Opinions wanted - e34 540i/6 Project

[marshallnoise]

Background: I have a 95 e34 540i/6 that I have verified having a blown head gasket. It also has lots of other issues. Interior, paint, bodywork, front end parts, etc.

I am wondering if it would be better, since my car is rough, to find a cleaner e34 with a bad transmission or even an ok running car and swapping my 6 speed stuff into it.

• 6 Speed Swap
• Suspension stuff (springs and sways)
• Differential and half shafts
• ECU

If I have both cars side by side, then I can move everything over from one car to the other and then sell the old car to a junk yard for probably $500 bucks or so. I am still having a hell of a time getting my 540i/6 registered.

The moral dilemma is that the VIN on my car obviously shows as an original 540i/6 car and whatever car I get won't have it.

Is my 540i/6 a collectors car enough to keep it together?

[roguetoaster]

I'd find a nice 540 and swap as the 6 speed isn't rare in the same way as an M Sport.

Also, with E34 values it's condition, transmission and options in that order. Which is why you inexplicably see folks rockin minty 530i V8 automatics.

[stonea]

The e34 540i 6 speed is definitely special and kind of rare, but its not going to be a collector car. I say swap everything over!

[flyboyx]

Stones has it right. Your car isn't worht fixing nor is it a collectors item.

[CoreyZ]

Find a junkyard m62 from a 740i or something and put everything in an e34 wagon!

[Das Delfin]

^ Opposite. Put your V8/6 speed in an e32 or e38!

[marshallnoise]

I have thought of doing the e38 manual swap. That would be rad.

Thanks for all the suggestions. My car is a basket case and I do have some cash available so...a better/cleaner version of my car might be the right move.

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[roguetoaster]

Unless you want to go the rat route (which could be fun with an E34), just find that right shell. Consider lesser models as well, especially 530i V8s with autos as they are super cheap, and often well-kept.

[marshallnoise]

I have a 95 e34 540i/a in mind and I already have a bunch of history on it. Its only $1200. And it is a killer color blue. Anyone know what color it is?

[roguetoaster]

Mauritius, Tobago, or just Blue Metallic perhaps.

[sonomabimmers]

^ Opposite. Put your V8/6 speed in an e32 or e38!

there was a 01 740i sport with the getrag 420 six speed on craigslist about six months ago. i regret not buying it everyday

[marshallnoise]

How much were they asking?

[sonomabimmers]

How much were they asking?

like 2500$ i believe but needed head gasket and other engine work. i believe it was the timing guides IIRC

[sonomabimmers]

it was clean tho i shoulda just sacked up and bought and fixed it

[marshallnoise]

Not bad at all. I always thought that it might be possible to swap the m60 timing chain idler sprocket on to the m62 and all it good.