Modified BMW E34 540i - One Take

The E34 is unquestionably one of BMW's handsomest designs, and it has aged remarkably well. This 1995 540i features the 4.0L V8 engine mated to a manual gearbox, in my opinion, the best of the breed.

Check out Taylor's 540i on Wheelwell!

[Revitalyzed]

Taylor is a really cool guy. He's respectful, he knows what he's talking about, and has a very clean E34. Taylor, if you're reading this buddy, great stuff.

[jaredp]

finally, a kid who knows about his car

[TheMojosk]

E34 by far one of the coolest cars to see on the road

[mro]

I drive a 1989 e34 520i ... m20b20, 129 hp ...
540i are rare even in Europe !

[andujo]

E34's are Highway monsters. I've had 2.

[WZRDr]

Been a year or two since ive been watching this vid occasionally, my first car was a manual 530i e34. I just realized that i really miss thst car. Sold for like 5 years ago... Have had it for 17years. It was my dad's and he borrowed it to me when i was 15 for daily use.


Pretty fast.

[swhatszup]

Nice 540!!! I bought a 1995 e34 525i fully loaded, 5sp manual, custom M-based Cosmos Black matched with a parchment leather interior on 31 Dec 1994. I still own that same car today! I have also owned other nice rides such as 72 MGB, numerous Camaros (68 and 74, Corvettes (74 and 86), 88 Toyota Supra Turbo, 98 BMW 328is, 06 Nissan 350Z Roadster (still own), etc. And after all that still feel my e34 is probably the most well rounded car I have ever owned. It's quick not fast, nimble but not whip-like and it allows me to drink a coffee while barreling down the interstate at 125mph. I will always be a huge fan of the e34.

[MrStreetballerOfficial]

My favorite, and I MEAN ABSOLUTE FAVORITE 5 series generation. Something about the front headlight design the rear rectangular taillights and the overall body lines and stance of the car drives me crazy. The people across the street from me have a mint condition e34 528i i think. Just waiting on them to sell it :D

[sinlapse]

one note to add about the stock power: BMW doesnt test engines. they test cars. they put the bastard on a dyno, and tell you what it makes at the wheels. They have a habit of reporting LESS then the car actually makes. Also, unlike most companies, they do this test at altitude. Roughly 4800ft, not at sea level. so that 286hp was to the wheels at altitude.

[waynelaird]

This BMW is my absolute favorite from a kid who always admired them to now able to buy 🙌

[michaelppaull]

Just picked one of these up. 95’ 540i w/ the 6spd. The previous owner did almost all of the same mods that Taylor did and boy is it an absolute joy to drive. I remember watching this video when it came out and it is part of the lore for my e34 ownership experience now lol.

[jodk]

I LOVE the E34s. SUCH good looks, such great cars for their time. ..and you have to respect a guy who knows what he's doing, and has spent that much time on a car that he loves.

Enjoyed this:)

[ERKVI]

btw these older bmw measures speed inside diff, it reads actual drive axle speed. so changing different gears doesn't mess speed meter. actual drive axles are still spinning same speed as tire is.

[Xaqtly]

Hey Taylor, this is Zak, the guy with the CTS-V wagon. It's good to see your video, I really liked what you did to your car. Back in the late 90s I was looking for used 540 manuals too, I just thought a nice biggish sedan with a V8 and a manual was the best thing ever. And then I bought a biggish wagon with a V8 and a manual, haha.

Anyway nice job with the mods on your car I thought it was really well done. I love usefully modded cars like that, all the bushings, the shocks and springs. It sounded great too.  :)

[ladin]

I love the E34.  All the luxury of a late model vehicle without the complexity.  I'm an I6 fan more so than a V8 but that is one hell of a comprehensive build and the result is a fantastic luxury-sporting sedan.  Well done, buddy!

[georgiaguardian]

The engine looks great and sounds so awesome. It's such a privilege to own and drive a BMW with a V8 engine.

[devilskullBEL]

I have an e34 525tds from 95 myself. Best decision ever to sell my e39 525i for it.

As the owner says, they are so reliable it's unreal while they still have plenty of power to be used as a daily without breaking a sweat.
Mine went around the Nurburgring as well while very little has been changed.

Very good cars, only downside is that they consume a bit more than newer engines, but don't let that hold you back, they are worth it.

[Obywatel_RPP]

Have to admit that Matt is right about the 90's steering racks. Just hop on any bimmer after 2004+ and you will see the difference in controlling the vehicle via steering wheel.
Love that review, great car, a lot of effort!

[vman]

I like this guy and his car a lot. Very informative and seems down to earth. Wish him the best on his ride and whatever future endeavors he has planned.

[Tanzbaer]

Taylor and Matt...what a nice team. Very entertaining, thanks for the video.