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An E34 540i is one of the best value BMWs going IMO.

Wouldn't think it'd make much sense given it's a 320. The issues of those engines are notorious and well documented. Even if you fix the gearbox, you're still left with a ticking time bomb. Not a great starting point either way. Best cut your losses.

These have so many issues and are massive money pits that its probably cheaper to get rid of it now.

There are some good E39's around, finding them isn't easy, but occasionally I look and see what sellers are asking for them and today I was quite surprised by what I found. I'd be wanting around $25k for mine, but then I don't really want to sell it so the offer would have to be pretty tempting, I turned down $11k for my Subaru ute. Mine has gone through a refresh and is just such a joy to drive. 540is getting a refresh - Page 2 - Showroom - bimmersport.co.nz

Probably about ready then lol

Most of these have been for sale for ages, indicating that the market hasn't caught up with their advertised pricing yet.

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the kind words. Yes I'll have an oxford green 525i and a topas blue 540i msport coming up in next few weeks/months. And yes the timing chain guides have just been done on the 540, that and a fair bit else... it's currently still in paint shop for full strip and paint...

To be fair any e39 example from @hqstu will be far superior to any thing being sold publicly. If I was in the market for an e39 I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on one of his!

None of those besides maybe the '00 E39 maybe would likely sell at those prices (a few of those have been on trademe for a very time). @hqstu for example sold his tidy 540i msport for 7k or 7.5k and it had most of the big ticket items done. They arent that popular and lots to choose from. Id value an average E39 Msport auto @ 4-6k. A good condition one with all major work done @ 8-12k and the equivalent manuals at 15-25k. The average E34 540iA has been listed in 4-8k mark for a long time, they haven't really changed price in any meaningful way in 10 years and suffer the same issue and the E39. They are much more reliable and cheaper to sort mechanically than an E39, but E39's certainly drive and handle much better.