Im just interested in the reliability of this cars V8. Is there a certain mileage i should stay away from? anyone ever had their motor rebuilt at a shop?

also how common is the 5/6spd tranny?(whatever they had)

are they faster then the 92' 535Is?(i forget the term for the bodystyle)


I dont know much about beamers. ive got a few friends who try to get me to pick one up everytime we talk about different project/weekend cars

wow... first of all, it's bimmers. Second of all, there is no '92 (or any E34, for that matter) 535iS, just a 535i. Third of all, the 540i only came in a 6spd in 95, and an auto in 94 and 95. Fourth of all, there is no '96 5 series, only a 95 and a 97. The 95 was the last of the E34 chassis, and the 97 was the first of the E39s. As far as speed, the 540i has about 75 more hp and torque than the 535i in the same chassis, so it would be quite a bit faster, off the line anyway.

The biggest problem you have to worry about on the 94 and 95 530i and 540i is the Nikasil issue. There are tons of resources, just do a google for "nikasil." Also, www.bmwe34.net is a GREAT resource for E34 info, on all models.