E39 M5 / E34 540i

[deedub 140]

Some new listings.

I've seen the E34 and E39 discussed on this forum at some point. Don't have FB so couldn't view the E34 at the time. Beautiful example (same with the E39). 

E34 540i (30k) - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/540i/listing/5441606181
E39 M5 (110k) - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m5/listing/5441842420

[M3AN 4161]

M5 link is down, but did you mean $110,000? It matches the $30,000 for the 540i of your post but I'm struggling to believe anyone would think an E39 M5, as epic a car as it is, was worth six figures these days! Perhaps with delivery miles only?

Such a pity the 540 is a manual swap. Nothing wrong with the swap (I assume) but ideally the car matches the build sheet, especially at a premium.

Edited Sunday at 10:52 AM by M3AN

[Vass 1071]

36 minutes ago, M3AN said:

M5 link is down, but did you mean $110,000? It matches the $30,000 for the 540i of your post but I'm struggling to believe anyone would think an E39 M5, as epic a car as it is, was worth six figures these days! Perhaps with delivery miles only?

Got a quick look at it before the listing got nuked but yeah, it was asking $110k... Didn't look at the km's but from what I can remember it looked tidy, had all sorts of mods like Dinan front and rear strut braces, aFe intakes etc, the description claimed it's probably the best example in Australasia and that the market value of rare/aftermarket parts was $50k alone... I'm no expert but seems optimistic to think it's a $60k car to begin with, and that the $50k of mods add another $50k to its value.

[M3AN 4161]

I don't think your doubts are misplaced.

[M3AN 4161]

It's certainly an epic car, however limited the audience. Pics here for those that missed it, purdy:

 

[Neil McCauley 472]

Good luck to you mate, the negotiations on the exact same car post Covid in 2011 was at $40k, as you very well know. Can’t see any work you’ve done to add value; but you do you. 

Several E39 M5’s at this level or better in NZ so that’s a misnomer as well. 

[Kees 668]

13 hours ago, M3AN said:

Such a pity the 540 is a manual swap. Nothing wrong with the swap (I assume) but ideally the car matches the build sheet, especially at a premium.

I have driven my fair share of E34s of all configurations over the years and I can confirm that one drives the best by a considerable margin. The seller is a friend of mine so I am very familiar with the car.

Well the word swap applies in a broad context, to my knowledge all parts used were genuine BMW and brand new when possible. This was to uphold a goal that it would all be completed as if BMW had done it themselves.

As an example of this dedication, I recall that originally an aftermarket driveshaft had to be used as a new BMW part was unavailable. As soon as the genuine new part was available it was purchased and installed, even though the aftermarket part was essentially identical and still brand new.

That’s the insane level of OCD dedication that went into that car. If it was me I would have just left it.

I also think that he undersells the other work that has gone into it. The price is indeed premium for an E34 - there’s no denying that. But it is also the best one in the country by a considerable margin. It is mechanically and cosmetically restored (while preserving key original elements like upholstery and the exterior paintwork) and the closest to a new E34 you would ever find.

Engine, gearbox, exhaust, suspension and brakes have all been re-done, replaced or upgraded. Genuine M Sport parts used where applicable. No stone left un-turned. And let’s not forget it’s also a sub 100,000km example to begin with.

What kind of normal person would think to go through the modules/computers to ensure longevity of all the electronic components? That’s well beyond what most automotive restorations ever do.

$30K is not a small sum of money in general, but I believe it is a small price to pay when you are getting the best of something. What other V8 manual can you get for the same money? Let alone a fully restored, as new example. 

In my mind it is the closest anyone will come to buying a new E34 some 30 years after production ended...

Edited Monday at 12:22 AM by Kees

[deedub 140]

If I had enough room in my garage I would be getting that 540i. Good price and I can't see there being a better condition example out there.

[M3AN 4161]

2 hours ago, Kees said:

In my mind it is the closest anyone will come to buying a new E34 some 30 years after production ended...

Don't get me wrong, I think it's beautiful and obviously well cared for, I have no real opinion on the price as I've not looked into E34s. My point was that people looking at the best of the best often put value on matching numbers, build sheet alignment, etc, etc. I think it would be fair to say that spec-for-spec a factory manual would be worth more than a converted auto, I have no idea how much more, or whether the price of this vehicle matches the former or later of those two scenarios.

Regardless, I wish your friend GLWS!

[deedub 140]

Closest example I've seen recently was a 1995 Avus Blue 540i/6 (factory manual) with about 160k on the clock. I think it has the same interior in similar condition. Last saw going for 30k on Sunday drive. Owner originally listed at 26k and it didn't move at that price. 

IMO that one had a better colour and wheels. But I doubt they went to the same level with maintenance. And this has much less km's. 

I'd change the wheels on this fjord gray 540i. Factory manual is nice but I'd look past that with what has been done here.

Think I'd still maybe lean towards the avus blue one. Just looks so cool in that colour. Fjord gray is a little boring compared to the avus blue.

I'll be keeping an eye out on this and avus blue one. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to get my hands on one of them in the future (but I would drive it a lot - won't be a garage queen).

Edited Monday at 03:28 AM by deedub

[Eagle 1778]

11 minutes ago, deedub said:

But I doubt they went to the same level with maintenance.

That's really what it comes down to for me. I dont think ive seen any other E34 for sale that has been fully refreshed, you'd have dump a chunk of change into any of the 540i/6 ive seen for sale.

15 hours ago, dedoo7 said:

so ‘value ‘ to me is irrelevant. 

If you have insurance on it then it's quite relevant.

[Neil McCauley 472]

Avus 540iS got down to $16k when it was a private sale, so let’s not stoke the Sunday Garage market pricefest…

To be fair it is/was an incredible car; wether you place value on buying an immaculate survivor factory specced car or a well restored facsimile is entirely up to the buyer.  

[deedub 140]

41 minutes ago, Neil McCauley said:

Avus 540iS got down to $16k when it was a private sale

 

When did it go for $16k?

[deedub 140]

I'm guessing that was a few years back. Not stoking the price market. Just pointing out what it was last listed at. If I thought 30k plus side fund for immediate maintenance/updates was worth it then it would be in my garage right now.