Considering an E39 540i - Advice needed

[OppositeLockMT]

So a rare opportunity presented itself today, I've found an E39 540i at a used car lot that looks like it's it pretty good knick after giving it a thorough visual inspection. It's a 1998-11-23 Beige-ish (?) M62/TU with sand beige interior and has 103800kms on the clock. It's going for $13,000US which is roughly about ZAR120,000 - considering the fact that the import tax in Malawi is stratospherically high (upwards of 60%), it's an utter bargain.

I've looked up the Vin, apparently it has an "M-Sports Suspension", never thought that was an option back then.

Saying that I'm tempted would be an understatement, I've always wanted a 540i in my driveway. It would be great to have as a weekend car and keep my E46 for weekdays - I'm a bit put off by its high fuel consumption though, but as it wouldn't be a daily driver it shouldn't be much of an issue.

Pictures:












If I do decide to pull the trigger I will drive down to SA to give it a bit of a makeover. This is where I would need a bit of help, I can't take the car all the way down to CT so Automobil Concierge wouldn't be an option, but boy do I wish it was. I'm sure you guys can let me know of my alternative options with Gauteng.

Here's a list of what I would like to be done:

- LCI Front & Rear Bumpers (Non M-Sport)
- LCI Lights All round
- Glass Sunroof Install - Car already has a Non Glass Sunroof
- Light Performance Mods (this I would need serious help with)
- Performance exhaust + Protruding Twin Tailpipes (open to advice)
- Window Tinting
- Paintwork needs slight attention
- Interior needs a thorough clean up

I don't mind the rims that are on the car at the moment, but I would be open to alternatives.

I've also noticed the tractions control system is faulty, I'm sure that can be sorted easily.

Would love it if I could get a basic idea of what all that would cost, would really help me make a decision.

Thanks :thumbs:

MT

 

[S1NGH 001]

Low mileage, get that verified buddy

 

[OppositeLockMT]

It's legitimate. Being sold by the previous owner of the BMW franchise licence here, genuine kilos - service records are there as well. One owner vehicle.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

:fencelook:

 

[RAArmstrong]

Do it!

 

[herr bmw]

its a good car,kilos are low,but fuel consumption will be higher than your e46,maintiance as well,should be higher.

its a tough call,if it was me i would buy it,if my e90 was paid for and it was a weekend toy,and down here in sa we have good highways to go for a cruise at midnight

 

[badaz87]

DOOOOOO EEEEEEEEET!!!!!
:thumbs:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

We have roads full potholes and the odd highway here and there, no speed limit enforcement though :rollsmile:

Maybe I should get something a little more compact as a weekend toy. Choices choices....

 

[bmwforlife]

Every BMW fan should own an E39 at sometime in their journey these cars were justifiably the best cars in their class in the world at one time and made the offerings from Mercedes and Audi look like poor imitations .

If you are looking for a great ride a perfectly balanced chassis coupled to effortless power then this is the car for you .

In my opinion the best five series ever and I have owned a F10 and E60 fives .

If you get one in good nick buy it you will remember this car 20 years on when any E46 is but a dull memory

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Doooooo eeeeet

I agree 100% with bmwforlife. Its been one of my dream cars as well.

 

[S1NGH 001]

Every BMW fan should own an E39 at sometime in their journey these cars were justifiably the best cars in their class in the world at one time and made the offerings from Mercedes and Audi look like poor imitations .

If you are looking for a great ride a perfectly balanced chassis coupled to effortless power then this is the car for you .

In my opinion the best five series ever and I have owned a F10 and E60 fives .

If you get one in good nick buy it you will remember this car 20 years on when any E46 is but a dull memory

+1000000000000:thumbs:

 

[Gregmeister]

Every BMW fan should own an E39 at sometime in their journey these cars were justifiably the best cars in their class in the world at one time and made the offerings from Mercedes and Audi look like poor imitations .

If you are looking for a great ride a perfectly balanced chassis coupled to effortless power then this is the car for you .

In my opinion the best five series ever and I have owned a F10 and E60 fives .

If you get one in good nick buy it you will remember this car 20 years on when any E46 is but a dull memory

The truth be told!! :thumbs:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I actually had an E39 before my 328i. It was a manual Alpine White 520i, was pretty slow but it was bulletproof.



How difficult would it be to get M-Sport bumpers for the E39?

 

[Dhp507]

depends if its OE you can try the scrapyards OR go aftermarket. There are a couple of places doing this.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

I am looking for OEM bumpers, would they be available at the stealers?

 

[S1NGH 001]

They definitely available from the dealers, bare in mine the prices will be way out :fencelook:

 

[Dhp507]

They definitely available from the dealers, bare in mine the prices will be way out :fencelook:

Hence I didnt mention them :thumbdo: With those prices you could import a kit

 

[OppositeLockMT]

How much would I be looking at from the stealers? :fencelook: What's a viable alternative?