Every enthusiast knows the manual trans-equipped BMW 540i is among the best sedans ever made. Yes, the M5s ramped things up, but 540s offer more than ample power in a true sleeper package. The E39 is still seen fairly often with low-ish miles, but the E34 example has become pretty rare in good shape, and this one claims 90K miles.
This was the only time a BMW 540i actually had a 4.0-liter engine! It was not the only V8 offered in this body style, however, as there was a 3.0-liter V8 in the 530i. Most of you should remember that the E34 M5 offered inline six power.
These early BMW V8s were known for cylinder lining problems, and it seems this car may have suffered that. Good news is the seller claims the engine was replaced under warranty at 35K. Though it’s almost 20 years old, this is a lot of car for $9K. Just be sure you get plenty of maintenance documentation, including that engine replacement. It sound like you may need an exhaust for it, though, as I question the wisdom of the “muffler delete.”
Click for Craigslist ad
Studio City, CA
$9,000
Interior looks great in the single image – gray is always preferred.
Ad text:
Hello viewers I’m gonna make this as brief as possible. Up for sale is my babied mint 90k miles 540 I 6 speed manual trans. If you are an enthusiast/collector you know how rare this is. It’s green on tan the motor was replaced by bmw under warranty back when it had around 35k miles so the motor realisticly has 60k miles this car has all service history reports even it’s original window sticker I also overhauled the cooling system recently. This car is a beast and the only modifications are a muffler delete which sounds amazing not loud not quite it’s moderate. Interior is mint registered and smogged. Come down see the car make me an offer. I will not take low ball offers I’m asking 9000 which is very fair. Call but txt before at 323 xxx xxxx again if your not serious do not waste our time