E39 540i

SHAINE

New member
Hi Guys

I need some advice and info on a 540i. I am planning to buy a E39 2002 540i with 100 000km on the odo. The vehicle has a FSH.
Please give some info on fuel consumption, reliability, general problems?
 

zaleonardz

Well-known member
So have you baught it yet..... if not... whats wrong with you :wave:

Kidding :)

Couple of issues, major concern being the gearbox.

But that engine is ROCK SOLID (in design of course, it depends how it was looked after)

at 100k on the clock, I would say this vehicle is a must grab, depending on the price...

Its an awesome motor vehicle, and everybody that has purchased one, has loved it to bits...

THere are also a few guys on here that knows the E39 (and particularly) the 540 very well, so your in good hands here..

 

SHAINE

New member
zaleonardz said:
So have you baught it yet..... if not... whats wrong with you :wave:

Kidding :)

Couple of issues, major concern being the gearbox.

But that engine is ROCK SOLID (in design of course, it depends how it was looked after)

at 100k on the clock, I would say this vehicle is a must grab, depending on the price...

Its an awesome motor vehicle, and everybody that has purchased one, has loved it to bits...

THere are also a few guys on here that knows the E39 (and particularly) the 540 very well, so your in good hands here..

Thanks for the reply. I am planning to buy it. You having me concerned when you mention gearbox!
The vehicle looks well looked after i must say. FSH with agents for what its worth. It sells for R100k. 2002 model. What do you think?
 

P1000

///Member
One day, I will also buy a car like that. At 100 000km, get a gearbox service from sparklight gearboxes, they are very good and affordable. Then the suspension parts might be due for replacement. Shocks maybe. Front traction arm bushes - most definitely. Then just basic maintenance items that might have been overlooked. But generally at 100kkm, the car has almost been run in. Don't hesitate, take it!.

Oh, and the headlight adjuster thinghies might be broken, so check them. (see if the headlight beams move if you adjust them from inside the car)

R100k! are you serious. Where is this car? If you don't take it...

That gearbox will give you trouble-free motoring for another 100kkm at the very least, so don't worry too much about it
 

E39 Ian

///Member
Fuel consumption is dependent on the lead in your foot...:thinker:

Round town 13.7L/100Km avg with aircon on (Car Magazine test 12.9)

Open road 9.9L/100km avg 160km/h with aircon on :thumbsup:

Please have the codes read prior to purchase...this is where the car will tell you if there are any hassles

Best car you will ever buy!! :)
 

Gregmeister

Member
A 2002 with 100Kkm's for 100k sounds like a good deal. Also get a printout of the motorplan from BMW and check what has and has not been done one the car so far. If the cooling system, for example, has not been done (ie. new radiator and water-pump), then BUDGET for it, because you will need to have that seen to in the not too distant future. Also check the M-plan for accident repair, but also scrutinize yourself to check the car is clean.

I did a quick search on Autotrader and found a comparative car @ 100Kkm for R130k http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/cars_advert?id=201049187289785

Seems these car's prices, even the 530D's are reaching that point where Trade/ Retail values mean very little as the prices are all over the show. Ownership is a very rewarding experience, but these cars need to serviced regularly and kept an eye on. They are complex and tolerances very small. But that's why they are such great cars to drive.
 

P1000

///Member
Word of warning though, these cars get clocked often, so it is best to have someone who really knows these cars to check for signs that the car has done more miles than claimed (Best clue is steering wheel and seats. Next best is headlights and bonnet, but they are easy to fix and hide the age.)
 
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