It's an M5 but you get the idea.

search is down

thanks!

///M5
740iS

Make sure the engine block was replaced with alkasil-lined one. There are web sites dedicated to this issue

Common wear items are control arm bushings (and pretty much everything else in the suspension), control modules, door panel trim, etc. The E34 is a pretty solid car mechanically, though. Check out http://www.bmwe34.net/ for lots of repair/maintenance info.

I contacted the service manager of John Roberts BMW in Austin, and was told that the Nikasil engines self destruct at about 5 years/70k miles on exposure to high sulfur fuels (such as we have here in Texas) and cost about $15,000 to replace, sans modifications. BMW had (and may still have) a warranty that partly covered the replacement cost to the original owner only. In the end, it would have cost me about $39,000 for a $20,000 used car, and it didn't make sense.

My friend still has the black car, though, and had the engine replaced at BMW's expense with the upgraded engine.

Um, M5's never came with Nikasil engines. Unless maybe you mean an M540i, in which case it could have.

Uh, the e34 M5 had an inline six (s38b36) that was an iron block. It didn't have an 8 cylinder nikasil impregnated aluminum block.

So... um.. your friend doesn't have an M5...

Modified by Slump at 10:23 PM 4-3-2006

which brings up another interesting point....

would you take an M5 with the inline 6 or the 540i with the aluminum 4.4ltr.

you can obtain both at similar prices, hmmm.

///M5
740iS

great info also, wasnt aware of this issue, thanks all, keep'em coming

///M5
740iS

Oh, that's easy. M5. The 540i sport will continue to depreciate to nothing, but the M5 will bottom out around $10K and then start appreciating in a few years, if you keep it nice.

The s38 is going to be about the same cost to maintain as that big v8.

Everything else is about the same - ie. the same number of gadgets and electric motors on the inside to break.

I'd also trust the s38 to last longer then the v8. Many (most?) s38s are over 100-150k miles and still running VERY strong.

On the other hand, if it's a real 540i sport, it's a pretty rare car - even more rare then an M5, but between the two, get the real thing, not the pretender.

Edit: just remembered one other thing. If it's a real 540i sport, then it's got the 'ring suspension, which you couldn't get on a US M5 - nice suspension, but big $$ if it breaks (self levelling, etc.)

Modified by Slump at 10:45 PM 4-3-2006

Modified by Slump at 10:46 PM 4-3-2006

great points, just to clarify the 540i sport you speak of is also considered the M540i M-Sport?

http://www.roadfly.com/bmw/cla...35814

low milage, but damn that's salty.

///M5
740iS

///M5
740iS

Yes.

Various body and interior pieces from the Euro ’95 M5: mirrors, spoilers/side skirts, wheels, steering wheel, shift knob, and sill panels.
The M5’s EDC III suspension + M5 Servotronic steering.
Bigger brakes

nice website, lots of info on this topic.

http://www.kindel.com/bmw/how_to_identify.htm

///M5
740iS

for under 7k, not the color combo Id want but just looking, if I found one in a color combo I liked I would consider it along with the E34 M5 or E28.

ad.......

Excellent condition 540i well maintained. Car has 141,000 miles on it and as such has had a number of things recently replaced. Within the last couple of years I have replaced the clutch, brakes, shocks, radiator, water pump, valve cover gaskets, alternator, new Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and more. I am sad to sell it because I really have replaced most anything that you would need to on a car of this vintage. I had intended to have my daughter take this car but it turns out that it is a little to much car for her - if you know what I mean. This car is a blast to drive and is very comfortable. Great blend of performance and luxury. Not as electronically over the top as a lot of the newer BMW’

///M5
740iS

Check that car out in real life. Worth every penny.

That is where I bought my E36.

He also has another 95 540, that is a Stage 3 Dinan. Pushing 475hp.

He always has a badass inventory.
http://www.car-locators.com/inventory.html

wow, nice. there is another low milage one on there a little more resonable.

any pics of it?

///M5
740iS

ill

///M5
740iS

THe M5 is a whole different ballgame. One of the most exciting cars I have ever driven.

Pure class....

I've got the e34 535i on my shortlist.

Ill indeed! Very, very nice!!

BTW: Are those 7-series wheels?