Im thinking of getting a 535 or 540 v8. Does anyone have any opions on them, I have read about cooling problems but im more worried that these cars are big money for repairs or is it more a case of using specialist garages rather than main dealers..Any opions appreciated
From all the reading ive done on E39's over the years I always remember people saying to stay away from the 535i's... Id be goin 540 everytime anyways, what an engine!
Mate has a 735i. I imagine same engine basically, his has a full service history and its been well maintained but the spray bars for one of the cams blocked and its now worn and misfires. Common problem apparently. Rocker gaskets need done too and they aren't cheap. No idea about the 4.0s. They are definitely a lot if car for the money now.
Heard some say about Head Gaskets, but generally the V8 is trouble free A prefacelift one (up to 1999) maybe suffer from Nikasili problems, but these should of been done under warrenty by BMW Just look for one thats had money spent on it over the years, esp as mentioned, to do with the cooling
While on the topic of E39 540i's, be prepared to drool over this bad boy... http://www.iagmotors.com/carpages/2003-BMW-540i-For-Sale.htm
Having worked my way through more E39s than Bavarian......I would stay clear of the 535! It's a stupid engine with only 10ish BHP over the 530 petrol and a bucket load of silly issues.... The 540 will bankrupt you near as much a an M5! My order of best would be as follows: 1. M5 2. 530d M 3. 525 M 4. 530 M 5. 528 M (fantastic engine) 6. 540 M .. 100. 535 M You get the idea!
Aye, but at least they exist here unlike the above lol even a nicely spec'd non individual.....you'd get change outta 10 grand.....easily
Yeh, i dont think ive ever seen a factory white E39 Sport or M5 here. Defo aren't many if there is What im really after is a decent milage E39 530i Champagne with heated seats. That'll be my DD and then a nice E46 M3 for the weekend hehe
540s were the best selling model in the states....they are everywhere out there in amazing specs! And cheap
They did sell them in the Uk and continue to do so this model........just almost non existent in an E39......I have never came across one
They never sold them in E39 form Used the early 320d 4 cyl engine (136bhp) BMW made more 540i's and than 520d's in that shape What you really want though, is an Alpina D10 Touring, super rare!
It's not on Parkers guide but they were made and sold..... There are plenty of reviews of them and other videos... Never seen one myself
I have a 540i. Averaged 22 mpg since I got it 18 months ago with a lot of short trips. No complaints from me. Other than 1 coolant hose bursting which cost £20 to replace I've had no problems. Aside from basic servicing obviously. Get one, fantastic machine. Edit- as far as I know all e39s (petrol ones anyway) can suffer from coolant issues like thermostats expansion tanks and radiators etc.
Thats Pretty impressive, I expected 15-18mpg, if you are after a manual one they are hard come by.. I have an E39 540i in the garage for building into a project, but ive never run it on the road to find out figures.. If you had any terminal engine trouble/ Vanos or nickosol plating issues tho you can buy an engine complete for about £400 from a 7series.