E30 Zone

I'm going to buy an e34, any advice on what to look for, and what engine to go for?

I quite fancy a 540i Touring. Good idea?

How much should I be looking to spend for a good 'un?

Suspension is what costs money on these in my limited experience. Get the later models with the 24v engines and if it's a touring, make sure the SLS works well.

What is a SLW

I've got a 525i touring from DanThe on here and am very pleased with it. the 540 seem a bit thin on the ground and are sought after so I guess it all depends on what you want it for and what you want to pay for it. The touring is great - watch out for tailgate wiring, sills rust, double sunroof failure, floor bung rust, SLS failure, 60mph judder... and i'm sure there will be the 540 specific issues such as oil pump bolts in the sump

i'm guessing a good one will be from 1.5k ish upwards more like 2.5k upwards for a V8 but others will know more i'm sure.

Assuming you mean SLS?

Self Levelling Suspension. Basically air bags in the back that automatically adjust pressure to keep the car level depending on how much weight is in the boot.

E39's have air bags, E34's have self levelling hydraulic struts.

E34's are just a bit too old now. Most of them have gone rusty/been welded, shagged suspension, rusty brake/fuel pipes. more rust, shagged wiper linkage.

They were a great car but they're 20 years old and you need to be lucky to find one that isn't scrap.

525 M50B25 is perhaps the best option,, but 540 touring is a great car,,, M5 better ((IMO)) ,, and then there is one more ...