e39 5 series

[borris-bear]

I am thinking of buying an E39 5 series specifically the 540i but wondered if anyone knew of a buyers guide out there somewhere? I found one on the total bmw mag site but it seems to focus on the 6 cylinder engines not the V8's.

I was also looking for some technical info of acceleration 0-60, in gear times etc just to compare the different models as maybe the 540 isnt much quicker that a 530 or 535 in the real world.

thanks

[off_again]

Take a look at Parkers.co.uk and look under the relevant section - they have all of the manufacturers technical details there. The figures are pretty accurate and the 540i is quite a bit quicker than the 535i / 530i. But, save for a few rare 6-speeders, all of the 535i's are auto and the vast majority of 540i's are auto only (steptronic). It has been discussed several times already, but comparing an auto 540i/535i to a manual 530i isnt exactly fair. It really depends on what you are looking for.

Want to swap cogs yourself - go for the 530i - its the better car with the lighter engine and the better steering. Dont mind an auto (and a really good one at that) and want a bit more of the waft then a 540i is the better car. But all V8's have a different steering system which take out some of the feel and accuracy of the 5. So drive both and see which you prefer.

The 530i is a post 2000 model (IIRC) and being the best of the range (on balance) they tend to be worth more. So it really does depend on your budget. A 530i and a 540i of the same age, mileage, condition and extras will find the 6 cylinder one worth more. Big engined motors do drop like a stone and this will continue during your ownership. That said, I bought a 535i based on a cracking price, package from the dealer and spec of car - but only because it was a good price.....

There are plenty about so you have your choice of which one. What ever you do though, get one with a good spec (no cloth seats) and preferably post-2000 with the face lift. They are easier to shift on and do look better than the earlier ones (which mine is one). Running costs are pretty similar with no known major weaknesses. However, the V8's do cost more to service but not by a massive amount. All of the other buying guides for the 6 cylinder models stand for the V8's though. Most problems are electrical, suspension or steering - which are all quite rare.... a cracking second-hand buy and recently voted best second-hand motor by What Car I believe!

[borris-bear]

Had a look on Parkers they only really show 0-60 times im interested in the in gear like 30-70 etc too but cant seem to find any figures anywhere.

good review on there though.

[luv griffs]

Get a 540 sport manual if you can find one, i've had mine 6 months and cant stop smiling, they really are that good.

[numbnuts]

Ive had the 540 6sp manual and a steptronic, the manual is simply excellant 0-60 is between 5.8 and 6 secs .

[colinrob]

Got a E39 540 touring auto replaced gearbox oil cooler, heater thermostat, cam sensor its a fantastic car (only cost £4000) will buy another when this one dies
Have you seen the vid on you tube with a 540 round nurunburg it shows how well they go

[silverback mike]

numbnuts said:

Ive had the 540 6sp manual and a steptronic, the manual is simply excellant 0-60 is between 5.8 and 6 secs .

I bought his steptronic. I agree with all the 540i sentiments, buy one.
(And thats from someone who has had 523's, a 528 and a 535i)

Fuel consumption is worse, granted, but not THAT much worse than a 528i but has lots more torque and well, everything really.

Check the water pump, other than usual stuff and you won't regret it.

The only downside which is minor is that the steering is a bit heavy and not as direct as the 528i.

[Retset]

Here is a vid of the 0-100mph in my 540iA Touring done with a degree of mechanical sympathy so if you time the 0 to anything then it's about 0.5 of a second off the manufacturers figures. Interesting thing to note is that 30-70 is about 5.5 seconds and that means fantastic overtaking performance.

I may have a very nice 540iA Tourer for sale soon so PM me if it interests you

[dcb]

off_again said:

get one with a good spec (no cloth seats)

We need someone to set up a FAQ - this question
comes up quite a bit.

AFAIK, this seems to be a four stage thing.

1. Cloth seats
2. Cloth with seat heaters
3. Leather
4. Leather with seat heaters

In my opinion, option three is worth avoiding.
Cold in winter, hot in summer.

The market seems to prefer options 3 and 4, however,
which will help resale value.

off_again said:

Running costs are pretty similar with no known major weaknesses. However, the V8's do cost more to service but not by a massive amount.

It also might be worth saying that the V8s are
about 6 mpg or so heavier on the juice than any of
the sixes. Probably partly the extra weight, partly
filling a couple of extra cylinders.

This will of course vary on driving style as well also.

[eliot]

dcb said:

It also might be worth saying that the V8s are
about 6 mpg or so heavier on the juice than any of
the sixes.

Oh what a suprise..