I owned the MSport version of this car which was basically an M5 with the V8 engine. They only made 200 for the U.S market. I loved it and should have kept it but the upkeep was expensive.
And there was an even better 540 on US soil they failed to mention..The 205 MSport versions. With M5 everything from Europe including EDC, Servotronic steering, body cladding and front and rear aero valences, and 17 inch wheels and even better brakes. However the European 3.8 M5 was still a better 5 series in ‘94-‘95. They forgot that one ;)
Yeah I think they are confusing things here, this is just a standard 540i with a 6 speed manual, didnt get the fancy M5 parts like the low production 540iM did.
Were there some American cars at that time actually able to compete to those BMWs? I mean not speaking of built quality but also suspension, breaks, steering and gearbox? Actually as a German I am not aware of any American cars in detail as they are not seen here in Europe but I think the reason is not only different style tastes but also the weak offering with regard to driveability?
Im trying to think of some comparable cars but nothing is coming to mind, at least not American sedans with the performance of an E34 540i. GM derived products known as the Holden Commodore VS and VR series 'SS' came in 5.0 V8s with manuals but were only sold in Australia/New Zealand during the mid 90s, and they were only rated at 248hp, a fair bit less than the 540i of the same year.
@@dmer-zy3rbVery true but just completely different cars. The Lincoln and Caddy were both kind of pillowy boats, albeit very nice riding cars! Just not very fast or athletic.
@3UZFE In my opinion the facelift E39, especially with M bumpers, was the true introduction of BMW's modern styling that has continued until recently. I agree the pre facelift E39s are pretty bland compared to the E34.
Авто/Мото
Back when sport sedans had sidewalls! Can you imagine a manufacturer introducing a manual transmission today?
Cadillac still offers manuals.
@@johnjohnmcclane1818 chevelot corvett mustang
porsche 911
lots of options
@@christophercolumbus8944 sedans means 4 door
I've spent some hours wheeling my 540, I can say they hit the nail on the head with this.
This car is probably why the e39 m5 came with a v8
I owned the MSport version of this car which was basically an M5 with the V8 engine. They only made 200 for the U.S market. I loved it and should have kept it but the upkeep was expensive.
I suspect this is lighter than M5 being a shorter aluminum engine. Perfect sedan.
whyd you think that? ? there is a $20000 price difference so i think NOT
@@christophercolumbus894430kgs difference in favor of the M5. That's still pretty impressive though.
I miss my 95. It was an automatic but I don’t care
You had a truly unique car. If I ever find one that's affordable, I'll buy it, and keep it until I leave here.
@@texan903 I feel you. It was dark grey with Throwing stars, didn’t run right but it was so clean. Lol
@@boss12 I had a 95 540i sport auto white over white I bought it pre-owned from BMW only had it for about 6 months had to sell it ☹️
@@geemanbmw I wish I never sold mine.
BMW at its best. 30 years ago!
Only ten thousand people know what they are missing in driving pleasure. Me too.
Airdate: April 15, 1995.
The E34 is without a doubt the best car BMW has ever made. Today, BMWs look like downmarket Buicks 🙈.
And there was an even better 540 on US soil they failed to mention..The 205 MSport versions. With M5 everything from Europe including EDC, Servotronic steering, body cladding and front and rear aero valences, and 17 inch wheels and even better brakes.
However the European 3.8 M5 was still a better 5 series in ‘94-‘95. They forgot that one ;)
Yeah I think they are confusing things here, this is just a standard 540i with a 6 speed manual, didnt get the fancy M5 parts like the low production 540iM did.
I owned an MSport and loved it except for the maintenance.
BMW M5 is beautiful and nice car
At 102? I suspect it made more power than published numbers.
They are really strong performers with the manual transmissions. As an owner of one the peak power band is still impressive, even today.
My 530i was great! Unfortunately my neighbor crashed into it!
I like this body style more than the later generation. Very sad about your neighbor, my friend did that to my first car but thankfully it was a Camry.
V8?
@@user-jr8xh1je4w yes, it was it was the smallest displacement 3.0 V8.
@@davidsherrick898 I know. My father have a 540i. Im from Germany. You?
@@user-jr8xh1je4w USA. Mine was black on black, automatic though. They only imported it for a couple years.
14,2 on the quarter is rappid
Especially for that mph! Strong indeed.
4:00 because america. In Europe 17 in was an available option.
My dad bought a Volvo 850 turbo in 95 for under 30k. This is 20k more!! Well worth it.
Some of the best ever
I love this BMW 540i
❤❤❤❤
No mention of forward opening hood. Semi trailer arms gave way to e39 master piece chassis. IMO
Who is that mid 90s smoke show?
i am going to buy this car so just to smoke in it
Were there some American cars at that time actually able to compete to those BMWs? I mean not speaking of built quality but also suspension, breaks, steering and gearbox? Actually as a German I am not aware of any American cars in detail as they are not seen here in Europe but I think the reason is not only different style tastes but also the weak offering with regard to driveability?
Im trying to think of some comparable cars but nothing is coming to mind, at least not American sedans with the performance of an E34 540i. GM derived products known as the Holden Commodore VS and VR series 'SS' came in 5.0 V8s with manuals but were only sold in Australia/New Zealand during the mid 90s, and they were only rated at 248hp, a fair bit less than the 540i of the same year.
cadillac seville/eldorado and lincoln mark
@@dmer-zy3rbVery true but just completely different cars. The Lincoln and Caddy were both kind of pillowy boats, albeit very nice riding cars! Just not very fast or athletic.
I have one (automatic) 1993
least favorite
it's somewhere between the old design and the late 90s design
it's kind of lost and confused
Na, most favorite. A very nice looking comfortable yet well handling sedan.
@@peterl3417 agreed
Thats the E39, very odd looks, bland. E34 is BMW at the peak end of its classic era of styling, a future classic!
@3UZFE In my opinion the facelift E39, especially with M bumpers, was the true introduction of BMW's modern styling that has continued until recently. I agree the pre facelift E39s are pretty bland compared to the E34.