Re: 530 Vs 540 (archive)

The 530i manual was designed to "replace" the 535 and is geared much closer than the auto. Here are some comments from someone who owns both an E34 535i and E34 530i:

"I have owned both (manual trans). The 530i pulls like a freight train at the top end and could pull past the 535 after 140mph. The chip upgrade was more effective in the 535. The big six had a different driving characteristic and did not need to be wrung out as much as to get the same performance. My wife and I drag raced each other at our abandoned airport road and we could each beat the 535 with the 530 no matter who was driving. The 535 always got the jump but the 530 would scream past at the finish line (est. 1/2 mile run). The V8 was more reliable but since I do my own work this was not an issue. We kept the eight longer than the six because we liked it better (personal preference). We now just have the 525iTA and the stick shift days are over for now."

If you could find a 6-speed 540i, you'd have a happy face for sure. . .

If you want to read specs for the 530i and 540i, and the Car and Driver review of the 530i when it came out in '94, see the site below.

Dana
'95 530ia
E34 530i/540i home page: http://www.530i.org

I am currently driving an 85 535 5 speed. I recently drove a 530 auto. It seemed slow compared to the 535. Is the 540 a much quicker car? Thanks Ed

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