15k: Non Stock Item: 1995 BMW 540iT 6-spd E34
The e34 generation BMW 540i should be on the short list for anyone looking for a fast 90s rear-drive sedan. BMW did offer a touring (wagon) version for the US market that could be had with three pedals or with a V8, but not both. Thankfully, today’s offering has recified this abysmal situation with a 6-speed from an M5 and 7-series V8. Find this 1995 BMW 540iT 6-spd E34 offered for $15,000 via craigslist. Tip from slowcarSLOW-MPGlol.
This 540iT is covered in a stunning coat of Imola red paint and shod with a set of 18″ M parallel wheels from an e34 M. Overall the car looks in good shape for 20 year old German sedan but only because it has been restored by the current or a previous owner.
The 4.4 liter M62B44 all-alloy dual-overhead-cam V8 is donated from a e38 7-series and good for 282 horsepower and 310 ft-lbs of torque. The M62 is a great engine and aside from some early issues with Nikasil liners it is a reliable engine. Nikasil is hardened layer of electrolytically
applied nickel used to reduce wear but reacts poorly to high sulfur fuel and caused a number of early failures.
The inside of this e34 looks good, the dash isn’t cracked, the steering wheel looks okay, and with the exception of the wrinkled leather seats, it looks like new. The stubby shifter is attached to a 6-speed manual gearbox from an M5.
See a better hot rod wagon for less? tips@dailyturismo.com
~ if i ever decide it's time to move on from my 5.o V8lvo 745 this would be the perfect candidate. maybe not bright red, though.
Scot – you will sell your 5.0 V8lvo to me……that is all…
-Vince
Scot – did you end up getting that interior that was available in Denver for your 745?
~ no, Zach — i talked with him a couple times, and figured shipping for the front seats [it was from a sedan so the rear would have been less useful] then i got consumed by building, moving, assembling a new shop, ongoing landlord/tenant issues, and i-don't-know-what-all. i do still have his phone # and am still working towards that end. a buddy has 2x 740 wagons on his lot; a '88 w/ electric glitch & a '93 w/ cloth guts but a big [nickel size] cigarette burn on the passenger seat. if i had time and space i'd drag them both home, but….. thanks for the tip, Zach. the guy was a very interesting V-head. if he was across town we'd be beer drinkin' buds.
Vince, i'll mark you down for first dibs! there are a fair number of local gear grinders who have admired it. you'll be impressed when i get it a little further along. i'm debating whether to beef up the AOD or source a T-56 and pedal assembly. decisions!
Sounds good scot – was curious. I picked up a set of new, OEM-type front seat covers for my '92 245 from this guy – ebay.com/usr/swedish*auto*lamps*for*less?_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2754 – quality looks quite good though I've not installed them yet. They don't have any listed for 740s, but you might give them a call to see?
This is actually one of the darker reds in BMW's palette. Very nice and understated as far as reds go.
Read the seller's meticulousness, both in the build and its description. $15k is a steal for a car built by an absolute Munich freak.
~ That was my take-away, too, slowGlol I'd always prefer to spend a bit more money from a certifiable OCD patient, than save a couple bucks with 'Mr Good-enough'. That's the sort of seller who is glad to hear from you when you encounter questions about his modifications. I've had a lot of help from the father/son team of engineers who built the V8lvo, and also from Ross Converse, an obsessive in his own right. This 'hobby' is the place to make good friends.
~ I looked through there store but I will call and chase something down tomorrow. Let me know how the covers fit your 240 seats. Good luck.