1995 BMW 540i

My M60 powered E34 Ultimate Driving Machine

Here are some recent shots.  Click on a thumbnail for a larger view.  I was trying to beat the rain...  Not much time to set up.

Stats:

113,000 miles
4.0 V8 Alusil block
Automatic Transmission
Sunroof
Leather Seats
Cassette Player
CD Changer
Anti-Lock Brakes
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Anti-Theft
Power Locks
Power Windows
Power Seats with memory

Background...

I picked up my 1995-bmw-540i-in California last year and drove it to the east coast; Brooklyn, NY. (I had a super time on the road trip!) I just assumed it was a Nikasil block when I purchased it.  The previous owner gave me all his receipts and he hadn't had a block replacement done (he didn't know anything about the Nikasil vs. Alusil matter).  The owner previous to him (i.e. the first owner) had the car in Texas and other than knowing that and a few other items in the CarFax I had no knowledge of a block change.  The car has been smooth and powerful with no idle problem.

However, about a month ago I dropped the lower oil pan to make sure the oil pump nuts and bolts where tight.  Seems to be a recurring problem with the 1995 540i (and 530i's, too ... it's actually an issue with the M60 engine.  Not a bad design; just not torqued like they should have been at the factory).  While I was down there I couldn't resist checking the block casting number which turned out to be 1-745-872a.  So, I'd accidentally stumbled on an Alusil block.

The original Texas owner owned the 95 BMW 540i up to 56,700 miles.  I was wondering if the block had been replaced in Texas so I called BMW NA and they gave me the name of the dealer that had done some warranty repair work on the car.  When I contacted that dealer they told me that they'd only release the information to the original owner.  So, I was not able to determine if the block was replaced or whether the car simply came with Alusil (it is a 95 with 110,000).

So, I guess there are some undiscovered Alusil blocks lurking about out there.  Now that I've had mine about a year I'm toying with the idea of an E39...  On the other hand, I really like the E34.  I dunno, maybe I'll wait for the right offer, etc.  For now, I'm having a blast with the car.

Contents

• E23 BMW 7 Series 1977 - 1987 - Need to replace the radiator? No problem. Take your time; it's not that hard.
• E34 BMW 5 Series 1989 - 1995 - What should you do when the brake lining message comes on? Replace your brake pads and, sometimes, your rotors. Take an afternoon; BMW makes it easy.
• Downloads - Helpful technical information for your BMW.  Charts, schematics, documents, and videos available for download.  File sizes and descriptions are provided.

Comments? Suggestions? Compliments? Criticisms?

Please tell us what you think about this page. (E-mail addresses are kept in complete confidence).