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.