1999 BMW 540i 97000 miles

[Little Nicky]

Hi Guys / Girls,

This is my first time in the BMW forum - I'm generally a TVR forum kind of Guy (see profile).

Anyhow........

I'm seriously thinking about getting a 1999 BMW 540i with 97000 miles on the clock and full service history, so I can keep my TVR out of the rain this winter.

As I know zip about this model - accept for the fact that it goes nearly as quick as my Chim, and will leak a LOT less, I need some input from the experts - YOU

Is there anything I should know.??

Are there any issues I should be aware of, or things I should look out for when I view the car.??

Thanks to you all in advance for your input - I owe you all a big

[Kinky]

Nicky,

There's plenty of discussion on the E39 540

And mostly positive too!

I'd have a read through the forum or search - there's plenty to read!

K

[eliot]

try to find a sport model, which (at least in my case) comes with the nice m-tec stuff big bumpers, kick panels, steering wheel, suspension.

[Denis O]

Little Nicky said:

Hi Guys / Girls,

This is my first time in the BMW forum - I'm generally a TVR forum kind of Guy (see profile).

Anyhow........

I'm seriously thinking about getting a 1999 BMW 540i with 97000 miles on the clock and full service history, so I can keep my TVR out of the rain this winter.

As I know zip about this model - accept for the fact that it goes nearly as quick as my Chim, and will leak a LOT less, I need some input from the experts - YOU

Is there anything I should know.??

I'm going through the same process at the moment although I'm looking for a touring to replace my Audi Avant. Just want something a little less dull as my weekday workhorse. So far I've found out the following:

1). Rear suspension is problematic around 70k. It's self leveling (could be touring only) and also bushes go saggy. Symptoms are jittery rear end when cornering. At 97k yours should have been done but check the invoices. £500 job if it hasn't.

2). LED's on the dash start to lose pixels. Replacement is expensive but there is a guy in Manchester who reckons he can fix 90% of time for about £100. If he can't fix he doesn't charge. You have to send him the unit but it's not difficult to remove evidentally. It can be a big problem if the total mileage drops out because the car will fail an MOT if the tester can't read the miles.

That seems to be the main problem areas although a couple of cars I enquired about have had rad replaced at around 80k. One had rad, expansion tank and hoses replaced.

Needs to have evidence of good maintenance and regular servicing as with any car. The V8 engine doesn't take kindly to being poorly looked after.

Very quick and very smooth and can be had for very little money in comparison to the original price of around £45k + extras.

Lot's of info on

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/index.php?sho

Good luck.

Are there any issues I should be aware of, or things I should look out for when I view the car.??

Thanks to you all in advance for your input - I owe you all a big