I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome back former GCFSB writer and fellow German car enthusiast Ben Earle. Great to have you back, Ben! I know our readers will enjoy the added content going forwards! – Paul
Boy it feels good to be back! Quick update on me: I moved from Boston to San Francisco and love the thought of all the potential RWD German models that are now viable daily drivers!
Let’s start off somewhat conservative with a 1995 BMW 540i in vibrant Calypso red. This one comes graced with a third pedal and the M-Technic Sports suspension which will come in handy on the lovely SoCal twisties. Wearing 113,000 miles is no easy task but this E34 looks like Cindy Crawford stepping back on the runway. You will be hard pressed to find a cleaner and more cared for example with over 100K on the clock. The deep shade of red still shines bright after all the years of sun and the tan interior shows no loss of buttery goodness.
The owner has done a great job of sourcing tasteful upgrades while maintaining the stock appearance. Things like 18” M Parallel wheels, new Brembo rotors, Bilstein shocks, Dinan chip, B&M shifter and Magnaflow muffler will only increase the driving pleasure that this Bimmer has to offer. The seller sums it up perfectly in his description “Accelerates, handles and stops like a much newer performance car while retaining the elegance of the classic e34 body.” Clean e34s are starting to really catch my eye for their value and brute handsomeness.
Year: 1995
Model: 540i
Engine: 4.0 V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 113,000
Price: Auction – Reserve Not Met
1995 BMW 540i on eBay
List of Upgrades:
18” M Parallel alloy wheels
Continental Extreme Contact 235/45/ZR18 tires less than 11K miles
New Brembo Front Brake Rotors
No leaks, no burnt out pixels
Custom 3.64 ratio differential w/limited slip
4.0 liter DOHC 32 valve V-8 engine, 282 hp, 295 lb-ft torque
Bilstein shocks
Clean car fax
DinanChip – original chip also included
B&M Shifter
Magnaflow muffler – stock muffler also available
6 disc cd changer + cassette player
Heated sport seats with adjustable thigh support
Stock wheels with tires in great shape will be supplied at buyer’s request
Original calypso red paint with tan interior
All-weather floor mats & weathertech trunk liner also included
All manuals and documentation included
Same owner last five years
Similar to how Martha always left Jan in the shadows on The Brady Bunch, the M5 always steals the show from the 540i. This actually works out great for us in the know as the 540i is a great sports car for the money and examples like this often stay overlooked and under priced. This one deserves special attention since it’s one of 3,203 produced with the 6-speed manual transmission. I’ll be keeping an eye on this one to see how far north of $5K the bidding goes!
-Ben
“I moved from Boston to San Francisco … the lovely SoCal twisties”
San Francosci is about 6 hours from Santa Barbara which is as far north a place as could reasonably be referred to as “SoCal.” Are you planning a road trip?
As a Bostonian who has seen numerous friends escape to San Francisco, I am insanely jealous of the cars, cycling and sailing opportunities. Please keep us posted about entry-level 911 trends, including the SC and 3.2.
This has been on the eBay block a few times and has not met reserve…
Seem priced right- can’t be many of these left and the mileage is reasonable for the year. Nice that the OEM wheels are included.