Modified BMW E34 540i - One Take

The E34 is unquestionably one of BMW's handsomest designs, and it has aged remarkably well. This 1995 540i features the 4.0L V8 engine mated to a manual gearbox, in my opinion, the best of the breed.
Check out Taylor's 540i on Wheelwell!
www.wheelwell.com/profile/54f...

[@Revitalyzed]

Taylor is a really cool guy. He's respectful, he knows what he's talking about, and has a very clean E34. Taylor, if you're reading this buddy, great stuff.

[@computiNATEor]

***** Where can I get your shirt? I need one as an e39 owner! :)

[@computiNATEor]

***** Ah, bummer! Cool website, though!

[@johnypiston]

***** Great T-Shirts on that site! Thanks for the link ...and you do have a cool car.

[@aidenfinch6351]

***** have you ever been told that you look just like G Eazy?

[@aidenfinch6351]

***** hahah you should

[@jaredp1516]

finally, a kid who knows about his car

[@TheMojosk8]

E34 by far one of the coolest cars to see on the road

[@WZRDr]

Been a year or two since ive been watching this vid occasionally, my first car was a manual 530i e34. I just realized that i really miss thst car. Sold for like 5 years ago... Have had it for 17years. It was my dad's and he borrowed it to me when i was 15 for daily use. Pretty fast.

[@mro9466]

I drive a 1989 e34 520i ... m20b20, 129 hp ... 540i are rare even in Europe !

[@mrki412]

They are because 90's are years when gasoline price started to be important in Europe, diesel cars were comming on big doors and 4.0 is always easier to sell in USA and also much cheaper then in Europe.

[@XoSiS]

@@mrki412 i agree, In Spain, with gasoline prices, people have always bought diesel cars

[@jdmcarboy64]

I’ve got a 03 M-sport 540i 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@alan_harake]

Omg E34 the best BMW ever made.

[@ghettomist1575]

X X Hey man the e39 is attractive too let’s not shit on them. Everything e60 and after I’d agree with you.

[@arsikV8]

после Е38 БМВ закончились(

[@starsaber2002]

I personally believe the e38 740il is the best bmw

[@chiefbeef2059]

@@ghettomist1575 facts

[@JAYD3EChannel]

Facts. The family has 2 e39s cuz e34s are so hard to comeby now but unpopular opinion i dont like how the e39 handles compared to my old e34

[@swhatszup]

Nice 540!!! I bought a 1995 e34 525i fully loaded, 5sp manual, custom M-based Cosmos Black matched with a parchment leather interior on 31 Dec 1994. I still own that same car today! I have also owned other nice rides such as 72 MGB, numerous Camaros (68 and 74, Corvettes (74 and 86), 88 Toyota Supra Turbo , 98 BMW 328is, 06 Nissan 350Z Roadster (still own), etc. And after all that still feel my e34 is probably the most well rounded car I have ever owned. It's quick not fast, nimble but not whip-like and it allows me to drink a coffee while barreling down the interstate at 125mph. I will always be a huge fan of the e34.

[@startingtech3900]

Do you still own it today 10-14-2020

[@sinlapse13]

one note to add about the stock power: BMW doesnt test engines. they test cars. they put the bastard on a dyno, and tell you what it makes at the wheels. They have a habit of reporting LESS then the car actually makes. Also, unlike most companies, they do this test at altitude. Roughly 4800ft, not at sea level. so that 286hp was to the wheels at altitude.

[@maxnugteren4837]

That really explains a lot thank you!

[@BlitzkriegRap]

I love this car but this engine does not make more than 300 HP and 400 Nm at the crank.

[@taterater1052]

@@BlitzkriegRap It’s a tradeoff, 4 doors for the hoes and 50/50 weight distribution, but small engine compartment. The engine can take 500hp without mods

[@apollontv1078]

So that means, probably 300 hp....STOCK....💪 🤤🤤🤤

[@analogdriven]

The M60B40 4.0L V8 as seen here, was rated at 282hp 295lb/ft tq, while the subsequent M62B44 4.4L V8 was still rated at 282hp but with 310lb/ft tq. So with bigger displacement they reported no upgrade in power - most likely because while the E39 debuted with the M62, the E38 and E31 both had the M60 upgraded to the M62 and for those two cars, the 7 and 8 series respectively, the V12 only made about 330hp and this could be the likely culprit behind the underrating of the M62B44, so as not to cannibalize V12 sales for the flagship cars with their premium over the V8. Then when the M62B44TU came out, it was still only rated at 286hp but with an extra 15lb/ft of torque. This engine is believed to perform closer to spec, with top end power traded via VANOS assisted bottom end torque for city drivability.

[@MrStreetballer5Official]

My favorite, and I MEAN ABSOLUTE FAVORITE 5 series generation. Something about the front headlight design the rear rectangular taillights and the overall body lines and stance of the car drives me crazy. The people across the street from me have a mint condition e34 528i i think. Just waiting on them to sell it :D

[@kr0pp]

MrStreetballer5 e34 528i does not exist. More likely they have 525i.

[@MrStreetballer5Official]

kr0pp Possibly. My fault lol.

[@Syper3212]

kr0pp Could be a M52 with the E39 decals on an e34 doe :)

[@romulus_]

MrStreetballer5 love the headlights and body, the rear is so-so

[@ricardoortiz3]

i just got my first car and its an e34 525i which is nice i wanna find a e39 v8 to swap in though make it somewhat of a sleeper but its gonna take a long time cause im only 17

[@ERK77VI]

btw these older bmw measures speed inside diff, it reads actual drive axle speed. so changing different gears doesn't mess speed meter. actual drive axles are still spinning same speed as tire is.

[@andujo211]

E34's are Highway monsters. I've had 2.

[@merciless9285]

except the fact that they have steering boxes instead of R&P LOL

[@michaelppaull]

Just picked one of these up. 95’ 540i w/ the 6spd. The previous owner did almost all of the same mods that Taylor did and boy is it an absolute joy to drive. I remember watching this video when it came out and it is part of the lore for my e34 ownership experience now lol.

[@kwbassacoustic]

This guy was a great guest

[@waynelaird478]

This BMW is my absolute favorite from a kid who always admired them to now able to buy 🙌

[@jo05dk]

I LOVE the E34s. SUCH good looks, such great cars for their time. ..and you have to respect a guy who knows what he's doing, and has spent that much time on a car that he loves. Enjoyed this:)

[@ladin425]

I love the E34. All the luxury of a late model vehicle without the complexity. I'm an I6 fan more so than a V8 but that is one hell of a comprehensive build and the result is a fantastic luxury-sporting sedan. Well done, buddy!

[@Xaqtly]

Hey Taylor, this is Zak, the guy with the CTS-V wagon. It's good to see your video, I really liked what you did to your car. Back in the late 90s I was looking for used 540 manuals too, I just thought a nice biggish sedan with a V8 and a manual was the best thing ever. And then I bought a biggish wagon with a V8 and a manual, haha. Anyway nice job with the mods on your car I thought it was really well done. I love usefully modded cars like that, all the bushings, the shocks and springs. It sounded great too. :)

[@dumkopf]

Xaqtly "Biggish"? That thing is a boat!

[@BHxSnoip]

the e34 is my favorite bmw

[@arsikV8]

old school

[@vman66441]

I like this guy and his car a lot. Very informative and seems down to earth. Wish him the best on his ride and whatever future endeavors he has planned.

[@Poopsicles92]

This video is one the best one takes yet in my opinion. Good chemistry between you guys and Taylor really knew his stuff. Keep it up!

[@Obywatel_RP8P]

Have to admit that Matt is right about the 90's steering racks. Just hop on any bimmer after 2004+ and you will see the difference in controlling the vehicle via steering wheel. Love that review, great car, a lot of effort!

[@Tanzbaer777]

Taylor and Matt...what a nice team. Very entertaining, thanks for the video.

[@georgiaguardian4696]

The engine looks great and sounds so awesome. It's such a privilege to own and drive a BMW with a V8 engine.

[@vavo4902]

Very nice and clean tuned BMW. Wish that there were more E34s still around.

[@Xerkam]

Taylor seems like a really cool dude, you should call him up and see if you can do another video with him sometime

[@user-hr2zy7ct8h]

Noah yes they should get a room

[@Exekutioncro]

yeah with his M3 :)

[@Altanabstick]

Finally! An e34! Effing beautifull man, I was waiting so long for you to review my favorite BMW, maybe even favorite car. So excited, gonna watch this shit first.

[@Altanabstick]

Ruben van der Vliet Wow man, such a sorted car. You seem to know what you've been doing. These are exactly the mods I would want to do on my dream e34 m5 3.8 6sp, make it a really sorted streetride. Who knows what the future will bring. Great man, props on the car!

[@Altanabstick]

Ruben van der Vliet And it deserved the extra minutes :D What a car.

[@Altanabstick]

***** Now all we need are one takes of a sorted e39 m5, e34 3.8, e36 m3 evo 2, e28 m5 and e31 850 csi. Preferrably done up like yours, the subtle stuff. I don't even think all of these have been delivered in the USA. Here is to hoping!

[@offtrackpl]

High five Taylor, I also drive a E34

[@DorDor400]

Id LOVE to have an external mic sound for some of these cars. I know these are one takes and that would take some editing, but even if they were posted seperately as a little bonus. Cause this BMW sounds delicious!!! TheSmokingTire Im sure my self and many others are guilty for spending hours on youtube listening to exhaust videos. Haha Great review, beautiful car, and a cool guy who knows a lot! Thanks!

[@judybigbooty108]

*Rising Hand* I am a victim of spending hours listening what's the right exhaust for my GT

[@DorDor400]

They Hate Us Cuz they Anus hahaha me too.

[@carzzi]

Dorian W. Hear hear (so to speak). Matt said something about the GoPro mic being crappy. I'll take crappy, using my brain's noise-filtering software.

[@judybigbooty108]

***** I'd rather be hated than be ignored.

[@Plateface3D]

Dorian W. don't be picky and be happy with what you get

[@nathanscott9075]

love these one takes, some awesome people out there getting to show everyone their hard work, and sometimes lack of work lol but still entertaining!!

[@MrFelizbino]

Got a 540i as well, wish it was a 6 speed tho. Great to see another enthusiast. You don't understand how hard it is to find parts for this car when your not in the used car parts business. Awesome build bro +Taylor Griffith.

[@raqeeblewis5216]

I have e34 is 525 i im in the suspension phase rn i just found some 540 i struts for cheap mines is coming along pretty nice.. that guys car is definitely a gem

[@TheKeenMechanic]

What a machine. Love working on and driving these cars. Thanks for the video

[@automotivemischief.1978jamie]

Awesome makes me want to do something with my 91 E34.

[@carzzi]

Superb... thanks for this video. Made me nostalgic -- it sounds EXACTLY like my old 530i/5sp with the M60B30 V8 sounded; I had resonator-back straight pipes.

[@kreativeflicks]

Thats a sweet 540! Absolutely still in love my 525i(stick) I've had it for over 14yrs, it's in excellent shape inside and out and don't think I'll ever be able to part with it. I just passed 257,000 miles... I've owned an e39 540i, e30's, e36 M3 & 325i, (all sticks) still have an e46 wagon(auto) But this car has completely stolen my heart. Been cross country in 9 times... NEVER has left me stranded... I keep saying when my M50 dies I'm gonna put in an S52 but it looks like that won't be happening any time soon.

[@Jake-ee5lr]

How's the ol m50 kickin now, 4 years later? I'm in the same mindset, waiting for my m50 to die in my touring so I can get an s52 haha. But I think it's going to be a while, only just passed 200k miles. Gives me ample time to save up 👍🏼

[@petey9111]

Props to this guy! I envy your work and dedication!!!

[@computiNATEor]

Still one of my favorite one takes. Such a clean car. Nicely done.

[@cmoullasnet]

This thing is BEAUTIFUL. I love that color on the E34 too. I have an E39 540i and E39 M5 but I really love the look of this E34!

[@Andrey3011]

Awesome car, that paint color looks amazing:)

[@sambassmanstoner]

Great car, man. Wish my '95 530i Wagon was a manual. And I understand his feelings about the steering box. We took the car to the Tail of the Dragon and it was an insane workout.

[@moviebod]

You are so becoming the e34 expert. I love the fact that you are giving these epic cars your attention. I have had an E34 M5 with the supposedly unattractive wheels ( which I love) for 7 years and can't find a nicer car to drive. It is so fast and steers with 2½ turns lock to lock. Time to come to the U.K. maybe? :)

[@5c1t4l3]

Sweet dude. Matt thanks for making these!

[@Stockish]

that engine bay tho...

[@m0thaphucka638]

My all time favorite m5 is the e34. great contrast of retro and modern looks. absolutely beautiful engine noise and the sleekness of the body is mesmerizing.

[@prash99]

I have lived with one of these since 2006 as my DD. I bought it with 170,000km and it has 380,000km today. I've had one engine oil leak in that time and went through 2 plastic rads before switching to an all aluminum one. I wouldn't call these trouble free cars but they are easy to maintain if you get to know them. I wouldn't call it unreliable either and if you can afford to run them it is massively entertaining to live with. They weigh around 3750lbs and various cars have put down between 250 - 270whp on dynojets. I have a similar mods but different chip, FW, gears, etc and I've run against a Jag XJ 3.0L Supercharged and a G37 Coupe recently and I was even with both of them. Its not fast, but it can keep up with modern traffic against someting like a Macan S or V8 S5 Audi on an on-ramp no problem.

[@devilskullBEL]

I have an e34 525tds from 95 myself. Best decision ever to sell my e39 525i for it. As the owner says, they are so reliable it's unreal while they still have plenty of power to be used as a daily without breaking a sweat. Mine went around the Nurburgring as well while very little has been changed. Very good cars, only downside is that they consume a bit more than newer engines, but don't let that hold you back, they are worth it.

[@Carlino31]

devilskullBEL I have an e34 525i from 1990, glad you sold your e39(not the biggest fan of em), Love the e34

[@jjlwis]

cool car, and cool guy! good guest!! best one I've seen so far!

[@g2thearrett578]

Awesome review.. nice work Taylor!

[@CodyYankey]

I like that this dude didn't talk to you the whole time and understood that you were doing a review of his modified car. Cool car.

[@AshrafZich]

Still dreaming to get one of these .. Great video for a great car I love it !

[@anonharingenamn]

My favorite (looking, have not driven any) is the E39. An E39 M5 is my favorite modern sports sedan.

[@bstarnes514]

What a sick car this is! When I hear BMW I think of 2 cars.... E36 and the e34! I used to have an e34. I wish I still had it but had to sell it to purchase my M3.... This owner is a good dude... super humble about this beautiful car!! Good job buddy! 🍻

[@clubracer6]

Great car! The only made these one year. Had one in the late nineties and I loved it. One of the best built BMW's ever. The v8's suffer with that recirculating ball steering that had to use to fit the V8 in. The 6cyl' s had much better steering. Great vid!

[@tobiasandersson3723]

One of the best looking car models Bmw ever made

[@gudalawrence2028]

Paid for my e34 525i touring today ✌🏾

[@kmuth2102]

Not sure what you guys did, but especially for the "roof cam" the video is way clearer here than in earlier videos. Really nice.

[@ERK77VI]

these older bmw read speed inside diff but after final drive. so it measures actual speed that drive axles are spinning, changing different gear ratio doesn't mess it up.

[@edgarassteponavicius5620]

I freaking love these E34s! I've had 3 of these myself, 2 525i:s, one of them was the same color as the car in the video (islandgrun metallic) and a 535i. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when Matt compliments this absolutely beautiful 540i. And yes, there is no real way to "speed up" the steering, the only option is an M5 steering box. But it's not really worth it since the difference is minimal.

[@uzernaim1648]

hey uh, 8 years later. you can swap in an 525ix front subframe, which allows you to mount a 525ix steering rack

[@whiskeyactual.]

Gorgeously clean E34!

[@winkyboy97]

These videos are making me crazy. I'm becoming obsessed. I love them.

[@rundatrack]

Good to have a knowledgeable car owner. Love the older bimmers had a e28 that I loved

[@naste3950]

Stylish, comfortable,and fast= pretty cool car

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

Colour combo looks fantastic!

[@duro845]

Nicely done car rarely see any 90s bimmers on the road

[@dogetothemoon223]

I'll be restoring my 95. Had it for like 10 years and love that car, can't let it go. It's an automatic but I am looking for a manual tranny. So eventually I will convert it.

[@V8Roehrldrifter]

Great Vid :) Greetigs from an e34 540i 6speed owner from Germany.

[@PeterPorsche1]

Of all One Take Episodes I am really jealous about this car. Not a Bimmer-Fan but it seems like a really great car to experience

[@sirwhitecrayon2499]

The owner of this vehicle really knows his shit. Great rare car and perfect mods. He knows the limitations and built the car for comfort of highr speed road cruising. Love it.

[@Camphlobactor]

I love this car. Good to see a reasonable car with high mileage.

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

One should keep in mind that the 5 series were intended to be daily people cars...they're big cars with 4 doors...that cruise comfortably at 95mph on German Autobahns😜 Love the vid and keep up the good work Matt!!!!

[@ptykiller]

Matt, you must have REALLY like this car man. It felt like you took your time with this one.

[@felipeignaciocornejooyarce2170]

The color is fantastic, really really beautiful!!!!

[@Adeerinheadlights]

The most hyped, Matt has ever been in one of these vids hahaha

[@natemorte]

Those 5series have always been my favorite never knew they came in stick classy hot rod

[@armingholami28]

Sooooo beautiful man and that colour wow

[@pascutia]

I love the sticker on the back of the car :). This car came from Bmw's best years. Too bad those years aren't going on right now. My personal favorite is the E39. It had the fantastic driving characteristics and it also was more modern. I like the design of the E39 more then the design of the E34.

[@brothers0fwar]

Still Rewatching this video, taylor let's get you some remus!

[@MrComputerSaint]

I like that E34, I don't normally like the E34 but the styling and wheels on that car looks good

[@bottomlayer]

Cool video, nice car.

[@johnsullivan676]

My buddie's first order of business was ripping out the v8 for a big six. That v8 is now a decorative piece in the home. The big six is straight piped.

[@highwaystar1009]

Very beautiful car and a unique colour.

[@aaronricker7768]

saw this exact car running through livermore... made me miss my 530i 5-speed. im on the hunt for that 540!!!!

[@aaronricker7768]

Haha I recognized that prius repellent sticker. Good job on the car!

[@aaronricker7768]

***** Most definitely thank you. I'm hoping to get a 535 build going sometime in the near future. I'll hit you up once that's rolling

[@LeeGHThomas]

you should upload these faster. I cant get enough of these one takes. They're good research tools for what kinda cars are nice to modify and the kinda power you'll get.

[@Goblin9990]

sick car!

[@YasinKARABULUT84]

nice driving, nice car!!!

[@AW-xv7dq]

Great video thanks guys

[@davemartin6452]

Great vid, thanks!

[@Mrb00st]

Yeah, this whole car is awesome. Nothing negative to say at all, very cool, well modified, owner seems to know & care about what to do... All in all 10/10. Awesome car.

[@Karim2clean]

Well, the M60 isn't related to the M5 s62... But, they're similar somehow someway. Ok so the M60 got modified and got a larger bore and stroke, and bmw called that the M62 for the e39, the M62. Now, the M62 doesn't have the same block, and heads ans stuff, but they are very similar. Ok, so those two are similar, now the s62 I'm the M5 uses the same exact block as the M62 but with a larger bore and stroke. So technically the s62 is a beefed up M62, and if the s62 is related to the M62 and the M62 is related to the M60, then the s62 is somewhat related to the M60. Ok, now I'm not saying the M60 is the s62, they're completely different engines, but, they're still similar, and that my friends is how the M60 is related to the s62. I had to say this because matt asked if it was related to the M5 engine, so I just had to. Sorry for the long post.

[@ohyes9604]

BMW, Audi, Mercedes.. Are all very smooth, ever modern direction and extrem powerfull. always nice experience!

[@markopolo9559]

Wow, nice paint is amazing. Looking for an E34 540i, sadly very few around UK to buy now days!

[@WindmillStalker]

Noice! Very clean. Held up amazingly well. Is the paint original? Looks very good. Loving the clean engine bay as well! Tasteful tune by a real enthusiast.

[@MithunKalan]

Theres gotta be a guinness record for "guy that drive the most amount different cars"

[@RussellRobinson77]

very clean!

[@openplz3000]

I always loved the 540 m sport. I had a VW Corrado SLC, Buick GN and a DOHC 4.6l Cobra in the mid 90s. Ran a number of 550i s very cool and early sports sedan, along with the Nissan maxima SE manual. I have been running Conti DW on my SRT. My wife has run DWS on her 550xi, both versions are great tires and what I will run again

[@mbclk65amg]

I've had an E34 530i, an E39 540i, and an E60 535xi. Sold everything but the 530i and I'm picking up another E34 soon. Best fucking cars ever.

[@ALEXSOBOTTKA]

That color green is stunning.

[@CJAEY]

That is the cleanest looking E34 interior I have seen in a while. That's hard to find

[@ustbutler6376]

Lovely Car Love A Manual 540i We Only Got 157 RHD Manual 540is In The U.K Ours Has A Much Lower Ratio Final Drive Short Shift ECU Flash ASC Anti Roll Bars Pro Line Suspension And Power- Flex Bushes On Most Of The Bushes Love These Cars

[@1994clue]

I've also an E34 540i in calypso red, but the dark green is also awesome!