Damn I wish that was my driveway and garage.

Many might prefer the E34, but most prefer the E39.

I own an E39 and my brother owns an E34. E34 definitely has more of a "raw" feel to it. If you prefer a softer GT like drive the E39 is better. E34 with a few tweaks drives like a go-kart.

I prefer the angular, more traditional BMW look of the E34.

Funny, if we had this conversation a year, let alone 6 months ago, I'd still be swooning over the mint E28 M5 I was trying to pickup. But mint examples of those are still out of my range. The way I see it, the 540i/6 at 9-10 grand is an great bang for the buck.

I just got word that there are no service records with the car and it's still a Nikasil motor. Much to think about over the weekend. Maybe if I sold my E30 my decision would be easier.....

If it looks as good in person as it does in pictures, at least give it a PPI. A leakdown test will verify the integrity of the Nikasil motor, and most of the other E34 common issues are an easy find for an experienced wrench. Nice examples of these cars are not getting any more common.

Any other issues you know of that need addressing? I came across on ad for one on roundel that lists "all recalls have been performed". I heard long ago, but not sure if it's pertinent the M60, about coolant and water pump issues.

Getting close to deciding what to do. I must admit the Nikasil thing is giving me some hesitation, but I think a thorough PPI, with good results, would vanquish that.

If it still has the Nikasil engine forget about it. 95% were replaced under factory recall. Why wasn't this one? Be weary, the Asuil (sp?) V8 are not cheap to drop in.

Untrue Terry. The factory had a systematic method that they used to diagnose Nikasil issues, it was not a recall. They did, however, extend the factory warranty to X years (not sure) and 100,000 miles on the motor. The first step was to diagnose the problem. If the car shook at idle, and met their standard for a "Nikasil shake" they moved on to a leakdown test. Many Nikasil engines were replaced by overzealous service departments that were not Nikasil problems. The PCV plate and intake manifold gaskets have the same symptoms. I somewhere read an interview with one of the techs for a major BMW engine rebuilder (Bavarian Engine Exchange or similar), he stated that maybe 1/4 of the M60s that had "Nikasil problems" actually had cylinder wear. This was his experience with the engine cores that they received. Typically it was another issue with similar symptoms, and the shop just got carried away.

Sarc, cooling system is one I missed. Like most BMWs, the E34 likes a new radiator and waterpump at 100k-ish miles. Hoses are also suspect. If the car in question has not had a new radiator, water pump, and hoses, plan on replacing them.