1994 BMW 540i Touring

Location: New York

Why It's Curated: This 1994 BMW 540i Touring is for sale in New York. We are big fans of e34s and wagon enthusiasts. This build gets us all very excited, combining the practicality of BMW's rare wagon body with serious performance engineering. Built by renowned specialist Joe Ryder, this project features a comprehensively rebuilt 4.6L M60 V8 with Alpina forged internals, 12:1 compression ratio, and custom engine management—paired with an E39 M5's Getrag 6-speed transmission for modern drivability. The extensive suspension overhaul includes BC coilovers, 850i aluminum control arms with spherical bearings, and adjustable components throughout. The stunning Glasurit Urban Green paint was applied over proper bodywork with galvanic primer, while the interior showcases E34 M5 seats and Alcantara appointments. With a 3.91 differential, F30 4-piston brakes, and turnkey reliability, this represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to own a properly executed E34 Touring that delivers both performance and practicality.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The BMW E34 540i Touring represents one of the most coveted configurations in BMW's storied 5 Series lineage, combining the sophisticated M60 V8 engine with the practical elegance of the Touring wagon body. Introduced in 1992, the 540i marked BMW's return to V8 power in the 5 Series after a decade-long absence, featuring the advanced M60 4.0-liter unit with Nikasil cylinder linings and sophisticated engine management. The Touring variant, available from 1992-1996, was never officially imported to the United States, making genuine examples exceptionally rare on American soil. This generation established the template for the modern sports wagon, offering 286 horsepower in a refined package that could accommodate both executive duties and weekend adventures. The E34's significance extends beyond its mechanical prowess to its role as the last hand-built BMW 5 Series, assembled at BMW's Dingolfing facility with meticulous attention to detail that modern production methods cannot replicate. Its timeless design by Ercole Spada has aged gracefully, while the robust M60 V8 has proven itself as an ideal platform for performance modifications due to its iron block construction and conservative factory tune. The Touring's rarity, combined with the E34's reputation as the pinnacle of analog BMW engineering before the advent of extensive electronic systems, has cemented its status among collectors as the ultimate expression of 1990s BMW philosophy—sophisticated, powerful, and built to last.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1994
Make: BMW
Model: 540i
Trim: Touring
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Miles: 154,000
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 6
Engine: 4.6l v8 m60
Exterior Color: Glasurit Urban Green
Interior Color: Black
State of Registration: Montana 
Vehicle Location: New York 
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
All work done in 2024: 4.6L Alpina forged Bottom End 12:1 W/ Compression Ratio Forged Crankshaft W/ Hollow Journals Forged I-beam Connecting Rods Hypereutectic Pistons M60b40 Cylinder Heads Custom Head Gaskets M60 metal Timing Chain Assembly VANOS Deleted M60b40 Camshafts M62TuB46 Valve Springs M62b46 Intake Manifold M62b46 Fuel Injectors Custom Cold Air Intake Custom Turner / Conforti Engine Management Tune Bavarian coil packs 740i thermostat Angry Ass Grounding cables New PS lines New radiator & lines Condor Engine mounts Braille Battery Exhaust redone in 2025
All work done in 2024/25: Getrag 420G 6-Speed E39 M5 Transmission Sachs M5 Clutch Disc / Pressure Plate Garagistic Spherical ball shifter w/ carbon rod Condor Gearbox mounts ECS stainless clutch line & fittings

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:
Work completed in 2025: 3.91 rear diff New axles New center driveshaft
Wheel Size and Offset: 18" x 9 front 18" x 10 rear
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: Nankang CS
Type of Brakes: F30 4 piston calipers in the front Angry Ass install kit Spiegler Stainless lines Zimmerman rotors Refreshed rear brakes & pads

Exterior & Interior:
Doors off body work completed in 2024: Two-stage Glasurit Urban Green Paint Galvanic Epoxy Primer Block Pro Sealer929 UV Karlac Clear Coat OEM M Technix Front Bumper / TrimOEM Euro Market Lower MoldingsCustom Matte Shadowline Exterior Trim / Roof RailsE36 M3-style Exterior Rearview Mirrors Alpina Badging

Other
All work has been done within the last two years: E34 M5 Seats. Front / Rear Anthracite Alcantara Headliner Alpina Steering Wheel Alpine Head UnitFocal Front SpeakersInfinity Reference Rear Speakers Recaro Pole position front seat w/ pepita fabric VAC seat base Custom made alcantara shift/ E Brake boot Alcantara door cards Completely new dash, vents & trim;
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Other Notable Features or Functions:
Suspension work is extensive and all done in 2025: BC custom coilovers with adjustable camber hats 850i aluminum lower control arms w/ spherical bearings New Upper control arms with poly bushings New wheel hubs & knuckles & wheel studs New wheel bearings Garagistic Adjustable endlinks IRP front strut bar
Car was built by Joe Ryder in CO and finished in NY. This car is turnkey , ready to drive and enjoy. Almost no expense spared. You will be hard pressed to find a restomod wagon like this. The wagon is very quick but tame when cruising.

Recent Maintenance:
New upgraded fuel pump New twin fuel filters PS lines all replaced and flushed Has had three oil changes in the last 150 miles (LiquiMoly) to break in the engine Alignment done in August & October

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
None