Ok so I wanna sell my car to buy an e39

[catchuk]

Ive had an e39 540i with a 6 speed for 5 years now, The biggest problem is the cooling system as already meantioned, valvecover gaskets, the head mechanic at my dealer said its because of the crappy material that the covers are made of, he said it becomes porous after a while. Also I dont think any one mentioned the milage, I get 20 mpg averaged.

Now the good, Its not slow by anymeans, 0-60 os 5.8 seconds, I have koni adjustables in mine and it really handles well for a car that weighs 4000lbs. Take one for a test drive, you'll love the torque.

Here's what really makes mine smile,


I love the way they sound with an exahaust.

[Fidhle007]

As a current e39 Touring and e30 owner, I'd say that its all relative. The right car (well maintained) may cost you around $10-12K. My touring is a 2000 528 and I paid $10K in 2006 for it. The double vanos can be a pain but can be dealt with, and the only other issue is the ABS modules crap out due to the heat under the hood...thats roughly a $325 bill just to have rebuilt.

All in all, you'll love the e39, and its a perfect partner to the e30.

The only other issue you'll certainly have to deal with is the radiator failure...plastic parts FTL :)

The OP was asking about a 540i which has whole new issues unto itself. For general E39 issues you also forgot to mention heater cores, self-leveling suspension, MAF issues and all the usual suspension wear parts that are twice as hard to get to on an E39 than most other BMWs...

[Jean]

M5 or GTFO

LOL... one very EXPENSIVE car to use as a DD.

[D_ALPINE_M]

The 540 is a good car very fast once it gets going. I knew this guy who had one and we would always race when I had my e36 M3. Needless to say I beat him a couple of times. But good choice none the less. Also I would get the wagon instead. I have always loved them!

[rThor432]

it is normal to have chatter on start up/chatter in general

Are you referring to the engine chatter? It is only normal on a low-maintenance car. Make sure you have the right oil filter. Between the different oil filter manufacturers there is a height difference and at least one (Bosch comes to mind..)does not press keep the oil return button in the filter housing depressed fully. When you cut the car off the oil will leak down, and the system has to build up oil in the housing each time you start it up. These buttons also stick if the oil system gets gummed up, though they usually stick closed.

Your timing chain tensioners might not be holding pressure as well, that can contribute to a nice rattle.

Try running some oil additive for 500 miles or so then change the oil. Marvel Mystery is my preference. Check the filter for sludge afterwards.

The valve cover gaskets should be the least of your worries haha. Have you inspected the timing cover gaskets for leaks yet :)?

[E30 Cabrio]

OK... I need a family car now so i wont be hammering on it all the time. But I still need something to have fun in.


Im interested in these: the wagon is preferd

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/1107145959.html

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/1102761844.html

From the 2nd link, Fail:

[ArborAnosmic]

arnt those wheels super rare or something? nardi?

[rThor432]

arnt those wheels super rare or something? nardi?

Nope. Just one of the wheels that came on E39 5'ers.

[Eric Giles]

LOL... one very EXPENSIVE car to use as a DD.

But it makes for one great daily driver though! I alternate between DD'ing my E30 325is and my M5 every few weeks. It's amazing how well a 400HP beast of a car can be so comfortable, docile and unassuming to drive around town-but nail the throttle and it's just amazing. I have had mine for over a year now and I am still amazed at the acceleration and performance it has-as well has handling extremely well for such a large car, yet riding very comfortably.

The E39 is a great car, but parts prices are more expensive. If the OP can handle that, then I say go for it.

[Scarlet_Pimpernel]

My mom used to DD a 98 540 six speed... all i gotta say is.. i really miss that car. one of the best cars my mom had. besides her s8..

[Ben Carufel]

The OP was asking about a 540i which has whole new issues unto itself. For general E39 issues you also forgot to mention heater cores, self-leveling suspension, MAF issues and all the usual suspension wear parts that are twice as hard to get to on an E39 than most other BMWs...

Let's not forget the cyclone separate, DISA valve, etc. etc.

At higher mileages, even the E39 528's can become maintenance intensive.

[Fidhle007]

From the 2nd link, Fail:

Wow, those brakes are fucked.

[VacMan]

Buy an E34 540/6. Cheaper entry costs and better build quality, IMO. I had an E39 and now I have an E34. True the M5 is handbuilt, but the E39 had plastic everywhere and even with a grip of preventative maintenance it was still spendy to drive. An E34 540/6 is going to be an enthusiast car and finding one in great shape will be easier in your price range.

[oekundar]

Buy an E34 540/6. Cheaper entry costs and better build quality, IMO. I had an E39 and now I have an E34. True the M5 is handbuilt, but the E39 had plastic everywhere and even with a grip of preventative maintenance it was still spendy to drive. An E34 540/6 is going to be an enthusiast car and finding one in great shape will be easier in your price range.

I didn't know you sold out the e39s...LOL...but I agree with you and Ben's comments...my touring is just so versatile, and e34 tourings don't quite tickle me, but sedans....:drool