Reply With QuoteThis isnt a REAL poll, it's missing the whos winfred option!
Black 540 6-Speed
M5
Yugo Covertible
Black 535 Manual
Big, Big Time Poster
Maybe adding a new e34 soon
I've been researching getting another E34 and am not sure what I should get. I want a manual and wide grill.What do you guys think is probably the most reliable E34 out of the ones I'm checking into. I've always had the hots for a black 540 six speed, but.....
Corey Horton
1992 BMW 535i
Big Time Poster
This isnt a REAL poll, it's missing the whos winfred option!
Who needs a sway bar anyway?
2 Grand Master
For reliability and ease of maintainence, the 535i would be your best choice. The 6 cylinder engines are much easier to work on, and they seem to be more reliable. It all depends on what aspects of the cars are important to you. Based on just reliability and maintainence, the 535i would be the best, but the M5 would be more fun.Originally Posted by clhorton
Lowered with blue h&r(?) springs, Bilsteins, tint, 19# design 3 injectors, Dual Magnaflow
southwest WA
5-10 Grand Master
my opinion for best e34s 93 and up 525, 91 and up 535 (better sound system and interior trim then 89-90, i like the later tranny programming too) are the easiest to find and plentiful, 540s are cool but i've only really only gotten my hands on 2 over the years and never touched a m5 so i can't comment more then i want one, 530 v8s are a waste of time, odd parts high cost of mantaince and disappointing performance make these potential fodder for engine swaps if you want a projecthow bout a 4.6 alpina motor or massaged v12
all america wants is cold beer warm cat and a place to take a poop with a door on it
2 Grand Master
I like my 95 525i, but I suspect 5-speeds are a bit rare on the later models.
Even so, I think I want to consider one of the following 2003 e39 models:
525i sport, 530i sport or a 540i sport. All must be AUTOMATIC's with preminum package and possibly cold weather package. I do love my heated seats!
Thanks,
1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment
Major Contributor
The 5-speeds are quite rare on the later models. I had to settle for an auto until it goes.
My brother was looking for late E39s; if you're fine with an auto then you'll be set.
Remember that the M62 is higher-maintenance with the little things. Sport packages are somewhat harder to find but not quite rare.
The M54 in the 530i has a nice stock exhaust note, much better than the M52 in the 525i.
Atlanta, GA/Bloomington, IN, USA
Grand Master
I would think a "black 540 6 speed" would be really hard to find. Last night at our San Diego meet, we were talking about how Tim has been looking for a 6 speed for years and every time he saw one for sale, it was always auto. I think every 540 I see is green. Black and 6 speed may be looking for a needle in a haystack.
As for your poll, the answer really depends on what your priority is. M5--special status, handcrafted work of art, awesome to drive, expensive to maintain. Easy DIY and reasonable power--go the 535. 540--somewhere between the other two choices if you could find it with your specs.
Since you have the hots for the 540 and it may be so hard to find, maybe you would want to get a 535 and continue looking for the perfect 540, then sell the 535 when you find it.
Last edited by Gayle; 12-03-2006 at 02:36 PM.
Dinan chip, Bilstein sports w H&R, RD sways, RD strut brace, 750 bushings, Zimmermans/MetalMasters, O.E. M Pars, Eisenmann muffler
Major Contributor
Your poll choices don't fit your criteria. The only wide-grill manuals are either the V8s or a '95 525i. Once you add "reliable", you're talking '95 525i 5sp. Not that hard to find. I just bought mine with 112k with all recent updates, 17" wheels (old 15" BBS included), new tires, CD changer, new brakes, lights, etc. for $5500, direct from the meticulous owner off Craig's List. I was originally looking for a '99 or 2000 E38 528i 5sp but took this route for less than half the cost. YMMV
Grand Master
You mean there are no wide grilled 535s? I didn't know that.
Dinan chip, Bilstein sports w H&R, RD sways, RD strut brace, 750 bushings, Zimmermans/MetalMasters, O.E. M Pars, Eisenmann muffler
Major Contributor
Not without body-work and a new hood. All V-8 E34s have the "V8" wide grille, and only the '95 MY U.S. 6-cylinder cars have it. Of course they also came with the body-colored rockers and lowers front and rear, too. Not even the M5s in the U.S. had the "V8" grille. You must have known that?
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