Input on E39 or E34 purchase

[MercBimerman]

If you had a choice with a $3k price

97 540i manual 6 speed 235k miles
body kit, new tires, well maintained
common failed parts replaced
very clean ext, interior typical wear for the mileage
runs well but CEL

94 540i auto 168k miles
box stock, well maintained
pretty clean in and out
recent failed motor mount and water pump
but being repaired before sale


I would really like the 6 spd and high mileage doesnt bother me
CEL isnt a problem, no smog where I live

Have had a 95 525i before and the 540i sounds good
considering the lower mileage having an auto I can deal with
as long as this model has a LSD/ASC standard (or was this an option?)

My current ride is a 93 MBZ 400e, runs well just want to get back into a BMW


Opinions

[bam240sx]

get the E34, swap in a standard and have some fun. pics of each would help better though

[MercBimerman]

Originally Posted by bam240sx

get the E34, swap in a standard and have some fun. pics of each would help better though

Well so far most the other cars have sold except the E39 E34 BMWs.
I had contacted a well known BMW mechanic/racer Bill Arnold (know him from parts deliveries)
He said the E34 is a poor engine, actually the high mileage E39 is a better deal
just make sure I run a code check on whats causing the CEL.
Could be a CPS, O2, or cat. But if a can talk the seller down a few more hundred I may go for it.

[Kai]

Check and see if the engine was replaced. There are some out there that didn't get replaced, but if this one did the engine in the 540i is fine. I would go for the E34 personally just because I want another. The lower mileage is attractive as well. Good luck deciding.

[MercBimerman]

Well I got tired of missing out on some cars
and then others being lazy about furnishing details or not providing phone #s

So I decided to go old school and picked up this nice 1980 E21 320i 5 speed 175k miles

[witeshark]

Wow that's a very nice find! Congratz!

[MercBimerman]

Originally Posted by witeshark

Wow that's a very nice find! Congratz!

I appreciate it thanks.
Been a while since I've had a car in almost show room condition.

[marti5]

Nice clean machine youve found yourself, congrats.

[da_bull]

Looks snazzy. I guess I'll have to change your username now, huh?

to werkz btw...