Cool wagons up for grabs:

**ucsbwsr** · 08-26-2019, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by moroza

Anyone have a lead on a black hardtop, in (almost) any condition, anywhere in North America?

Although the final stages of this build have been pushed back as I it was leap frogged by another wagon (e61) project, this 01 540i will be wrapped up and available soon. It will be a manual, with M5 clutch, M5 sway bars, upgraded cooling system, and other goodies. Fresh timing chains and vanos too.
IMG_7464.JPG

**moroza** · 08-26-2019, 12:53 PM

And it's hardtop, no sunroof?

**ucsbwsr** · 08-26-2019, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by moroza

And it's hardtop, no sunroof?

No sorry, I am not used to "hard top" being used to describe no sun/moon roof. This has a sunroof.

Could US E39 Tourings be spec'd this way? Special order? I know US spec E61s are pano roof only, no exceptions. I know this since I want to do a pano roof delete eventually.

**moroza** · 08-26-2019, 02:31 PM

I've heard of exactly one, a green 528iTM on this forum (doabarrelroll).

**mateo8** · 08-26-2019, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by moroza

I've heard of exactly one, a green 528iTM on this forum (doabarrelroll).

I believe the thread you saw that on is here:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...option-codes-)

I greatly appreciate the work that doabarrelroll did to compile such a list, but I assume the list is for the US spec cars because mine does not appear (options wise) under the glacier green color in the 540it sheet. I have been trying to do some research as to how many wagons came without sunroofs. From what I have heard and read is that sunroofs for the 525 and 540 were standard, where as for the 528 it was an option which nearly everyone went with. I have a 540 without a hardtop from factory, so there was a way to order one this way, I don't know how, but there was a way. However, I think I am at the end of the resources in the search to find concrete numbers from BMW.

In the meantime I have started to research the number of RHD 540 wagons produced. I believe the option code is "drive layout, export" and the UK market was the only one to receive RHD v8 wagons. From the sheet on 540s doabarrelroll compiled, there are only 7, I believe this is way too low of a number, but you never know. I have joined several UK e39 forums and facebook pages hoping to find an answer. The only other one I can find is linked below.

https://www.hexagonclassics.com/car/...--manual--2004

**SCRSUVS** · 08-26-2019, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

Although the final stages of this build have been pushed back as I it was leap frogged by another wagon (e61) project, this 01 540i will be wrapped up and available soon. It will be a manual, with M5 clutch, M5 sway bars, upgraded cooling system, and other goodies. Fresh timing chains and vanos too.
IMG_7464.JPG

Any ball park on how soon? BaT?

**ucsbwsr** · 08-26-2019, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by SCRSUVS

Any ball park on how soon? BaT?

Such a good question! lol

I hope to finalize the sale of the E61 this week an once that is shipped it will be full steam ahead on the E39. I have all the items in the garage (or so I think) for the trans swap, vanos, and timing chains. I work slowly and although this sin't my first manual swap, I am sure I will need to order some additional "while I'm in there" parts. A big variable is I might just pull the motor to make the engine work easier, if I do that then I would be tempted to install some headers and make the M62TU full bolt-on. Not sure the added mods will be worthwhile, still need to do some due diligence on that front. My best guess for completion date at this point is mid-late Fall. Yes, BAT is the plan since wagons are so well received there and I am hoping to make as much money as possible on this project. That being said I would entertain private a party sale if the offer is convincing enough.

Evan

**moroza** · 08-26-2019, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by mateo8

I believe the thread you saw that on is here:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...option-codes-)

I greatly appreciate the work that doabarrelroll did to compile such a list, but I assume the list is for the US spec cars because mine does not appear (options wise) under the glacier green color in the 540it sheet. I have been trying to do some research as to how many wagons came without sunroofs. From what I have heard and read is that sunroofs for the 525 and 540 were standard, where as for the 528 it was an option which nearly everyone went with. I have a 540 without a hardtop from factory, so there was a way to order one this way, I don't know how, but there was a way. However, I think I am at the end of the resources in the search to find concrete numbers from BMW.

In the meantime I have started to research the number of RHD 540 wagons produced. I believe the option code is "drive layout, export" and the UK market was the only one to receive RHD v8 wagons. From the sheet on 540s doabarrelroll compiled, there are only 7, I believe this is way too low of a number, but you never know. I have joined several UK e39 forums and facebook pages hoping to find an answer. The only other one I can find is linked below.

https://www.hexagonclassics.com/car/...--manual--2004

It was a different thread, but that one is interesting too. Also interesting is your thread, which I can't find at the moment, and whose images are broken as of a ~week ago. It's interesting in part because you were able to get it federalized, IIRC without military or diplomatic or other special circumstances? That suggests I might find what I want in Europe, either with an engine found in the US or no engine at all (I can install an engine, but bodywork is beyond me and not worth the trouble).

If it's the case that only 528iT could be sunroofless, then according to that thread there were 740-691 = 49 manual-trans E39 hardtops, and an unknown (but presumably much higher, perhaps 500?) number of automatic slicktops. Well, there were 481 E34 530iT imported to the US, of which I've owned three and seen at least two more for sale. So my odds of finding one feel good enough to bother looking.

**SCRSUVS** · 08-27-2019, 03:58 AM

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

Such a good question! lol

I hope to finalize the sale of the E61 this week an once that is shipped it will be full steam ahead on the E39. I have all the items in the garage (or so I think) for the trans swap, vanos, and timing chains. I work slowly and although this sin't my first manual swap, I am sure I will need to order some additional "while I'm in there" parts. A big variable is I might just pull the motor to make the engine work easier, if I do that then I would be tempted to install some headers and make the M62TU full bolt-on. Not sure the added mods will be worthwhile, still need to do some due diligence on that front. My best guess for completion date at this point is mid-late Fall. Yes, BAT is the plan since wagons are so well received there and I am hoping to make as much money as possible on this project. That being said I would entertain private a party sale if the offer is convincing enough.

Evan

Thanks for the update, very interested been watching since day 1, IM 100% positive action on BaT will be hot...difficult making commitments because of my health crap... looking for another 540iT but think BaT is definitely a better idea for yours unless the $$$ is just too good to pass...its a Unicorn deserving of big $$$$$...

**mateo8** · 08-27-2019, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by moroza

It was a different thread, but that one is interesting too. Also interesting is your thread, which I can't find at the moment, and whose images are broken as of a ~week ago. It's interesting in part because you were able to get it federalized, IIRC without military or diplomatic or other special circumstances? That suggests I might find what I want in Europe, either with an engine found in the US or no engine at all (I can install an engine, but bodywork is beyond me and not worth the trouble).

If it's the case that only 528iT could be sunroofless, then according to that thread there were 740-691 = 49 manual-trans E39 hardtops, and an unknown (but presumably much higher, perhaps 500?) number of automatic slicktops. Well, there were 481 E34 530iT imported to the US, of which I've owned three and seen at least two more for sale. So my odds of finding one feel good enough to bother looking.

The original owner of my car was a diplomat that brought the car into the country in '05, but the car did not come with any official paperwork from when it was brought in. When I got it emissions inspected, I had to get a DEQ officer to hand record the results because it was a gray market import, in addition to the system VA uses for recording emissions results would not allow the VIN to be entered. When it passed the emissions I was able to get a signed document from the DEQ officer saying that the car is legal in the US because it complied with the US standards, (during the original federalization process in '05 they did all the work on the car to comply to the US standard)

Back to your search, I hope you find what you are looking for. I stumbled across my car on craigslist when I was killing time on a lunch break, I had given up on my 540 wagon search which lasted 5ish years and was in the market for 996 911s and e31 840s, so if you're patient enough I'm sure you'll stumble across the car that checks all the boxes for you

**SCRSUVS** · 08-28-2019, 06:55 PM

These E61s have potential...2010 rarer M Sport (dont see these often) / maintenance w/124K concerning but both look clean...

Used 2007 BMW 530xi w/ Sport Package for sale in ARLINGTON, VA 22204: Wagon Details - 526335787 - Autotrader

Used 2010 BMW 535i xDrive Wagon for sale in Englewood, CO 80110: Wagon Details - 524588848 - Autotrader

**sienayr** · 08-29-2019, 02:49 PM

https://lincoln.craigslist.org/wto/d...965514752.html

**mateo8** · 09-09-2019, 05:17 PM

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=251122340

**ucsbwsr** · 09-17-2019, 01:25 PM

One of my E61s is up for sale. All info in link but the highlights include:

- Grigio Telesto paint
- OEM M5 front end
- M5 brakes
- M5 rear sway bar
- M6 wheels
- Custom OEM grey on black interior
- Nappa leather M Sport steering wheel with paddles
- XHP Stg 3 Trans tune + X-Delete AWD/RWD tune
- 30k on stock turbos
- Lots and lots and lots of maintenance.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh....php?t=1346543

**m3 bavaria** · 09-17-2019, 08:39 PM

Very, very nice E61.

**givemeaname** · 10-14-2019, 02:57 PM

Nice wagons -

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-BMW-5-...5110%7Ciid%3A1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-BMW-5-....c100047.m2108

**m3 bavaria** · 10-23-2019, 01:50 AM

Mine is now for sale: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...5844-E39-540iT

**SCRSUVS** · 10-23-2019, 04:16 AM

"Its always something"...in the market for another 540iT wagon put on hold. My E61 had an oil leak thought with certainty it wasn't a bad fix. Oil filter housing leaking, 99% sure that was my problem fixing it thought id solved the issue. It was more serious. Crankcase leak was other 1/2 of the problem. Had to pull the motor...it was major. After getting past initial shock motor was pulled...own a BMW "Its always something"...changing red mirrors & rails to black, red grills to chrome, refinished wheels Hyper Satin...added Shadowline trim own a BMW...be prepared to be spending some $$$$...

New Wagon 011.JPG new refinished m5 color 016.jpg N54 Crankcase.jpg New trim painted bumper 007.JPG New trim painted bumper 002.JPG