This is a 1995 BMW M540i and it’s one of the rarest BMW sport sedans in existence. It has V8 power, a manual transmission, gorgeous styling, and a lot of cool stuff borrowed from the M5. It was produced specially for Canadian market.
source.image: Doug DeMuro
Today I’m reviewing this M540i and I’ll show you all the many quirks and features. I’ll also get behind the wheel and review the driving experience.
The 1995 Canadian Market M540i was the closest thing to a European-spec E34 M5 to ever be sold on this side of the Atlantic. It is arguably more of an M5 than the actual US-spec M5 that was discontinued in 1993—and certainly more rare. Thirty-two examples were produced.
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Inside, the treatment continued with cloth or Bison leather, carbon fiber trim, an illuminated M shift knob, an M steering wheel, M doorsills, and an individual number plaque. The engine of the 540i is an all aluminum V8 that produces 282 horsepower. That power is routed through a 6-speed manual Getrag 420G gearbox, an option never available in the US spec M5.
