doesn't have 29 years BMW experience. 6 cylinder cars are enjoyable though, no doubt about that.

02-23-2008, 01:47 AM	#10 (permalink)
M635 Senior Member Name: Gregory Joined: Dec 2007 From: Vancouver Posts: 1,016 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 3 Times in 3 Posts M635's pictures	Its not like we want to start a fight and have a contest of who's opinion and experience is better. And don't worry about it there evo3. All I'm saying is, I would not want Blake to get stuck in the same situation as he did with his E28. Not because the 540i is crappy or anything (He's going to be stuck with it in the future, in case he wanted to sell it). Its basically these soaring gas prices. Yes the 540i is strong, and yes it would be cool to own a car with a V8, but you have to be reasonable for what your going to use it for. I say go for the 535i, or as Al also suggested, a 525i for an incredible daily driver. The comfort of a sedan, and great car on gas. But Blake if you want something a little stronger, go for a 535i...

02-23-2008, 02:33 AM	#11 (permalink)
Blakeoffire Senior Member Supporting Member Name: Blake Joined: Sep 2006 From: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,283 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 10 2 Times in 2 Posts Blakeoffire's pictures	Thanks for your inputs guys... appreciated. Just let me point out that, I really don't care, at all, about the gas prices. They will continue to rise until the day I die so it's not worth freaking out over or worrying about if I'm being reasonable or not with my vehicle purchases. Never have, probably never will. If they were able to sell TVR's in Canada I'd own one in a heartbeat and use it every single bloody (smiling heavily) day. I mostly buy my cars for the driving experience itself... The recently departed 535iS had LOADS of character, a waggable and manageable pendulum-like tail and a menacing exit roar to accompany the somewhat ferocious intake howl that the engine produced. It was (was) fun to drive....... on that one day... . I'm just curious about the characteristics of the V8 in that particular chassis. Is it a dog..? Is it too heavy..? Will I be yearning for the potency of an I6..? The other thing I'm also interested in is how the car handles, delivers and copes with 286 bhp and almost 300 lb ft of torque with a manual 6-speed. Thanks guys, B.

02-23-2008, 07:20 AM	#15 (permalink)
carter Banned Supporting Member Name: Carter Joined: Sep 2007 From: Toronto Posts: 427 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 1 4 Times in 1 Post carter's pictures	Oh! I forgot about this Canada only e34 rare bird... the M540i. http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=13 Those that have them are fanatics. I like them because other than the Alpinas they are the only handsome e34s (besides Tourings).

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