E39 540i M62B44 Engine...Is this a solid car?

[2fnSlo]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone has had any experience with any of the E39 5 series Bmw's, Im looking to buy one, its a 1997 and it has the 6spd manual, it has about 164k on it, anything I should be worried about? :dunno:

Here is the link for the car... http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-BMW-PRICE-DROPPED-FOR-FAST-SALE-1997-BMW-540i-158-000kms-W0QQAdIdZ73139536

Ps. This is my first post, sorry if I make an ass of myself!!! :clap:

[sillysod]

my dad has one with 280,000kms on it... they are generally pretty good, if you don't push it.

repairs are expensive and he has had a few cooling system and wheel bearing problems on it but other than that it has been a pretty good car.

check above the bumper behind the rear tires for rust they tend to start going there first.

[2fnSlo]

Ok sounds good, thanks!

[dawinder]

these cars are solid if you babied them they are nice cars 5 series :D

[FilthyMcNasty]

you should be worried about some guy stealing your deal on this car. it looks good.

[Rarasaurus]

There is a bunch of issues these cars have. Bushings, as stated cooling systems and the worst is the vanos issues to which there is no real fix. If lots of regular maintenance has been done like belts thermostat bushings you should be fine. If you will incure all those costs prepare to pay a lot as parts are not that cheap.

If they are running well and in top shape they are amazing cars but around those kms it starts to need replacing of parts and definetely if you do not love the car it may drive u nuts.
To add to my post gas will cost you more as u need to run premium and it is a 70l tank so you are looking around 90 bux a tank that will most likely get u 500km. Also premium oil overall it is a car you will enjoy if are prepared to take care of it and pay a bit of a premium to own it.

[Casa]

Originally posted by Rarasaurus
There is a bunch of issues these cars have. Bushings, as stated cooling systems and the worst is the vanos issues to which there is no real fix. If lots of regular maintenance has been done like belts thermostat bushings you should be fine. If you will incure all those costs prepare to pay a lot as parts are not that cheap.

If they are running well and in top shape they are amazing cars but around those kms it starts to need replacing of parts and definetely if you do not love the car it may drive u nuts.
To add to my post gas will cost you more as u need to run premium and it is a 70l tank so you are looking around 90 bux a tank that will most likely get u 500km. Also premium oil overall it is a car you will enjoy if are prepared to take care of it and pay a bit of a premium to own it.

solid post. Its an expensive car to own.
this year (97) doesn't have VANOS so its a bit more reliable. They're a nice handling and driving car when you've replaced the whole cooling system :D

OP, go to bimmerforums.com and read the FAQS and questions and issues that the E39 have!

[2fnSlo]

Thanks for all the tips guys (and gals) so just goin back on what rarasaurus said, maybe this might be a better route...The only thing is its an automatic:zzz:

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-BMW-1997-BMW-540i-W0QQAdIdZ77064670

[C4S]

Good car .. if you can find one with FULL SERVICE and WELL KEPT .. NO ACCIDENT .... ^_^

I have seen some with 200,000 KM plus .. and still solid .. and some with only 100,000 km ... already hv some major issue, so make sure you find a good one, with all history.

Try to find a newer one as possible. 2001 and up is probably better.

Mine has almost 150,000 km ... still run like a clock! :D

(but expect some electronic problem one a while)


:eek: Just look at that ads on Kijiji .. Aspen Silver is great on E39!! :thumbsup: seems a good car at great price ..

However, how the heck can he/she got 5.6 sec 0-60mph with automatic ????? :rofl:

[Casa]

Originally posted by C4S
Good car .. if you can find one with FULL SERVICE and WELL KEPT .. NO ACCIDENT .... ^_^

I have seen some with 200,000 KM plus .. and still solid .. and some with only 100,000 km ... already hv some major issue, so make sure you find a good one, with all history.

Try to find a newer one as possible. 2001 and up is probably better.

Mine has almost 150,000 km ... still run like a clock! :D

(but expect some electronic problem one a while)


:eek: Just look at that ads on Kijiji .. Aspen Silver is great on E39!! :thumbsup: seems a good car at great price ..

However, how the heck can he/she got 5.6 sec 0-60mph with automatic ????? :rofl:

didn't some of the auto 540i's have some tranny issues at one point?

[sillysod]

tranny or power steering is going to set you back thousands.

go for the manual and you will cut the possible big ticket item expenses in 1/2.

although my dad's is an auto and never ever had any tranny or drivetrain issues whatsoever.

[2fnSlo]

So basically this car isnt good for a university student on a budget lol

[Rarasaurus]

I would definetely say if you are looking for an economical easy to maintain car this is not what u want. This is more of a sinking money into it and convincing yourself you love the car type of deal.

I would consider a honda or acura more of a student car. Most cars have their own problems but it just costs more to fix on a bmw. For example a thermostat is around 30 for most cars but on the e39 it cost me 120 just for the part.

[sillysod]

haha no it is definately not a student car.

[ragu]

Originally posted by 2fnSlo
So basically this car isnt good for a university student on a budget lol

big NO:thumbsdow

civic, accord and corolla; either one of them is a safe bet.

[2fnSlo]

I think Im gonna go with a MkIII golf Gti, I had one a car ago, but I just get t'ed up by some douche bag from edmonton on wednesday night and wrote of my 00 Jetta 1.8T, it pisses me off cuz I had so much money into the car, and i was pullin 300+ hp out of it...

Anyways, thanks for all the advice folks, happy motoring!