My First BMW: A 1999 540i (Sport Package)

[BloodyPenguin]

Growing up, my parents had a few BMWs; a 1993 325i, 1997 528i, 2000 Mini (if you count that), 2003 X3 and a 2003 530i.

I've always lusted after many types of BWMs over the years, though never ended up getting one for myself, until recently.


The 540i:

We were a one car family for quite a while. Then one day I spotted the 1999 BMW 540i for sale by a local car garage. I knew it was the 540i because of the wheels. Thinking it was out of my price range, I did not inquire about it. Temptation got the best of me and after about two weeks I gave the shop a call. I ask how much they were asking for it. They said $2,000. I asked again, how much? $2,000. I had been taking all my cars to this shop for the last 20+ years, so I know they were a straight up and honest place. So my next question was, what is wrong with it? They said nothing, it just had a lot of miles. 165,570 to be exact. Other than that it was great condition they said. I quickly rushed over there to take it for a drive. I could not believe how great of shape the whole car was. The body only showed a few minor issues and the interior was in good shape as well. It drove like I remember my parents 530i did, but with the added V8 power. I fell in love and bought it on the spot.

I've owned it a few months now and I never want to let it go. I just enjoy driving it so much. It is basically stock, though I did change the air filter for a K&N, so I think I have at least 200 extra HP now. I've modded a lot of my cars in the past, but don't think I will do much to this one. I've had my eye on the Dinan Stage 1 ECU Tune, but for now I'm holding off.

The 540i was just supposed to be our secondary car for errands around town, or to use when my wife took the Sonata. But as I fell in love with it, so did my wife. She regularly "steals" it when she has to travel for work. She really likes the V8 power, handling and the class that come with driving it. We've already put 3,000 miles on it as we drive it everywhere now. The Sonata sits around a lot now.

I can't see myself driving anything other than a BWM going forward. I knew they were great as I grew up with them, but now owning one for myself, I just don't know if I will ever buy any other make again. I really hope my 540i last a long while. I want to push it well over 200,000 miles. I am very happy with my $2,000 purchase.


I am a photographer, but I have yet to do a proper shoot of the 540i. Here is just a quick one I took with my cell phone:



Also, the 540i came with the original car MSRP Sticker:



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[Pelican Parts]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new ride. I'm attaching a link to our site's DIY tech articles in case you're going to be doing the maintenance/repairs yourself down the line. Please let us know if you have any questions!

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...h_main_E39.htm

[BloodyPenguin]

*repost*

[BloodyPenguin]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new ride. I'm attaching a link to our site's DIY tech articles in case you're going to be doing the maintenance/repairs yourself down the line. Please let us know if you have any questions!

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...h_main_E39.htm

Thank you for the link. I have done a few little things to the car, but nothing too fancy. Replaced both the cabin air filters and the intake filter. Fixed broken cup holders front and back. Next up I need to purchase a black seat switch cover set so I can replace the broken drivers side one.

I also did find a decent deal for the Dinan upgrade software (stage 1) D900-445TU. I will have that installed in one week from this post.