540i TOURING

Havn't been on line since I sold the wagon, saw Graeme last week and he told me about this thread

Bugger I knew I shouldn't have sold that car. And I missed out on the RS4 Wagon serves me right I suppose.

Anyway heres some more pics with the original mesh wheels.

Adam

SOLD

Thanks... the guys at a tyre store in central chch told me that et38 17x8's will fit fine, is this not the case?

Those tyre guys have put you wrong, you need et20 for 8" wide rims on a E34 5 Series. Et38 will be in way too far and will hit on the inside somewhere.

I liked the old wheels not the OEM ones, the 19"?? That were on at the last ANZAC cruise..

Hey ED1RTY you mean these Mesh Style ones(see below pic)? Actually they were 20's. Yes they were my favourites and this is one of the reasons I have got frustrated with heomoraging (spelt that wrong) money and time and put up the wagon for sale.

In Jan I was on my way to work passing a truck on the back road between Waiuku and Pukekohe when out of no where there was a loud bang and the rear end swung hard around of which I just caught it in time. A secong earlier and I would have gotten spat into the side of the truck and as solid as the E34's are would have been very messy.

So I pulled to a halt expecting to see a blown out tyre and nope tyre ok (flat) but inside lip of wheel completely gone . Anyway originally the wheels were black centred and I had spent a fair bit custom painting these silver and polished the lips. The supplier didn't have another wheel in stock but could get me another black one from overseas in 6 weeks. However on closer inspection they were not that strong looking, the inner edge of the wheel was very thin all the way from the spokes and realisically just a poxy casting (see below pics). I also thought if ones done it how strong are the other 3...??? If my wife and son had been in the car... not good. Gutted as I really liked the Mesh look and had spent so much money...

So in the end the supplier gave me a new set of 5 spoke 20" black centred wheels as replacements which were a lot thicker through centre (I advertised them on here about a month ago, sold now as I didn't like the style). I then had the opportunity to pick up the Koyas at a reasonable price and liked the idea of the staggered set up and they were already silver with stainless lip. The Koyas are known as being a quality wheel and IMO they look a lot better in the flesh than the pics but appreciate they will never be every BMW owners cup of tea, maybe even shocking to some... (yes we know thats you mike gayner )

Anyway thats the long story...

Adam

Adam

Yip 540 Touring is pretty rare- definitely the more desireable of the E34 wagons.

It's the right car (ie great example) for someone searcing for one. Adam has had heaps of great comments on the car in the past- plenty of interest.

I reckon there is a bit of a following for E34 wagons

Edit: can't spull for shite

Thanks Arros

Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems extraordinarily expensive for an E34. Are the wagons particularly rare?

Yes you're right Mike it does seem expensive for an E34 especially with the abundance of 540i sedans for sale at a lot cheaper price.

However at 14k there is nothing even close to this for sale in a V8 wagon. This is my second E34 540i Touring, my first one was mint and I sold it for $16500 18 months ago, this one is a minter plus NZ new plus leather plus thousands spent on all the stuff that goes wrong with E34's.. Trans, Brakes, Front Suspension. The only other one I know of is my mate Leons Dark Green all original model he paid 15k for a little over a year ago.

This car owes me well over 20k and hopefully someone will see the value in it. If not I guess I'm in the lucky situation of not needing to sell it.

Thanks

Adam

Excellent Car but those wheels are truly shocking.

Thanks for putting it so nicely mike

Yeah saw it too.

Awesome wagon

Why selling Adam?

Haha wondered how long it would take to get on bimmersport

I have the opportunity to get into a 2006 RS4 Black Manual Wagon with only 30,000km for a very very good price. If I sell my wagon this may be too good an opportunity to pass up (I know I shouldn't do it but I love a v8 manual wagon ).

However even if I miss out on the RS4 since I sold my VY Clubsport last November I have been using the 540i as my daily driver (my wife Linda only used to do 5km per week before) hence have quickly racked up some big kms in it (I do 40-50km / year) which seems a shame for such an original car. The Nissan Patrol we replaced the Clubsport with to tow ours and customers boats is Petrol (averages 20 litres/100km) so is too expensive to run every day.

So the above along bit of frustration with things going wrong and some bad luck with the touring heamoraging us money (long story) in the last few months has convinced me its time to get something newer thats not so extreme wheeled and expensive to maintain etc I can just get in and drive everyday. As much as I would like to leave the touring in the garage as our weekend toy our son Zak is 18 months old now and eats a lot of food ! Plus I'm spending a fair bit of cash building up my race car to get ready for next season.

M 325i Posted Yesterday, 11:45 PM

looks mint, but not a big fan of the wheels but they could easily be swaped!!

And yes the wheels are not for everyone hence the reason they are not included in the asking price.

Thanks

Adam

20 x 8.5 and 20 x 10.0 Staggered Koya Kahn Silver with Stainless Lip on my e34 540i T Wagon.

HAHA - your nickname is not Bunsen Honeydew by any chance is it?

We can guess all we like about the likely cause of the problem but until all the info is given to us I guess it is like picking at straws. The wheels may be off a 7 series, but I am also thinking that the tyres may be too tall. We will just have to wait until Mike gives us the correct info and then we can accurately diagnose the problem. You are 100% correct in saying that changing tyres to a smaller diameter is not the right fix.

Yep you're right, looking again at the pics of Mikes car the wall of the tyre looks bigger than mine was so am picking at least 50 profile which would make the rolling diameter too large hence combined with the lesser wheel offset would explain the extra bad rubbing.

Hi Mike

I have been reading through this post and looking at the comments that have been made to TRY and help you. Some of the advice that has been given seems to be helpful while some of it is complete rubbish, or to use a favourite word form a certain member; Muppets!

To be able to help you accurately we really need to know the following:

1. The size and width of the wheel and the offset: eg as Spotswoode said 17x8.5 ET(offset) +13. This will be marked on the inside of the wheel so you will need to take the wheel off, as Nick suggested.

2. The size tyre you are using eg. 235/45/17. We really need the complete info on the tyre, not just the width, as the aspect ratio is also important in determining the overall height of the tyre.

3. Whether or not the front and rear wheels and tyres are the same all the way around.

What did the pre-purchase inspection say about the condition of the front shocks? It looks from your photos as if the tyre has been rubbing when turning which suggests that either a- your shocks are worn, or b, your tyres are too tall.

If you can supply me with the information asked for above we will be able to give you an ACCURATE assessment of the problem and how best to solve it.

cheers

Johno

Hi Mike I had a similar problem with slight rubbing with the BMW aftermarket M Sport factory wheels on my Touring Wagon mainly in the rear but not as severe as yours by the looks of it.

They were 17 x 8.5 but can't remember whether they had a 20p or 13p offset (Maybe Spottwood wheel whore would know , I think 20p, heres a pic of them on the wagon, you can sort of see how far the front stick out.

Anyway your tyre size should be 235/45/17 which is the correct size according to BMW for the aftermarket 17" wheels on a e34 5 series. By going down to a smaller tyre such as a 225/45/17 you are reducing your rolling diameter which is a fix but not the right fix and from the pictures your wear is fairly severe and covers a lot of the tyre so I would be looking at your suspension as Zenetti said. Theres enough room under the guard of an E34 with std suspension to crawl under and sleep on top of the tyre so you have serious issues going on if it is bottoming out on the tyre that bad.

However if its not the suspension my M Sport wheels were 20p (I think they were) then your wheels being 13p are sticking out 7mm further than mine even though doesn't sound much yes will rub badly. My muppet guess Jono is the 13p wheels are probably off a similar year 7 Series???

I have a brand new set of 20" x 8.5" Ruff Racing Alloy Wheels for sale and should suit 5,6,7 or 8 Series.

Colour Black with Machined/Polished Lip

Offset is 20p

Stud Pattern is 5 x 120

This whole new set were supplied under warranty as I had one of my old wheels crack and they couldn't supply a replacement wheel the same.

Will be putting on Trade Me later in the week for $1500, feel free to make me any offers.

Thanks

Adam

021 750339

Ha ha beat me to it by 3 minutes Graham

(BMW newbie) Hi, I'm looking at buying a 1994 BMW 540i with about 170,000km. The only issue I'm aware of is that when first started from cold, the gearbox is slow to change gears. After a minute or so of driving everything is back to normal. Should I be concerned about this? I'm having it taken in for an AA inspection anyway, but should I save my $150 and walk away now? Or is it normal behavior for these cars?

Thanks.

Hi Mike I would not recomend AA for pre purchase inspections for BMW's. They have got it totally wrong the last two BMW's I have bought.

You need to get the check done at a reputable BMW dealer, you might pay a bit more but they know these cars inside out.

And yes the Trans's can be very very expensive to fix (speaking from experience )

Try Glenn at Botany Motor Worx, they have always looked after me but more importantly they give a sh..t which is hard to find now a days.

Cheers

Adam

I have both. But my ASC can be switched off. Yours not?

Did the touring originally have self-levelling rear too?

Yes I can turn my ASC off but no I don't have an LSD

The Rear Self Levelling system is still working fine so just put in the Vogtland lowering springs and adjusted the height on the SLS connecting arm to lower the rear to match the front.

Glenn removed the Camber warning switch (dash light comes on when rear is too low and too much camber) I think by taking out the arm and pinning lever in place to fool the system.

Definitely looks good. Usually 20" rims look a bit freakish but I think you get away with it quite nicely here. Big dish always helps Just the thinnest ribbon of black rubber to be seen!

And you have roughly about the same amount of tuck under the rear arches as me I reckon. A sensible but 'sporting' height. Are you running a slippy diff? I see you're off to Puke on Fri - have you had her round the track before? How does she go?

As for clears, ask Ray to keep an eye out for you

Yeah imo the Big Dish doesn't make them look too big. The rears came with 285/25/20 Yokohamas but not a chance of fitting under the guards so put on Falken FK452's in 255/30/20 which are mint.

Re ride height yes its a good height now, originally I was running Vogtland 6 cylinder e34 touring Springs all round with factory shocks which made the front super low but the softer springs had the front hitting the bump stops and finally rooted the shocks. So now have Billy sports with custom springs from Keith which sits about 15mm higher than before (same springs as Ray HELLBM had in his E34) and the ride quality is 100% better especially as I use it as a daily driver.

I will be taking my Honda CR-X race car to the track on Friday but may take the Wagon around for a couple of laps to see how it goes, unfortunately no LSD as it is the last of the E34's which came with traction control instead

Adam you NEED clear indicators on the rear to top it all off mate

Looks hot

Yeah I know but where do I get them, I saw late last year on Bimmerforums some guy was doing them in Europe but marginal on delivery...

Will take some more pics with the new wheels and post up when I get a chance, heres a side shot.

you wanna sell your wagon

Hey Brent was considering it but have looked hard and theres nothing else around I can find to replace it with being NZ new with 148km and full service history.

Would maybe consider a E39 540i Wagon, RS4 or RS6 Manual Wagons or a VY SS Manual Wagon but would have to be as mint.

But I've also spent too much on the E34, have just put new Bilstein Sports in, the 20 x 8.5 & 20 x 10 Koyas + Tyres and the list goes on.

Can have a chat on Friday at Puke if you're there.

Cheers

Adam

Hello and welcome to bimmersport.

What you really need is a 315bhp e34 m5 not a slow 286bhp 540i one for sale on trademe and its a good one !!!!

Don't muck around with Sedans... get a wagon

And yes you're right about the transmissions, they will cost you a lot money at some stage (I have had two e34's and luckily both have been replaced under mechanical breakdown insurance warranty)

Otherwise awesome cars, try and get a NZ new with full service history though and worth paying a bit more for a minter as it will save you money in the long run.

Adam

Hi Boys and Girls,

trying to find some resonbly priced 20" Aplina Softline's for my e38.

Anybody able to source, they dont need to be orginal Aplina's.

Cheers

Sam

Hey Sam if you can't find the alpinas I have a brand new in the box set of Ruff Racing 20 X 8.5 Wheels for sale, they are 5 spoke black centre with big polished lip. Offset is 20p so should suit all of 5,6,7 and 8 series.

I got these as replacements under warranty as I had a 20" Ruff Mesh Wheel crack and they didn't have a replacement so gave me a whole new set of wheels.

I wasn't overly keen on the black centres on my silver 540i wagon and then got offered a staggered set of Koya Kahn 20 x 8.5 fronts and 20 x 10 rears (ginormous dish ) in Silver with stainless lip so couldn't pass these up hence have the Ruffs for sale.

Heres a pic of the wheel from a catalogue, will take a picture of the actual wheels tomorrow.

Was going to put them on trademe later this week but am open to offers from any bimmersport members. Will look very sharp on dark coloured cars or white.

Also heres a couple of pics of my wagon with the Koyas

Hey all you E34 techs.

Was coming back from Hamilton up the Bombays in 3rd gear in Sport Mode, got to the top and it changed to 4th and a second later there was a small bang, trans slipped and engine revved up to about 4000rpm and the Trans Program error came on see owners handbook I lost all drive, engine just kept revving.

So I pulled over, turned off the car and turned on again only to have the same thing happen as soon as I hit 4th gear. Stopped again for 10 minutes and drove back to Pukekohe in 3rd gear, was fine. Mucked around at work for half an hour then drove back home and tryed it in Drive but very light footed and it made it all the way home without throwing the Trans Program Error Code again.

Any thoughts anyone?

Probably a call and drop off to Glenn at Botany Motor Worx tomorrow?

Thanks

Adam

Good buying Mike, post up pics of/during manual conversion if possible.

Your 540i Touring looks the business Adam, can't be many of those around especially in that condition/mileage/NZ New.

Thanks for your comments MR E34 yes this is my second Silver e34 540i Touring, my first one was mint and I sold in Nov last year but this one is in even better condition plus NZ new, low km and Black leather so I had to buy it, people thought I was crazy to buy another car the same as I just sold.

Am really reluctant to sell this as I know I won't beable to replace plus have the full mechanical warranty etc and would love to convert to 6 speed but am expanding the business so one car has to go.

Have had quite a bit of interest since the post this morning I know what it owes me but obviously in the current market not sure what to expect. Can anyone offer a ballpark for what its worth?

Thanks

Adam

323e30 I have been huming and ahhing about selling my e34 540i touring.

Really don't want to, have had my Clubsport for sale for a few months but the arse has dropped out of V8 Holdens and HSV's big time and have spent so much money on it, just can't justify selling it.

I have to sell one car as I need a 4x4 or ute for work.

Problem is I've also spent big money on the Touring and its a good one, I currently use it as my daily driver and was planning to keep it and do a manual conversion heres some details;

1995 NZ new 540IA Touring Wagon.

142000km with service history, full maintained.

Absolutely Mint Body and original Paint only 3 small stonechips on front of bonnet

Factory Lip Spoiler and Side Skirts

2 Way Electric Sunroof

Lowered on Vogtlands with sls rear adjustment for new spring height (still have original shocks)

20" Ruff racing Mesh Wheels with custom painted silver centres and polished lips

245/30/20 Hankook K107 Tyres near new

Mint Black Leather interior with memory electric seats

Full mechanical warranty until 2010

Tints by Elite Tint

Updated Silver Indicators

Factory BMW Sound System with 6 stacker in boot

Last Serviced at 140km by Glenn at Botany Motor Worx, he said its one of the only e34 he's had in that has not had fault codes.

Just got a wof and only thing needs doing is front shocks are leaking and need replacing, am looking at putting in Bilstein Sports this week.

Heres some pics, PM or phone (021 750339) me if interested.

Thanks Adam

At that price its almost worth buying just to get the 6 speed box and associated manual running gear... how easy to transplant to my touring?