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View Full Version : e39 540i buying tips?


potpie
05-13-2003, 06:05 AM
hi im planning to get an e39 540 sometime soon...Can anyone tell me how many miles would be too much? woudl buying a 97 be too old? Is there anything i shoudl watch out for? Also 6 spd only, i hate my step :az: thanks alot
shmoo
05-13-2003, 07:56 AM
Watch out for the 6 speed that get over abused. I've heard many 6 speeds have new tranny and engines after 60K miles! The auto is far safer in terms of abusive owners. I know the average autos are over 100K miles safe.
KCLARK
05-13-2003, 03:50 PM
Check out this possibility from one of the forum members.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98085
mikemaster
05-14-2003, 11:03 PM
Originally posted by shmoo
Watch out for the 6 speed that get over abused. I've heard many 6 speeds have new tranny and engines after 60K miles! The auto is far safer in terms of abusive owners. I know the average autos are over 100K miles safe.

Have to disagree here. The auto will go out way before the manual, tho you may have to replace the clutch if it was driven hard. There are a couple people on roadfly with 200k miles on their 540's already. They are great cars but do require a little more $$$ to maintain than the straight sixes. Some common problems with e39's can be found here: Click here (http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html)
potpie
05-16-2003, 05:22 AM
thanks alot for the help guys. Also can you be more specific how ti woudl be more work then the 6's? how often do you bring it in for service? is it usually very expensive? thanks
mikemaster
05-16-2003, 12:50 PM
Most of the v8's have issues with valve cover gaskets and radiator failure. These things will happen at some point on most of them. My radiator went at 51k. Also, there are some sensors that go out from time to time. Tire and brake parts costs are higher, etc. Overall, it will cost a little more to maintain, but it's well worth it IMHO.
95m3sc
05-18-2003, 07:49 PM
go for a used v8.... the big dawg kid.... its the best. 6sp, 5 spd, whatever. Just never auto unless you spend all your time in traffic or can't drive for shit. If something breaks replace it..no biggie its a bimmer it will last and always be in style. better getting a bigger engine than a newer car. you can always improve and upgrade.