BMW virgin E39 540 or 535?

[stf0202]

Hey guys, hope you can help, need some advice on a bmw. Currently have a chim but am selling for something roomier as got a brat on the way. Anyway am seriously thinking of getting an E39 540i or 535i. Is there a major difference between the two in terms of grunt? I know they are not tvr's and want to try something with a bit of luxury for a change.
Im looking for a 99 0r 2000, how much can i expect to pay and will i get one with 60 or so on the clock?
Will it be easy to find one with sat nav?
What kind of servicing costs and how often do they need servicing and what other costs do they incur?

Your help much appreciated guys.

[F355GTS]

Stf

I had 2 540's, a 97 and and 00 second one was a sport, both were autos

Early one needed a service every 8k or so, later one nearer 14k so might be worth getting the later model. Every other service is just a oil/ filiter so circa £130, bigger services were around £300.

Brilliant effortless drive but thirsty (ave 19mpg) and pretty dull to drive with no feel through steering.

No idea on prices I'm afraid

[sohlman]

535 approx 235bhp,
540 286bhp
if you get a manual 540 with the 6 speed you are looking at 5.9 to 60. These are quick cars. My advice would be to get a post 2000 model as you will get a facelift

[numbnuts]

I got a 540 sport manual superb car.1997
watch out for radiator leaks and rocker cover gaskets leaking into spark plug holes.

[pitsnow]

Hi

What about the 530d ? I had an E34 540 and currently have an E39 530 sport.
I did get a 530d twice from my BMW dealer when I serviced my car.
The diesel goes as well as my 530 sport! And they are more economical than the petrol cars. Might be worth a thought.
I would recommend you test-drive a E39 530d.

[julianhj]

pitsnow said:

Hi What about the 530d ? I had an E34 540 and currently have an E39 530 sport. I did get a 530d twice from my BMW dealer when I serviced my car. The diesel goes as well as my 530 sport! And they are more economical than the petrol cars. Might be worth a thought. I would recommend you test-drive a E39 530d.

530d's are suprisingly quick, used to love getting my hands on one in my last job.

[big_xavier]

540 brilliant car. I have a p reg steptronic does 25 mpg on avaerage, its fast and handles well, Have full m5 kit on it bumpers, wheels,rear spoiler, anti roll bar, stainless exhaust, angel eyes, sounds like a beast. Up for sale at the moment for £11,500 with only 56,000 miles on clock and 1 previous lord owner.
Theres a lot of high milers around., but they are half the cost of an M5.
£130 oil service
£400 service 2

[london gt3]

I have a Sep 2000 535i Sport Auto (facelift) with all the toys. Purchased new via contract hire who paid £40,000 against a list of £44,000. I purchased it last September for £14,500 with 61,000 miles. It has now done 73,500 miles and is still a great drive.

I have had a couple of minor electrical failures which are of course now out of warranty. The engine is sweet, but not really powerful. MPG is about 20 including commuting into London. The 540 has the 4.4 engine I believe and is appreciably quicker, especially on a manual box.

Great cars. Go with a Sport if you can, they just look a little bit different.

Good luck