Canadian 1994 BMW 540i 6-speed

I’ve posted a couple of non-M E34s recently (see here, and here), since I’m a fan of this iteration of the 5-series (I even daily drive one myself). I’ve noted before however that it’s quite hard to find one in good condition. While it’s relatively easy to find an inexpensive, equivalent-era Mercedes Benz in nice shape, BMWs of a similar age in the affordable sector of the market are often tired and worn. Perhaps it’s because Stuttgart simply made better cars during the period. Perhaps it’s because many Mercedes owners seem to feel it’s their responsibility to steward their cars into the future, and take care of them accordingly. In any event, when a nice E34 pops up it’s always a nice surprise.

Thanks to our reader Corbin for suggesting this Canadian 540i 6-speed. Not only does it look like a clean example, it’s a well equipped car with a few tasteful modifications.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 BMW 540i 6-speed on Kijiji

  Year: 1994
Model: 540i
Engine: 4.0 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 235,232 km / 146,166 mi
Price: Can$7,400

Up for sale is my 1994 BMW 540i 6 Speed which is in beautiful overall condition. You will be hard pressed to find one in better condition.

If you are a BMW enthusiast then you will know this is a fairly rare find for the following reasons:

– it’s an E34 540i with a 6-speed manual transmission
– it’s a full Sport Package 540i including Stability/Traction Control
– at 129,556kms, Calgary BMW changed the original Nikasil engine with the Alusil engine (have receipts)
– its color code is Diamantschwarz Metallic/Diamond Black Metallic (181), which very few were made with this color code
– this Canadian 540i has been a summer car for most of its life as it has been stored indoors during most winters if not all. I say this as I am not the original owner but there is no rust on the car.

The car has 235,232kms and is fully reliable and comes with documentation. All work/mods has been professionally done.

Some of the mods and new parts on the car are:

– new upgraded radiator with dual electric fans and thermostat (clutch fan deleted)
– lowering springs
– new clutch and flywheel
– VERY RARE BMW 17” staggered Style 32 wheels (3” lip on front & 4” lip on back)
– new rear tires 275/45R17 and front tires are 245/45R17
– Brakes are in great condition
– new front Brembo cross-drilled rotors (not installed).
– short shifter kit
– HID (Xenon) front headlights
– various bearings, guibos and gaskets have been replaced

Like previously stated, this E34 540i is in excellent overall condition. The interior is in excellent condition including the Sport Seats. The interior is full optioned including heated seats, sunroof, factory alarm and rear ski bag compartment. The exterior is also in great condition. Also, everything electrical in the car is in full working order.

If you have made it this far in this ad, then you really need to come see and drive this 540i. You will not be disappointed.

I am asking $7400. Please call or text.

The seller refers to this car as having the “full Sport Package,” but it’s not really clear what that means. It’s certainly not an M540i – the highly desirable, low volume Canada-only car that was a better version of the US-spec 540i M-Sport. What he seems to be referring to is the combination of the manual gearbox, sport seats and the ASC traction control system. I’m not sure these things ever amounted to an official “Sport” package, but these are admittedly some very nice options to have, and make this car stand out from the crowd.

I particularly like the Diamond Black over black leather color scheme, the slightly lowered suspension and the deep dish, Style 32 alloys, all of which give the handsome, angular lines of the E34 just the right amount of sporting aggression. The photos in the ad are not great, but as far as we can see both the interior and exterior of the car look very good. The leather seats appear to show only a modest patina, the wood trim seems to be in the right place, and we’re told all the electrical accessories work properly. It’s probably worth asking the seller how the interior door cards are doing; these are notoriously prone to peeling on these cars, and there’s no easy way of putting them right (I tried to sort mine out this week, and even after a lot of gorilla glue, blood, sweat and tears I’m still not very happy).

The biggest selling point on this car is of course the 6-speed manual gearbox. When combined with the torquey and smooth 4.0 liter M60 engine, good for about 282 hp when new, and the tight and sorted chassis, this package adds up to a quick, powerful car that should be a lot of fun to throw around. It’s not quite an M5, but it’s a seriously compelling, affordable alternative.

– Craig