E39 535/540 - any major issues ?
Discussion
Victor101 said:
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.
Banger 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.
) but I wish sometimes that is was a 540i..........
I sold my trusty reliable high mileage E39 523i (274k) and bought a 130k 540i Touring. Worse car ever! And I've had many, many BMW's! BUT this has by far been the worse. Auto gearbox issues, warning bongs, new hoses, coolant leaks, suspension problems.......the list goes on! Piece of dog poo.
Pick up my "new" E91 320d M Sport Touring tomorrow. Thank the lord!!!
Stevie.
Pick up my "new" E91 320d M Sport Touring tomorrow. Thank the lord!!!
Stevie.
Stevie750iL said:
I sold my trusty reliable high mileage E39 523i (274k) and bought a 130k 540i Touring. Worse car ever! And I've had many, many BMW's! BUT this has by far been the worse. Auto gearbox issues, warning bongs, new hoses, coolant leaks, suspension problems.......the list goes on! Piece of dog poo.
Pick up my "new" E91 320d M Sport Touring tomorrow. Thank the lord!!!
Stevie.
Sounds like a real shed! Pick up my "new" E91 320d M Sport Touring tomorrow. Thank the lord!!!
Stevie.
I've got an E91 Touring with that engine at 114k. Only problem so far has been a kaput water pump. Oh and if the door looks fail, it's probably a fuse.
Victor101 said:
Sadly, that's exactly what a 12 year old high mileage BMW is. A banger. A car of low value, one not exactly maintained with no expense spared.
I realise this is 3 years old but I've spent £1200 which is pretty much a months wages this year on my 1999 528, £400 of that as a safeguard, it didn't actually need the work right then. I also plan on spending £150 on rust issues and £300 on suspension work in the new year and £230 on front tyres.That is very strong money for not a full facelift or a manual.
The appeal of the 540i is its cheaper to buy than the 530i etc.
I would pay 5-6k for a 2002-2003 540i sport manual all day, but a 2000 auto i would not, this is meant as no disrespect.
On the e39 front in general, just be aware if something goes wrong its generally expensive, i own an 02 plate 530i sport manual. If you want an exec saloon that handles well and is comfy this is up your street. If you want something to drive hard get an e46 it will take it a lot better. Drive the car hard and it will begin to add to big bills.
The appeal of the 540i is its cheaper to buy than the 530i etc.
I would pay 5-6k for a 2002-2003 540i sport manual all day, but a 2000 auto i would not, this is meant as no disrespect.
On the e39 front in general, just be aware if something goes wrong its generally expensive, i own an 02 plate 530i sport manual. If you want an exec saloon that handles well and is comfy this is up your street. If you want something to drive hard get an e46 it will take it a lot better. Drive the car hard and it will begin to add to big bills.
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