Considering Buying a 97 540i

[mebjr12]

I am considering buying a 97 540i/6. The catch is right now, it is not derivable due to the chain guides failing according to the owner. The owner is asking $1,000. The car has 150k on it and I am not sure if there are any other issues. Would anyone else consider buying, and what would be a fair price to offer? Also How much would that job cost if I did it myself?

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

There might be more issues/problems with the engine and other areas of the car so go take a look at it and decide from there. You could offer less if you find more issues. How much it'll all cost to repair depends on what is wrong with it and if you want to fix those issues and do more maintenance to the engine and other aspects, so no ballpark really. If you get it for $1K then decide it's too much for you to fix, it'll probably return you more money by breaking it for spares.

Cheers, Dennis!

[builtinbetter]

I would definitely get it. But that is because I have done the guides before so im familiar with the project. I've been looking for another project like that to buy but the 6spds are harder to come by, especially one needing guides. I'd probably offer him half what he's asking and take whatever offer he comes back with. What area is it in?

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[XAlt]

1 grand isn't bad.



By yourself, you can usually get away for $600. Just be sure to get a new chain and internal OSV.

[mebjr12]

I would definitely get it. But that is because I have done the guides before so im familiar with the project. I've been looking for another project like that to buy but the 6spds are harder to come by, especially one needing guides. I'd probably offer him half what he's asking and take whatever offer he comes back with. What area is it in?

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Located in the Northern part of VA

- - - Updated - - -

Current owner told me that while changing the VCG, it was discovered that the chain guides had failed and the car has been sitting ever since. Is that likely?

[builtinbetter]

Damn...im originally from NY but now I live in GA and ive been spoiled by these rust free southern cars.

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[douglawrence42]

Take a look at this thread:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-Repair-Thread

Guy did basically the same thing as you are considering. As far as the timing chain guide repair, it's not really a DIY, but it is excellent for getting a preview of what you are in for.
Ultimately, he was successful at his repair, but he came up against the fact that there is only so much money worth pouring into a rough car.


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[Mach540]

Located in the Northern part of VA

- - - Updated - - -

Current owner told me that while changing the VCG, it was discovered that the chain guides had failed and the car has been sitting ever since. Is that likely?

That is generally how it is discovered before any damage is done. The other way is if they notice plastic bits in the oil pan, which is a standard preventative procedure to check on the condition of the guides.
If they wait till it makes bad noises, it might have been too late.

It's a good sign that they stopped driving it when they noticed the bad guides. It shows that it probably was a functional car and they were just doing normal maintenance by changing the VCGs. If there were lots of other issues, they probably would have dumped it rather than putting the effort into changing the VCGs.

[XAlt]

The death rattle usually takes a long time to manifest itself into actual bent valves.

[edjack]

Guide failure not unusual at this mileage. If he has a stack of receipts that show good maintenance over the years, it may be a good buy: 6-speeds are not unicorns, but are not plentiful, either.

This job is a DIY for an accomplished amateur wrench. Otherwise, plan on a $3-4K bill. Parts for a complete job is $1k+ at list price.

[XAlt]

Guide failure not unusual at this mileage. If he has a stack of receipts that show good maintenance over the years, it may be a good buy: 6-speeds are not unicorns, but are not plentiful, either.

This job is a DIY for an accomplished amateur wrench. Otherwise, plan on a $3-4K bill. Parts for a complete job is $1k+ at list price.

Nah, unless Cali is that bad. People will do $1500-2k in and out here.

[dannyzabolotny]

Guide failure not unusual at this mileage. If he has a stack of receipts that show good maintenance over the years, it may be a good buy: 6-speeds are not unicorns, but are not plentiful, either.

This job is a DIY for an accomplished amateur wrench. Otherwise, plan on a $3-4K bill. Parts for a complete job is $1k+ at list price.

Eh, if you're truly crazy you don't need experience. I did my first chain guide job with practically zero prior wrenching experience, so...

[DustenA]

So i recently bought a 97 540i that had just had the guides done, and a clutch. I can say, with those miles, take note of what is, and isn't done.
Brakes? Suspension? CCV? Other vacuum leaks? Use that as a guide to determine total cost to get it running compared to a running car.

Also, the 97 is a different beast from the later cars, so parts are different, and things work different. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the difference.

[mebjr12]

Being that I cant start the car. What are things to look for. Also, any suggestions on transporting the car back? I own a truck but would need a trailer. I appreciate all the good information so far.

[XAlt]

Being that I cant start the car. What are things to look for. Also, any suggestions on transporting the car back? I own a truck but would need a trailer. I appreciate all the good information so far.

All the classic E39 issues. Crawl under the car, you'll already know what to look for.

[edjack]

Being that I cant start the car. What are things to look for. Also, any suggestions on transporting the car back? I own a truck but would need a trailer. I appreciate all the good information so far.

Why can't you start the car?

[mebjr12]

I assumed if the chain guides are gone or having failed, you wouldnt want to run the engine.

[themaverick31]

Good day to all fellow enthusiasts! I apologize in advance (particularly you, mebjr12) for intruding on this thread with an unrelated topic. I am new to this forum and am going to need good instructions on how to post a new thread. All assistance is greatly appreciated. Cheers and happy motoring.

[builtinbetter]

I assumed if the chain guides are gone or having failed, you wouldnt want to run the engine.

You can start the car with broken guides. I wouldn't suggest that you run it long though but it can be started. If it won't start then it probably has a broken chain in which case you're looking at a whole different problem and I would probably walk away from that. It should feel like it's misfiring and sound like a chain is slapping against the timing cover.
The nice thing about it being a 97' is that it is non-vanos so you don't have to worry about any issues with that.

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[XAlt]

The actual VANOS system is essentially problem free aside from noise.

Honestly, just start the car, I'd even limp it home to your garage.

[mebjr12]

The actual VANOS system is essentially problem free aside from noise.

Honestly, just start the car, I'd even limp it home to your garage.

I would be about a 300 mile trip so it would need to be towed

[wagons ho]

Thousand bucks is the typical ask for a six speed car with a bad motor. Anything less is a "good"deal.
Local wrecking yard had this for $2000, and wouldn't budge. Said it was worth more in the yard in parts.IMAG2871.jpg

[mebjr12]

The current owner said the car has been sitting since December. He said that prior to this issue the car was drive able and the battery has since died. Seeing how we are 300 miles apart, I asked him for his bottom line number so that we wouldnt be wasting each others time. I still have a 02 530i/5 that I just purchased in Dec that will be getting a full cooling system overhaul in the next few weeks. However, reading about the V8's on this forum has me wanting to take a chance on this 540i.

[themaverick31]

Watsup peeps I can't seem to be able to start a new thread! On a side note I have a 2005 BMW 325i for sale as a parts or repair car. 135k on engine+transmission, driver side rear damage axle is bent. Message me for details.