[LeucX3]

How much should i expect to pay for a 97 540i? Are they that much better/worse than a 95 540i? Same engine, so i'm thinking only the body style is different.

My goal is to be somewhat frugal on price so i'm not exactly sure if i want a 95 or 97. Both seem hard to find here in SD. I'd like to stay around $22k if possible.

 

[Bruce]

How much should i expect to pay for a 97 540i? Are they that much better/worse than a 95 540i? Same engine, so i'm thinking only the body style is different.

No no no. NOT the same engine...not even close. The 95 (E34) 540 has a 4L V8. The E39 has a 4.4L V8. There was a HUGE recall on the 4L V8 in the E34s (and the same year 740s). Problems with the sulphur in the US gas ruining the blocks. BMW "upgraded" the warranty to 6 years 100k miles on those cars due to the problem. The only way to tell if there is a problem is to do a compression test on the engine. If you do buy an E34 try to make sure the block has been changed. I personally wouldn't consider an E34 540 for that reason, plus the E39 gives you 8 year newer technology. Stick with the E39s...IMHO.

For more info go here: http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/misc/v8shortblock.htm

My goal is to be somewhat frugal on price so i'm not exactly sure if i want a 95 or 97. Both seem hard to find here in SD. I'd like to stay around $22k if possible.

I haven' priced 540s so I have no idea what they are going for. If you really want one look online in many places. Start with autotrader.com. You will probably have to travel to find a good car, but well worth it in the long run. Make sure to get a prepurchase inspection done on a car that is not near you to make sure the car is worth a trip to see it.

HTH,
Bruce