[deathpunk dan]

E34s are the best 5 series ever built and the last ones not to be designed with CAD. I am a big fan of the 535i 5 spd. Chip and 3.64 ltd slip diff wake it up nicely, plenty of toque...not the greatest fuel economy though.

The M20 525i is a bit breathless due to the peaky sohc m20 motor, but the vanos M50 engine for 93-94 fixes that, as does a chipped 91-92 m50 non vanos.

I don't know much about the big 8 cylinder...was always scared off by the nikasil drama. I do know this: BMW intentionally underrated the 540i's bhp rating to protect the M5. A friend of mine had the next generation 540 (same engine), and put down 260 at the wheels with only a k&n filter....for a car that's rated 282 at the flywheel...