So...

I want a 95 540i/6 *gasp* and even found one at a great price.

But, given the age and price, my wife is worried about long term costs. Especially when the 525/5 can be had for a lot less.

So.....................

Which one is going to be better in the long run maintenance wise? I'm concerned that the 540/6 is going to be more expensive to own maintenance wise.

Also...
I heard that the 530 has some issues that the 540 doesn't have...Something to do with the engine. But, given that they are essentially the same engine I find that hard to believe, unless the components on the 540 are better than the 530.

If the 530 isn't horrible, it might be a step up option from the 525...

Thanks.

Owned two 540's and I babied them, but look at what I own now. Hope that will help make your decision easier.

Peace,
BnVs

Owned two 540's and I babied them, but look at what I own now. Hope that will help make your decision easier.

Peace,
BnVs

Care to share the reasoning behind your decision??? Thanks.

I have a 1994 540i, and have had it for the last 10 years. Maintinance has been about 1-2k/year. It currently haas 135k miles, and has the original engine. Virtually all the maintinance costs have been for things that would have cost the same on a 525, and aside from some extra gaskets, engine costs have been equivalent.

I can tabulate a full cost if you want, but it will have to be later, as I'm not home until the weekend.

I'm more concerned about the differential versus the total cost of maintenance...So, no need to calculate the total cost, but thanks!

I'm more concerned about the differential versus the total cost of maintenance...So, no need to calculate the total cost, but thanks!

I'm just saying they are about the same, in my experience.

My experience with the 540 has been very good. Many of the parts are the same across all E34's. The V8 has been very good to me.

However, I've not needed any exhaust work. If my catalytic converters go, I've got two to replace rather than one. That project would cost more than a 525 replacement - but I'm willing to chance it. :)

Of course there are some components on the 540 that are a bit heavier duty than on its brother E34's and in some cases that may make the part rare or harder to find (but I've not found that to be the case). Besides... as I read the forums, many tack on beefier, tuned, components onto their E34's anyway; with the 540 you've already got them.

I've had my '94 540ia since April. No significant problems. I've done the oil and a mod or two, but I've had no other maintenance issues.

Right now my 540 needs oxygen sensors, cats, and the front end re-done, stuff that you would have to do on any E34. There are more 02 sensors and 2 cats vs. 1 on a 525, but I'll be using Magnaflows anyway. It may be more, but not by much. Seems like most of the common problems to these cars aren't related to the engine directly.

I was discussing this with my bro-in-law and my dad and both were saying that BMW is renowned for their 6 cyl and that their 8 cyl engines have more problems. Now, my bro-in-law is a car buff and reads a ton of stuff about cars, specifically BMW, so I do value his opinion.

BUT...Is it BS?

Some of you may know that I did find a 540/6 near here that is going for a good price, but has the original motor...And, at 103K miles it doesn't appear to have any compression problems, but I would do a leakdown test before buying it...After talking with my BIL and dad I started thinking that maybe they were right. But, I wanted to get a second opinion from you guys.

Thanks.

The "problem" with the V-8s is the nikasil issue. Since you are already educated on that, you now know the problems specific to the V-8. Pretty much every other issue is common between the 525 and the 540. (cooling, water pumps, etc.) Plus, with the 540, you won't have to worry about VANOS failure as you will with the 525. (the 95 525i uses a M50TU engine, so it has VANOS)

While, yes, the 6 cyl is fantastic, more often than not, the general motor they are saying is great is the M30, which is in the 535. It is a 3.5L SOHC hard to kill engine that BMW has made, in one form or another, for the last 25 years, stopping in 1993.

In my experience, anyway.

Yeah, if the 1993 535i had passenger air bags I'd be all over that one. That's actually what I want...And, I doubt I'd convince my wife that we don't need it. ;)

Only other E34s I've driven are a 525 touring, and an M5. All I can say is that the M30 (535) is an awesome engine.

My $0.02,
-JK