E34; 535i sport or 540i ?

[nickyd100]

Thinking of purchasing one of the above.

I'm not too knowledgable about these models so would appreciate some advice.

Which is the better car?

I understand the 535i sport has an LSD, 'sport suspension', and perhaps seats with better bolsters. Are there any other 'sport' specific features?

What is the power advantage of the 540i over the 535i sport? And is the 540i only available as an auto? I'm really only after a manual.

As for the E34 generally I understand the rear suspension bushes fail but are there any other issues I should be looking for?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[xxplod]

I'm no expert, but I'm sure you can get the 540 in manual. You didn't say what model you were keen on? I drove a 1996 540 which was a manual.

[fastandcurious]

The E34 540i was available in 6 speed manual. Although they are very rare, and good ones even rarer. Great care should be taken when buying any car with the 3 and 4 litre V8s as they are Nicasil engines and may have been prone to the much publicised bore erosion due to high sulphur fuel. Although many of these engines have been replaced now, and the fuel that caused the problem is no longer available.
Last year I spent a long time looking for a 540i with a manual box to use as a Donner car for a project.(540i engine and gearbox into an E30 325i)
I gave up looking in the end, as I couldn't find a good enough one.
Power wise the 540i is the more powerful car. But the 535i is not slow. once again though mostly auto. If you are set on a manual, you may be better off looking at an M5. They are all manual, and the 3.6 versions are quite cheap now. Although you can't under estimate the running costs.

Edited by fastandcurious on Sunday 27th May 17:58

[cjm]

Think they stopped making the 535 a few years before the 540 came out so they will all be a bit older. The 24v 525 sport was about at the same time as the 540 and isnt really any slower or have much less power than a 535 and will also give better mpg.

[nickyd100]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I think i'm swaying toward a 535i sport - If I can find a manual in fairly good condition and some MOT!

Do like the idea of an E34 M5 but the prices are minimum £4K and I am terrified of the running costs!

Right off to browse the classifieds and ebay!

Thanks again

Nick

[AndyS2]

What about this:-

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/157547.htm

[Job38]

I had a 535i Sport (close ratio manual with LSD) for a few years. Fabulous car, wish I'd never sold it.
Can't comment on the 540, but I'd guess the 540 is quicker, but more nose-heavy.
The 535i Sport is very well balanced for a big/old car.

Difficult to find a good one now though............

Edited by Job38 on Tuesday 29th May 21:58