E39 535/540 - any major issues ?
Discussion
Considering an early 535 or 540. I know the 540 is the obvious choice but I think general condition/history is going to be a more important factor than power.
I guess diff and auto gearbox oil will need changing but is there anything else to look for on either car ?
Has anybody driven an XJ8 as well as a 540 ?
I guess diff and auto gearbox oil will need changing but is there anything else to look for on either car ?
Has anybody driven an XJ8 as well as a 540 ?
HRG. said:
If it's the same as the 528 then the cooling system is weak. The rads are plastic and can split with repeated heat cycles. That said, it's still under £200 for a new rad and water pump.
Thanks, sounds like a sensible move. I'd probably replace the coolant anyway so will add those to the list.Drove a 535 tonight and very nice but two issues.
Firstly, it was a bit soft, felt very softly sprung and under damped. Could be the mileage but the owner said that's how they are. Wasn't a sport model.
Secondly all four doors rattled when going over bumps, could have been the door locks or the or rubbers squeaking. Is this a common problem ? The rest of the car was silent, no knocks or rattles at all except the doors.
The first issue I can ignore as it's not a sports car but the second would drive me nuts - hs anybody here fixed such a rattle problem ?
Firstly, it was a bit soft, felt very softly sprung and under damped. Could be the mileage but the owner said that's how they are. Wasn't a sport model.
Secondly all four doors rattled when going over bumps, could have been the door locks or the or rubbers squeaking. Is this a common problem ? The rest of the car was silent, no knocks or rattles at all except the doors.
The first issue I can ignore as it's not a sports car but the second would drive me nuts - hs anybody here fixed such a rattle problem ?
Busa_Rush said:
Drove a 535 tonight and very nice but two issues.
Firstly, it was a bit soft, felt very softly sprung and under damped. Could be the mileage but the owner said that's how they are. Wasn't a sport model.
Secondly all four doors rattled when going over bumps, could have been the door locks or the or rubbers squeaking. Is this a common problem ? The rest of the car was silent, no knocks or rattles at all except the doors.
The first issue I can ignore as it's not a sports car but the second would drive me nuts - hs anybody here fixed such a rattle problem ?
Door and infact the whole car should feel solid and almost silent. Maybe they have been apart for repairs and badly put back together. Walk away IMO.Firstly, it was a bit soft, felt very softly sprung and under damped. Could be the mileage but the owner said that's how they are. Wasn't a sport model.
Secondly all four doors rattled when going over bumps, could have been the door locks or the or rubbers squeaking. Is this a common problem ? The rest of the car was silent, no knocks or rattles at all except the doors.
The first issue I can ignore as it's not a sports car but the second would drive me nuts - hs anybody here fixed such a rattle problem ?
Try a sport model out - they look much better.
Cooling system is frankly garbage - replace the rad, thermostat & pump.
dcb said:
Busa_Rush said:
Has anybody driven an XJ8 as well as a 540 ?
Nearly. My 530's predecessor was an XJ8.Check my profile for more.
What would you like to know ?
The door 'rattle' is in fact the door frame rubbing against the seal and is usually more of a creaking sound. BMW use a lubricant on the door rubber to cure it but this is only temporary. Usually a new door seal will sort the problem - or you can just squirt the seals with a silicon lubricant once every few weeks.
My previous 528 was an SE model and much more softly sprung than the Sport models. It was more comfortable, but didn't handle so well compared to the 535 Sport I now own, even though there is more weight due to the heavier engine and the fact it has the recirculating ball steering system the V8's are blessed with.
My previous 528 was an SE model and much more softly sprung than the Sport models. It was more comfortable, but didn't handle so well compared to the 535 Sport I now own, even though there is more weight due to the heavier engine and the fact it has the recirculating ball steering system the V8's are blessed with.
Edited by 58warren on Thursday 8th October 21:16
I've had loads of agro with my 535i.
Most recently I had to change the top rad hose of which the plastic push-fit part was on the verge of exploding, when I gently pulled it off to fit the new one, it simply snapped off in my hand like a carrot
The replacement hose from BMW was only £30 though and a five min job to fit. Look for a whitish residue around coolant pipes and signs of the plastic fittings going brown (should be black)
Check the A/C works as the condensers (in front of the rad) are prone to leaking, look for an oily stain just behind the fan when you open the bonnet (front-most fan)
All doors should lock all of the time, actuators commonly fail.
If you get a V8 (M62) built after Nov. 98, it will have Vanos. Listen to it idle, if sounds a bit like a diesel then it's not a massive problem but the noise can get on your tits.
And yes unless it is a 'Sport' it will feel soft.
Most recently I had to change the top rad hose of which the plastic push-fit part was on the verge of exploding, when I gently pulled it off to fit the new one, it simply snapped off in my hand like a carrot
The replacement hose from BMW was only £30 though and a five min job to fit. Look for a whitish residue around coolant pipes and signs of the plastic fittings going brown (should be black)
Check the A/C works as the condensers (in front of the rad) are prone to leaking, look for an oily stain just behind the fan when you open the bonnet (front-most fan)
All doors should lock all of the time, actuators commonly fail.
If you get a V8 (M62) built after Nov. 98, it will have Vanos. Listen to it idle, if sounds a bit like a diesel then it's not a massive problem but the noise can get on your tits.
And yes unless it is a 'Sport' it will feel soft.
58warren said:
The door 'rattle' is in fact the door frame rubbing against the seal and is usually more of a creaking sound. BMW use a lubricant on the door rubber to cure it but this is only temporary. Usually a new door seal will sort the problem - or you can just squirt the seals with a silicon lubricant once every few weeks.
Yes - this is a very common E39 issue. Mine has it and I cant seem to fix it. Exactly where do you spray the silicon lubricant?Fox- said:
58warren said:
The door 'rattle' is in fact the door frame rubbing against the seal and is usually more of a creaking sound. BMW use a lubricant on the door rubber to cure it but this is only temporary. Usually a new door seal will sort the problem - or you can just squirt the seals with a silicon lubricant once every few weeks.
Yes - this is a very common E39 issue. Mine has it and I cant seem to fix it. Exactly where do you spray the silicon lubricant?
Busa_Rush said:
Thanks, is there much difference in running costs ?
Yes - my XJ8 was way more expensive for fuel and servicebills and repair costs than my 530.
Busa_Rush said:
Which was the most sporting with the best handling ?
The 530 by a long way. Get the sports suspension if youwant it even firmer.
The XJ8 wafted - it wasn't sporty.
This is to say nothing of the sports suspensions available
for both cars.
Hoping this doesn't breach rules as I'm replying to the fact you're looking for a car.
Looking to sell my X reg 540iA sport if you're interested - FSH, loving cared for (previous owner also a forum member with an E38 and TVR) and in great condition. It's a facelift with angels eyes and the helix LED rear lights, sat nav/TV, 6CD electric memory seats, phone kit and the original supplied phone, cruise control, electric sunroof, silver with grey leather. 78,000 miles and I'm the 3rd owner from new.(might be 4th but sure it's 3rd)
Recently had new alternator, all cooling bits, hedgehog etc., all done. 11months MOT and 6 months tax
Want £5500 for it. I'll get it on PH classifieds in next week or so...
Looking to sell my X reg 540iA sport if you're interested - FSH, loving cared for (previous owner also a forum member with an E38 and TVR) and in great condition. It's a facelift with angels eyes and the helix LED rear lights, sat nav/TV, 6CD electric memory seats, phone kit and the original supplied phone, cruise control, electric sunroof, silver with grey leather. 78,000 miles and I'm the 3rd owner from new.(might be 4th but sure it's 3rd)
Recently had new alternator, all cooling bits, hedgehog etc., all done. 11months MOT and 6 months tax
Want £5500 for it. I'll get it on PH classifieds in next week or so...
derin100 said:
Door rattles are extremely common on the E39. If you can't get something like Wurth Gummipflege to cure it when applied to the door seals then you might as well buy new door seals.
Type in E39 door seal into Ebay... 2 new ones currently for sale. Hope that helps.
Problem is.. which seals? I've seen people talk about replacing the main rubber seals and also the seal along the top of the door itself.Type in E39 door seal into Ebay... 2 new ones currently for sale. Hope that helps.
535i's are alright if they're cheap. The performance of a 530i with the MPG of a 540i. They used a smaller weaker autobox than the 540i as well and they go wrong. Manual 6 speed 540i's are quite rare as are manual 5 speed 535i's which were never listed in Glass's Guide or the original UK E39 brochures. Both manual boxes are very tough.
Early E39's are on the verge of banger status now so will need ££££ spending to make them reliable or you can chance it and fix it when it goes wrong.
A new radiator, top hose, rear engine to heater hose, cam sensor and autobox oil and filter are good to start with. The creaking door seals were a major problem early on - vaseline keeps them quiet.
They were lovely cars but are a bit of a ticking bomb now - I would go for a late 99 onwards 528i or a 530i manual for reliability - but still make a new rad, expansion bottle and water pump immediate replacements.
A good uptogether E39 is a lovely car, nicer in many ways than the E60.
Early E39's are on the verge of banger status now so will need ££££ spending to make them reliable or you can chance it and fix it when it goes wrong.
A new radiator, top hose, rear engine to heater hose, cam sensor and autobox oil and filter are good to start with. The creaking door seals were a major problem early on - vaseline keeps them quiet.
They were lovely cars but are a bit of a ticking bomb now - I would go for a late 99 onwards 528i or a 530i manual for reliability - but still make a new rad, expansion bottle and water pump immediate replacements.
A good uptogether E39 is a lovely car, nicer in many ways than the E60.
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