Bmw E39

[bcate3]

BMWs are in the SF air. I'm looking at an '01 540i Sport, manual, with less than 50K miles. Any comments or intel on problem areas, ownership experience or web resources would be greatly appreciated.

 

[micbain]

I have no intel on it - but just wanted to say that is my favorite 5-series of all time. Such a sweet looking car.

 

[imageWIS]

Arguably the best looking sedan BMW ever made. If you can find one in excellent condition, it's really worth it. Be forewarned though, it's expensive to fix...not used Ferrari level, but expensive nonetheless.

Jon.

 

[Brad]

Originally Posted by micbain

I have no intel on it - but just wanted to say that is my favorite 5-series of all time. Such a sweet looking car.

I totally agree. That is an awesome body style. I think I want to pick up an E39 M5with low miles in a few years.

 

[DNW]

+1 to what's already been said. The E39 540i 6-speed is one of my favorite BMWs ever made. It's an extremely balanced and wellfooted car. If I need a 4-door and sporty car, it'd be on my very short list.

The maintenance is expensive, but no really less than for other BMWs. The 5-series are fairly reliable cars, but like all BMWs, they cost money to run. As far as luxury cars are concern, though, they don't cost more than what the other brands cost to maintain.

 

[micbain]

Just for the hell of it...

 

[whallyden]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Arguably the best looking sedan BMW ever made...Be forewarned though, it's expensive to fix

x2

FWIW, I think I've read the high(er) strung motor in M5 of the same vintage has been less reliable over time.

 

[micbain]

Originally Posted by whallyden

x2

FWIW, I think I've read the high(er) strung motor in M5 of the same vintage has been less reliable over time.


but its soooo sweet - just look at it!!

I think with some of the older BMW's - they maybe more suitable for driving evenings/weekends rather than every day to and from work. I think if they're properly maintained they'd do a great job in this role.

 

[JayJay]

This is a gorgeous body style that I still enjoy seeing on the highway. The e39 M5 is phenomenal.

I've had two 5 series and put over 230,000 miles on the last one I owned.

 

[Brian278]

I will agree with all that's been said here---the E39 is an all-time great sedan, just a phenomenally well-engineered machine in nearly every version they made it. The E39 M5 is and will always be one of my favorite cars of all time.

 

[audiophilia]

Gorgeous! CPO or private sale?

 

[Recoil]

540i is an excellent automobile. I'm looking at an E36 M3 myself, my favorite M3 and growing rarer by the day.

 

[grabarz]

yeah, M3 is old, but it has a real spirit. I'm looking for this model too.

 

[WestIndianArchie]

I've got an 02 e39 540i

Issues

e39 specific
- Radiator needs replacing @ 50/75K - ~700 with parts and labor in DC

- The rain channel gets clogged, so if you don't clean them out rain water will travel into the floor area of your rear seats

- The nose sits kinda low, and you'll notice that the rubber underneath the bumper will hang off (you see it on a lot of other cars)

- 18 mpg in the city

- it's wickedly fast. 3 tickets in 1 a year.

- My insurance more than doubled , the 540 is a sports car, but the other 5 series are not. (prior to the tickets)

- the way the windows are seated in the doors, I think it leads to rattle. Some piece in the assembly wears out fast.

bmw general
- the electronics - pixels disappear and reappear

- oil changes are 1nce a year (per the manual and dealership) 6X as much the civic ex that it replaced (yeah law school) - 120

Great car, but it's really wasted living here. I drive on the weekends, and very rarely over 75. (DMV is a police state)

 

[Tastethesoup]

Have you driven it? I'd say get it! You won't be sorry.

I bought a manual 540i last year and am glad I made the purchase (from a E34 525).
If it's the one in the picture, its already got the angel eye headlights, m-tech kit, and m parallel rims that people in pre 2001 5-series spend big money to get.

As far as resources, you can check out bimmerfest.com and bimmerforums.com.. They each have dedicated e39 sub-forums. And, Roadfly (http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e39/) is a good source for mechanical information.