Discussion
As you can tell from my username I like V8s! Unfortunately I haven't owned one since I sold my Monaro about 3 years ago. I've been having thoughts about another for a while, but couldn't decide what I wanted - all I knew is that it needed to be cheap. But last week a a 2000 blue 540i saloon was finishing on Ebay at a fairly low price. I hadn't viewed the car, or even asked any questions and TBH I didn't really want a saloon, but chucked in a low bid anyway and to my suprise I won it! Collected it today, and love it.
The last auto I had was a Montego GSi... so although the 540 auto doesn't have a great reputation, when mated to the 4.4 V8 I reckon it feels just about right. The silky smooth and torquey engine works well the lazy gearbox. The sport and manual modes allow you to drive a bit more enthusiastically when required, but it's quite nice just cruising around in what feels like a comfy armchair. It's also got S-EDC which allows you to firm up the suspension as required - makes it quite hard, but might be useful on a more spirited drive.
BUT it was cheap, so not perfect. So far I've got the following list of issues:
-probably needs an oil service
-cam cover gaskets weeping
-at least 2 tyres required
-intermittant ABS light (has gone off now)
-leaking rear brake pipe
-condensation in 1 rear light lens
-cloudy headlight lenses
-obsolete sat nav/TV/tape deck/radio (althought it does still work)
OK, I'm being picky on some of those points, but the brakes need to be sorted before driving it again and the suspension concerns me. My head's telling me sort the brakes, so it's safe, and then bung it back on Ebay, but my heart says jump in and enjoy wafting around in V8 luxury. Certainly beats the 1.6 Focus it should be replacing!!
Anyway, lets have some pictures for now whilst I decide what to do:
The last auto I had was a Montego GSi... so although the 540 auto doesn't have a great reputation, when mated to the 4.4 V8 I reckon it feels just about right. The silky smooth and torquey engine works well the lazy gearbox. The sport and manual modes allow you to drive a bit more enthusiastically when required, but it's quite nice just cruising around in what feels like a comfy armchair. It's also got S-EDC which allows you to firm up the suspension as required - makes it quite hard, but might be useful on a more spirited drive.
BUT it was cheap, so not perfect. So far I've got the following list of issues:
-probably needs an oil service
-cam cover gaskets weeping
-at least 2 tyres required
-intermittant ABS light (has gone off now)
-leaking rear brake pipe
-condensation in 1 rear light lens
-cloudy headlight lenses
-obsolete sat nav/TV/tape deck/radio (althought it does still work)
OK, I'm being picky on some of those points, but the brakes need to be sorted before driving it again and the suspension concerns me. My head's telling me sort the brakes, so it's safe, and then bung it back on Ebay, but my heart says jump in and enjoy wafting around in V8 luxury. Certainly beats the 1.6 Focus it should be replacing!!
Anyway, lets have some pictures for now whilst I decide what to do:
Edited by CarlosV8 on Wednesday 10th August 21:38
Not quite shed money, but not far off.
Will definitely get the brakes sorted first. Don't fancy doing that on the driveway so will take it down to a local garage and get them to give the suspension a once over too. I'd like to keep it but don't want to throw loads of money at it, I've got a 205 GTI for that!
Will definitely get the brakes sorted first. Don't fancy doing that on the driveway so will take it down to a local garage and get them to give the suspension a once over too. I'd like to keep it but don't want to throw loads of money at it, I've got a 205 GTI for that!
I have two 540,s both touring I am selling one but don't think I will every not own a 540 lovely and comfortable quite quick and apart from the cost of fuel cheap to run, I bought my first one about 7 years ago sold it after 4 years after 3 months realised that I need another not been without one since
colinrob said:
I have two 540,s both touring I am selling one but don't think I will every not own a 540 lovely and comfortable quite quick and apart from the cost of fuel cheap to run, I bought my first one about 7 years ago sold it after 4 years after 3 months realised that I need another not been without one since
Is there an advert for it anywhere?Oil service on these is unbelievably easy - filter is a replacable element in the big round housing right in front of you with the 32mm hex on top (top loaded) with bonnet open; the engine undershield has a 'door' in it to allow access to drain plug. Child's play, you just need about 7litres of oil. Resetting oil service light is simlarly too-easy...
'Rattley over bumps' is very likely to be just the front antiroll bar drop links - again, easy job these are only £10-12 ea at GSF or ECP and two nuts to undo per side. Worth doing at the age these cars are at anyway.
If that alone doesnt fix it ,get an indy to look at bushes on the rear beam - the parts aren't expensive, just you need teh ability to lift teh car to fit. If once you have braking sorted it shimmys had under braking in the range 50-70mph, then front thrust arms (just replace - Lemforder or Meyle parts) - not worth swapping the bushes alone and keeiping the arms.
Incidentally, GSF seesm to be offereing 40-42% off most w/ends this year on parts if you are on their mailing list ...
Great shed - these are very 'complete' allrounders as cars go; fix it well, enjoy it for years yet.
'Rattley over bumps' is very likely to be just the front antiroll bar drop links - again, easy job these are only £10-12 ea at GSF or ECP and two nuts to undo per side. Worth doing at the age these cars are at anyway.
If that alone doesnt fix it ,get an indy to look at bushes on the rear beam - the parts aren't expensive, just you need teh ability to lift teh car to fit. If once you have braking sorted it shimmys had under braking in the range 50-70mph, then front thrust arms (just replace - Lemforder or Meyle parts) - not worth swapping the bushes alone and keeiping the arms.
Incidentally, GSF seesm to be offereing 40-42% off most w/ends this year on parts if you are on their mailing list ...
Great shed - these are very 'complete' allrounders as cars go; fix it well, enjoy it for years yet.
Edited by Huff on Saturday 25th June 00:16
While it's charging, lift that great lump out and check the date code that'll be stamped into the battery case somewhere - it might be toast anyway.
I had similar with my E34 540, and found the battery was over nine years old; not entirely a surprise. However, lugging its replacement a mile across town on foot ..!
(Fortunately my e39 can stand 3weeks and restart without issues...)
I had similar with my E34 540, and found the battery was over nine years old; not entirely a surprise. However, lugging its replacement a mile across town on foot ..!
(Fortunately my e39 can stand 3weeks and restart without issues...)
Meanwhile - if you don't have similar already: cheap diagnostics - buy an EML327 based OBD2 to wifi (or bluetooth, for android etc) interface, and a compatible bit of software for your phone.
I settled on an 'LYL ELM327 WiFi unit off Amazon, and DashCommand (apple store app) for iPhone/ipad - total cost, about 22quid. It gives you access to a whole load of real time data, logged and pending EML codes etc (and lets you clear them!); and DashCommand allows you to make up custom gauges to keep an eye on things, such as ignition timing or colant temp or battery voltage in real time - some of many parameters you can watch.
Terrific functionality for a low price, and will work on any post 2001-car with an OBD2 port, not just this one
I settled on an 'LYL ELM327 WiFi unit off Amazon, and DashCommand (apple store app) for iPhone/ipad - total cost, about 22quid. It gives you access to a whole load of real time data, logged and pending EML codes etc (and lets you clear them!); and DashCommand allows you to make up custom gauges to keep an eye on things, such as ignition timing or colant temp or battery voltage in real time - some of many parameters you can watch.
Terrific functionality for a low price, and will work on any post 2001-car with an OBD2 port, not just this one
Huff said:
Meanwhile - if you don't have similar already: cheap diagnostics - buy an EML327 based OBD2 to wifi (or bluetooth, for android etc) interface, and a compatible bit of software for your phone.
Sorry only just seen this. Luckily I had these bits from a previous car (Monaro I think) - an Ebay special Bluetooth reader and Torque on my phone. Works OK and gives me one fault code regarding a cam position sensor - something else for the list. I'm guessing it can't read all the codes though as it showed nothing regarding the intermittent ABS light.After a charge with my new battery charger I've been monitoring electrickery leakage. Once the car goes to sleep after 16 mins there was a 0.11a draw, but that reduces to 0.04a when removing the trailer light fuse (now permanently removed) which is about right. After 48hrs of sitting the voltage drops from 12.8v to 12.0v. Doesn't really explain the initial dead battery last week, but we'll see how it goes. Oh, and during these tests the monitor/tv stopped working.
In other news it looks like the brake pipes are going to seriously hurt the wallet. Local Indy reckons fuel tank and axle need to be dropped. Seeing a BMW specialist this week to see if he can do anything clever to replace them.
So, booked in with a local specialist to get the brake pipes replaced. Didn't fancy dropping the rear axle on my drive! That's getting done in about 3 weeks time, so unfortunately I can't really drive the car till then which is a pain. At least there's a V8 on the drive again though
Plus, I've been acquiring a few other parts to try and start reducing the To Do List. First of all oil and filter as I'm not sure when that was done last. Ordered online for a good price and went to change it today....
...or maybe not!! Not a lot going right so far!
Today I've picked up a spare set of wheels, which will allow me to swap out the 2 knackered rear tyres. I've also ordered a cam cover gasket set and a couple of front ARB drop links.
On the plus side I changed a rear sidelight bulb which as stopped the annoying warning beeps/messages. Yay for me!
Hopefully we'll be on the road by mid August...
Plus, I've been acquiring a few other parts to try and start reducing the To Do List. First of all oil and filter as I'm not sure when that was done last. Ordered online for a good price and went to change it today....
...or maybe not!! Not a lot going right so far!
Today I've picked up a spare set of wheels, which will allow me to swap out the 2 knackered rear tyres. I've also ordered a cam cover gasket set and a couple of front ARB drop links.
On the plus side I changed a rear sidelight bulb which as stopped the annoying warning beeps/messages. Yay for me!
Hopefully we'll be on the road by mid August...
Edited by CarlosV8 on Wednesday 10th August 21:39
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff