535 for boost, 530i/5 for a b40 swap.... Otherwise don't bother IMO

 

: popcorn: (with mouth full) - I've heard it discussed to be something like.. : popcorn: "basically, they're pretty close to the same in power, but less fuel economy for the undersized V8." Which makes sense IMO, given the block isn't smaller on the 3.0, just the cylinders. Someone, please correct me if I've misunderstood.

Edit.. I've even read in at least one place, about car insurance being easier on the wallet with the 6 cyl. But I may be incorrect, and only misunderstanding that a break is anything below the 4.0... Not sure there, but point is, I'd check on that too. If there is a discount to your "In case chit happens" payments, aka insurance, it may be worth factoring. Unless that part is only relevant to me.

 

You consider insurance when buying a non M?????

My 5.3L SUV & 4.0L e34 came out to 53$ a month to insure both lol..
Less than it is for a brand new corolla.!

But unless it say's M, or has only 2 seats or something i don't worry about insurance personally. I hate betting against myself(how i look at it)

Sorry, but considering a 530 but not 540 just seems ignorant. What possible reason would not want 60hp, another notch up the totem pole and better MPG? You know it is not good when the 4L gets more mpg than a 3L, and the 3L gets replaced by an I6 again shortly after. Also holds more value on the other end, especially a MT

 

What the hell are you talking about??? :dunno::jack::blah:
And what does your 5.3 L SUV have any damn thing to do with a "sports" car and displacement related between models? Are you also so dense that you cannot see I was suggesting as a consideration. Even if said consideration had only a few dollars involved. Personally I'm not a fan of the expense, that being to pay car insurance. So I consider what insurance will cost if I had an on the fence decision to make. NO BIG DEAL, just a "might consider this as well," sort of thing.

Also, do you ever get past your own opinions to actually read what the O.P. said? Here, let me help you out and put it in this conversation twice:

"I know this was probably discussed time and time again, but I'd like to know which you all think is better, without discussing the 540i. I already have one and I'm slowly swapping the tranny and other stuff. However, I'm taking the train and for those living in Atlanta, know that it sucks. I would like to spend 2500-3000 on another e34 that's milder, but still a kick in the pants. I am leaning towards the 535i, but the v8 of the 530i sounds so perfect... Idk. Please help lol. And it must be a manual, of course."

Did you catch anything in there? Maybe something about HE ALREADY HAS A 540, and wants either a 530, or 535?????????? Or do you need pretty pictures drawn?

Edit..... Furthermore, what in the hell does paying higher car insurance rates have to do with betting against one's self? Honestly, so few of your posts appear to be anything but an attempt to bring your post count up

 

He already has a 540..... So to answer your question the m30 3.5 mtor is a good motor that gives you decent power out the gate with a manual. With a few mods like chip intake and exhaust you can get good power i just dynoed mine and am getting good results still tuning fuel ratio but almost to my liking. Now the 530 get horrid milage and for a v8 is pretty sad in the kahonas area pardon my spelling lol. Personally if you want bullet proof 535 7/90 production to 93 is where i would look. Black on black 5 speed. Repairs are easier to on the m30. Single bank engine.. Hint hint....

Alpina

 

Dude, you literally piss off someone every time you contribute to a thread, then once they calm down you act like it's cool. Why do you even try at this point? Do you feel you need to argue with everything?

 

I enjoy my 535i 5 speed. Reliable, good power, and decent fuel economy if you learn how to control your foot lol

After I gave it a tune up, I averaged about 17-18 city with easy driving.

Overall enjoyable and managable. Also sounds real great with an exhaust job.

 

I enjoy my 535i 5 speed. Reliable, good power, and decent fuel economy if you learn how to control your foot lol

That's my greatest fear as far as boosting my car. I know that FI cars get about the same MPG out of boost, but I don't think I'll be able to keep it out of boost...

 

Thank you all for your feedback! I have some accidents on my record so till be happy to pay anything under $300 dollars per month!

But onto my questioned loyalty with 540is. They are damn hard to find... Lol. I only found two! One in Detroit and the other in Bronx. Good options. But mey. Check out this 540i...

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/ctd/4833309529.html

I don't mind the drive, and it is a viable option. But I wouldn't mind another e34 to feel.

Check out this 535i..

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4785557328.html

And the 530i...

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4822288076.html

And @Dionte , we should meet up if I get the 535i so I can learn what you did!

 

So far, I'd lean towards a 535i, just so I actually post something relevant on this thread.

 

The 535 except for gas mileage ( both are close in that catagory) is the better option.
Without getting into the history why the 530 was created. Its overall power is equal if not less than the inline 6 equiped 535.
The m60b30 maintenance is similar if not exactly like its bigger brother the 540.
Which is why its considered a throwaway or Red headed stepchild of the e34 chassis.
For most who own them are soon disappointed with its performance and once able swap out for the larger m60b40.

This isn't to say they are terrible contributors.
They replaced the bulletproof m30b35 at a time when BMW began to move away from the inline 6.
However as time shown, they went right back to the i6 3.0 in the later models.
Maintenance and up keep are relatively the same and is subject to opinion.
Meaning, if you work on your 540. Then a 530 is a natural choice. If your looking for simplicity. 535 is your best bet.
Though similar to the 540 there is very little if any aftermarket support for the 530.
Then again, though the 535 does have aftermarket support it can be more costly.
However there are tons of m30 variants floating around from the e21,e24,e28,e32, and e34 models that finding reliable upgrades is only a matter of searching.

IMHO get what works for you.

 

Not to throw more kindling into the fire. You did bring up the insurance issue, einstein. So I'm guessing thats why he chimed in with the comparison.
I'm not saying the back and forth between you two was validated. I read his post and kind of knew where he was coming from.
But I'm entering the convo late anyway. carry on.

edit: My response is moot on the "why not 2 540s debate." Ya'll on your own on that one.

 

FWIW the 'ol E34 535 vs. 530 battle took place back in the 90's...when the cars were still relevant showroom-wise.

Their direct comparison is covered extensively and archived nicely in the Bentley 5-Series Gold Portfolio. Well worth the read.

For North America, the M30 equipped 535i posted marginally better performance numbers than the small eight...typical of a large inline 6. Reliability also favored the M30...to this day even.

Granted, the E34 chassis was clearly intended for the new (at the time) V8's. Work all the kinks out of the 3.0L M60 $$$ , and you've got one helluva nice ride.

 

@Radian . I had three 530is and to be honest, I loved them. I loved the sound especially. when it rumbled, it involved my soul. I also love the 540i and the added performance it brings... After the swap, it will be my daily driver and the car I purchase next will be my project car. I just want it to be usable in the mean time. So after working out all the kinks of the 530i, will it post better performance in the end? The ess supercharger is looking really nice, and there are also turbo builds for it. Chipping it also brings a lot of gains... but I was told that there is not much support aftermarket wise... but then I came across http://www.schmiedmann.com/5_series/E34.htm . . . changed my mind. lol. then again, the 535i has potential... I may not like the sound as much, but that could change. which car would be a better performance for track/street racing and daily driving with the same budget of about 10k over time? I know this is a lot. but you all could handle it.

 

You know, it would be awesome to throw a couple of mild snails on a 530i, though. I know I'm a turbo fiend, but there's no way anyone has a 3.0l turbo V8 E34 that puts out about 430rwhp-ish (If you wanted a quick spool) ... Now I'm just going to daydream.

 

My uncle's 535i got no better fuel mileage than my 530i. The 530i is auto while the 535i was manual so I can't compare them from that aspect. I would imagine that they are very similar when comparing manual to manual. A well maintained M60 V8 is as reliable as an M30 and a lot more modern. One of the main advantages of the later E34's (namely the 95's) is the interior and exterior upgrades that the prior years didn't have. The interiors on them feel and look nicer IMO.

The M60 530i gets hate but most guys have never actually owned them. Of course it is not as powerful as the B40, it has less displacement. It was a perfectly suitable mid-range model that BMW needed and it worked. More power than a 525i but less than a 540i.

 

Wat interior difference? Minus the asc feature that my 535i does not have the seats door cards gauges cluster shifter radio heater controls glove box headliner battery compartment telephone lights heating coils speakers trunk amp are the same as i pulled alot off a 530 and 540 and used them on mine... I know brakes are bigger and suspension are and motor but interior wise they are about the same.

Alpina

 

I hope Schlafwagen and I didn't scare OP off. :tsk:

 

The GM is way different (All window switches are one touch, etc)... That's all I know. Maybe there were more options?

 

There are manuals, the are even auto M540s if you can believe that, M540fellas is an auto Msport

 

Ok, I stand corrected. I thought so, just didn't have any examples on hand.

 

1,553 (HE53) US 95' e34 540i (6 speed MT made) I have 1.

of those 139 of them where born M sports, so M sport auto's are super rare. Only 65 i think made.

 

You would be correct. IMO just go 535. Don't bother with a 530 unless you are swapping in a b40

 

I've got the rarest, a M525i 4 speed auto. Good for free upgrades.
Just having a laugh.

 

518i 5 speed...

Faster than an M5?