1996 BMW (E34) 540i TOURING

Finished in rare Petrol Mica Metallic – a deep blue shade that comes to life under sunlight – and paired with a cream leather interior, this 1996 BMW 540i Touring is a desirable V8 variant of the timeless E34 5-series. Today the odometer reads 110,685 miles, with the car presenting very well for a car of this age.

This handsome estate is powered by the M60B40 4.0-litre V8 with 282bhp and 295lb-ft of torque, coupled to the smooth five-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Having been fastidiously maintained, the car is in superb driving condition with only minor age-related cosmetic imperfections.

First registered on 15 February 1996, the car has just four previous registered keepers on the log book. The vendor has owned the car for around one year, and has driven it sparingly.

The bodywork and Petrol Mica Metallic paint are in good condition, with crisp shut lines and no reported signs of rust blistering – though there are some minor defects. There are scuffs to the corners of the front and rear bumpers, as well as some expected minor stone chips, and small scratches to the boot area from loading. There is a scratch visible on the bonnet, and some chipping on the roof rails – as shown in the detailed photo gallery. The original 15-inch five-spoke wheels are in superb condition, with only one or two small marks.

Moving inside, the cream leather interior is in good condition for the year with some aging as expected, though no tears or other damage. Some slight scuffing can be seen, with some more prominent wear on the driver’s seat, and the headliner is beginning to sag slightly. The vendor also notes that the passenger rear door does not lock using the key, but will lock when the knob is depressed.

The car has a good service history from both BMW and specialists, which is summarised below. The car was most recently serviced by Gilberts for BMWs at 105,426 miles in 2016. Prior to this, the car was also serviced at approximately 102,000 miles in 2013 and at approximately 96,000 miles in 2009 – both again by marque specialist Gilberts. The car will be serviced once more prior to handover.

The car was MOT tested on 6 March 2020 at 110,339 miles with no advisories. Its wheels are shod in Continental tyres all round with plenty of tread, and the car is sold with the handbook and service book.

A well-maintained example of the popular E34 model, in a very desirable specification, this BMW 540i Touring is a superb candidate for a characterful daily driver or a charming road trip wagon.

Summary of service history:

• 1996 - BMW - 1k miles
• 1996 - BMW - 10k miles
• 1997 - BMW - 17k miles
• 1997 - BMW - 27k miles
• 1999 - BMW - 37k miles
• 1999 - Coombs of Guilford -  40k miles
• 2000 - BMW - 51k miles
• 2000 - BMW - 62k miles
• 2001 - BMW - 68k miles
• 2002 - BMW - 78k miles
• 2003 - BMW - 86k miles
• 2005 - Gilberts for BMWs - 86k miles
• 2006 - Gilberts for BMWs - 90k miles
• 2007 - Gilberts for BMWs - 92k miles
• 2009 - Gilberts for BMWs - 96k miles
• 2013 - Gilberts for BMWs - 102k miles
• 2016 - Gilberts for BMWs - 105k miles
• 2020 - TBC

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.