E39 540i, thoughts? Reliability?

[wilholl]

I own an e39 528i and im not happy at all to say that.

Sorry, about that! Mine has been driving pleasure to own. It has had a couple of issues but it has 249K miles and they have been easily taken care of.
You want to get rid of yours?

[MF DOOM]

personally, I would go for the e39 530i or 528i

I own an e39 528i and im not happy at all to say that.

[Dan_Wright]

I sold my 540 to buy my current e30.

My biggest gripe about the car is it's gearbox. I replaced the flywheel, clutch, and absolutely every associated part and it still felt like crap.
Not 100% sure whether it was my car specifically or that's just how they are. I'll probably try another one in future.

[dirtysix]

Ive owned an e39 540 sport for 10 years What a fucking pile of shit. It may be partially because I dont like newer vehicles but this thing is a maintenance hog. Never again. This was a CPO car with 11k on it when i got it. Its now got 120k and is over maintained. Its just not a good car
Id MUCH rather have a 6 cyl car

Sounds a lot like my touring...

[blunttech]

Why would you keep a car for 10 years and not or never liked it???? 10 years?? God dammit that's a long time.

Its my wifes car. She loves it. All she has to do is drive it.. Not maintain it. My wife will keep a car forever if its fast and comfortable. and in reality its cheaper to maintain than a new car payment. So that is why I still have it.
Im currently building her a car though so as soon as its done its going down the road

[dnguyen1963]

Why would you keep a car for 10 years and not or never liked it???? 10 years?? God dammit that's a long time.

Because he is addicted to car repair! Ahhh...the smell of oil!

[mrfeel1933]

Ive owned an e39 540 sport for 10 years What a fucking pile of shit. It may be partially because I dont like newer vehicles but this thing is a maintenance hog. Never again. This was a CPO car with 11k on it when i got it. Its now got 120k and is over maintained. Its just not a good car
Id MUCH rather have a 6 cyl car

Why would you keep a car for 10 years and not or never liked it???? 10 years?? God dammit that's a long time.

[wilholl]

personally, I would go for the e39 530i or 528i

[blunttech]

Ive owned an e39 540 sport for 10 years What a fucking pile of shit. It may be partially because I dont like newer vehicles but this thing is a maintenance hog. Never again. This was a CPO car with 11k on it when i got it. Its now got 120k and is over maintained. Its just not a good car
Id MUCH rather have a 6 cyl car

[mrfeel1933]

I have owned both cars. In the pass. 1998-2001 and 2004 land rover. I have own bmw s since the high school days that's 1980s for you youngsters.

Things you should know
Proper maintenance is key to both brands.
My 540 is sweet everywhere except in the snow. No lsd
300 hp and carry 4 people with no problems on long trips
I traded it in at 244k miles for my e60 m5. The only expensive repair was the timing chain at 150k miles it started to get loud.
The rover is a beast in the snow also luxurious to impress clients. Just watch out for the three amingos. That's when ABS/traction control and hill decent stop working all at once. A $4600 fix by dealer only.

I say go for the 540 just make sure the maintenance was done.

[mavrikno13764]

I have a 98 E39 540iA and I love it as a daily driver.
Quiet, comfortable and faster than my M3 around the streets.

Problems I have had in the 4 years of ownership:
1. FSU broke: $40? part to replace.
2. 3 Window Regulators went out. Bought replacements on ebay. Also bought the $13 reinforcement pieces some guys makes and haven't had to change them since.
3. Rear door locks got stuck on lock (I think this was the biggest PITA).
4. Power steering hose started to leak.

Bought the car with 64K miles in 2010 and it now has 120K in 2014.

Hope this helps!

[TopOfTheLine89]

Get a six speed 540i! Make sure all windows work.LIsten for chain rattle, looks for leaks and determine how fast its leaking. If one coil goes out replace all 8 and save yourself repeated frustration. Have your fun. Enjoy a 21mpg 286hp car, go 139 (limited some years) . Check engine light will be on constantly to no avail.Sell it after a year at a loss because of all the things wrong with it.

[jaywood]

That v8 e36 seems awfully cheap to me.

[brianf408]

Thanks for the input guys!

So far nothing that sounds too terrible about them. Leaks bug me, but then again the Rover in my driveway definitely proves "if there ain't oil under it, there ain't oil in it." I could replace seals every weekend on that vehicle and it would still leak. I do all of my own work unless there is something very specialized that I don't have the tools or ability for. The only thing my vehicles are usually in a shop for is to mount and balance tires, and get alignments.

I'm going to keep searching for a lower mileage example in good condition. I'm going to look at the black one with 220k on it this afternoon just to get a feel for what I can get at that price and mileage, but likely won't even consider purchasing unless it is exceptional for the price.

If I could find a 530i in a manual in my area, I would definitely consider it as well for a DD. The only options I have found are either VERY overpriced, or in an automatic.

An e34 M-sport 540i also popped up on Craigslist, but they want $13,500 for it. No thanks... not for a DD at least.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4661137431.html

Or if I really want a BMW with a v8, I could always buy this from my neighbor...

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4660556243.html

[Julien]

All the M62 does is take the fluids you put into it, and Disperse them all over your garage floor/driveway very rapidly.

These engines are going to leak oil, forever. They will always leak oil. No matter how many hours you spend replacing gaskets and lines and seals, It will leak. ANd then the valley pan gasket will go, so itll leak coolant AND oil everywhere.

And then they need timing chains eventually and I believe thats a 20+ hour job.

Stay the fuk away from a cheap 540i and just buy a M5. TRUST ME. Just get a 530i and be happy. I love E39s but wouldnt own a V8 one unless it was low mileage or WELL maintained.

fixed ;D