Looking to buy an 540IT

[naplesE30]

Hey all I am looking to buy a 2001-03 540it. Does anyone know of any trouble areas with these cars, or things to look for? Looking to spend around 12k.

[ZM Blue Devil]

Checkout the e39 section in bimmerfest, largest group that I know of and lots of good stickies.

Rear suspension, cooling, cluster led blanks seem to be what I recall.

I'm a big fan, sucks gas but the power, comfort and design is timeless.

[catchuk]

I like bmwtips com for my 540i, good bunch of guys there. The 540i has cooling system problems and control arms need to be done before 100k , the ABS module tends to go bad from the engine heat and its $300 to have it rebuilt. Valve covers always leak, and as the power steering hoses get old they leak at the resivoir. otherwise just like any other bmw. I always liked the 540it, maybe one day Ill trade in the sedan.

[naplesE30]

Ive noticed a few with around 70 -80k for sale, anything major known to go out around this mileage? Been looking at bimmerfest and bmwtips doing my research. How much do radiators and H2O pumps run? Are you happy with your 540i? Ive read some prob with vanos on 6cyl any problems with the v8? Looking to sell the wifes e90 328 and get a wagon so we have some ability to haul stuff, but am I asking for a lot of problems?

[kishg]

Ive noticed a few with around 70 -80k for sale, anything major known to go out around this mileage? Been looking at bimmerfest and bmwtips doing my research. How much do radiators and H2O pumps run? Are you happy with your 540i? Ive read some prob with vanos on 6cyl any problems with the v8? Looking to sell the wifes e90 328 and get a wagon so we have some ability to haul stuff, but am I asking for a lot of problems?

biggest issue is cooling system around 70k mark. try and find one that's been done already. then suspension and if auto, might start having issues post 100k. i have an 03' 6spd sedan and love it!!

[naplesE30]

Thanks for the info, any tell tale sign radiator or water pump is on the fritz other then leaking coolant, or that it has been taken care of?

[kishg]

Thanks for the info, any tell tale sign radiator or water pump is on the fritz other then leaking coolant, or that it has been taken care of?

well i'd ask for records.. if it hasn't been done, look for cracks starting in the plastic neck but after 70k its pretty much guaranteed going to blow.. budget 2-3k (if diying) on these maintenance items on a car with that mileage. negotiate that down in the asking price. like levent said, lurk in bfest e39 section. most of us are on there..

[naplesE30]

Thanks