The vehicle is a German-spec 1995 540i Touring. I've only spoken to the current owner on the phone, haven't seen the car yet. He's owned the car since 1997 (bought from the original owner, a friend, in Germany) and brought it with him to Canada when he emigrated here in 1999. The car has the 4 litre V8 with a 6 speed manual trans, and is techno-violet colour with a grey cloth interior. It's got power sport seats with memory (no heat), Sportline suspension, and apparently factory aero kit - air dam and side sills? Limited slip diff, dual sunroof, 17" BBS wheels, rears are wider than fronts (along with another set of alloys with winter tires), but he didn't recall exact widths or tire sizes. No cruise control. The car has 122K km, but only 7K km have been put on in the past two years since arriving in Canada. I don't believe the engine block has been changed.

He's asking $43K Cdn for the car, which is about $27K US. My guess is that his price is closer to M5 prices rather than 540i pricing... I haven't checked, but am assuming that a purchaser would be able to continue to register the car in Canada, despite it being a personal import.

Would it's origin as a German version increase or decrease it's value (aside from the obvious rarity value) in North America?

Should it be avoided entirely because of the original Nikasil block now being exposed to North American fuels?

What might be a fair price for this car?

I appreciate any assistance, guidance, and opinions - thanks in advance!

Regards,
Gordon C.

I think it is worth it. Not very many manual tourings around. Manly M5's that have been imported, you might have a car rarer (spelling) than a M5iT!
Eric
88M3
92 525iT