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!
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
Slightly later than planned, but we're finally on the road!
So a few weeks ago the 540 spent a couple of days at a BMW specialist. It came home with all new front to rear brake pipes, new rubber flexi pipes, a new rear caliper and a flushed brake system. Not exactly how I planned to start 5 series ownership but at least it was now safe.
With the car back home I just need to do a couple more jobs. Firstly the rear tyres needed swapping over (old tyre on left, replacement on right):
Other rear tyre had tread, but all the rubber was severely perished. Not ideal for putting 282bhp through! So much for the "good tyres all round" in the Ebay ad.
With a new batch delivered, I also did an oil and filter change. As some else mentioned, it's very easy. Sump plug is accessed through a little hatch in the bottom engine cover, and oil filter is in a remote housing behind the headlight:
Simples!
Now, this is a big, heavy car that's really suited to wafting across large distances in total comfort. So for my test drive I decided to going a blat down some little, twisty country lanes. I don't think the 540 is going to worry my 205 GTI any time soon, but it was actually quite amusing to drive. With the dampers in firm mode body roll was minimised, and although it felt it bit "crashy" in this setting I think it coped marginally better with the roads in question. It's the engine that really made me smile though - hitting the loud pedal on the exit from a corner and letting the V8 sing was addicitive.
All in all, the old girl performed faultlessly. The brakes now inspire confidence, the engine seems to offer a full compliment of power, the autobox works well in all modes, and throughout the whole drive the temperature remained rock steady (cooling system on these can be a weakness). And a quick play with the Torque app on my phone suggests a 0-60mph time of 6.5s without being too aggressive - not bad at all! Couple of pics from the drive:
Unfortunately though, I've decided that I probably won't keep this one. The initial big bill on brakes was unplanned and has essentially emptied the kitty. I could plough more money and time into getting the car how I want, but I really should be directing that effort to my actual project car not the daily driver! A rare, sensible automotive decision (although I do reserve the right to change my mind!)
So a few weeks ago the 540 spent a couple of days at a BMW specialist. It came home with all new front to rear brake pipes, new rubber flexi pipes, a new rear caliper and a flushed brake system. Not exactly how I planned to start 5 series ownership but at least it was now safe.
With the car back home I just need to do a couple more jobs. Firstly the rear tyres needed swapping over (old tyre on left, replacement on right):
Other rear tyre had tread, but all the rubber was severely perished. Not ideal for putting 282bhp through! So much for the "good tyres all round" in the Ebay ad.
With a new batch delivered, I also did an oil and filter change. As some else mentioned, it's very easy. Sump plug is accessed through a little hatch in the bottom engine cover, and oil filter is in a remote housing behind the headlight:
Simples!
Now, this is a big, heavy car that's really suited to wafting across large distances in total comfort. So for my test drive I decided to going a blat down some little, twisty country lanes. I don't think the 540 is going to worry my 205 GTI any time soon, but it was actually quite amusing to drive. With the dampers in firm mode body roll was minimised, and although it felt it bit "crashy" in this setting I think it coped marginally better with the roads in question. It's the engine that really made me smile though - hitting the loud pedal on the exit from a corner and letting the V8 sing was addicitive.
All in all, the old girl performed faultlessly. The brakes now inspire confidence, the engine seems to offer a full compliment of power, the autobox works well in all modes, and throughout the whole drive the temperature remained rock steady (cooling system on these can be a weakness). And a quick play with the Torque app on my phone suggests a 0-60mph time of 6.5s without being too aggressive - not bad at all! Couple of pics from the drive:
Unfortunately though, I've decided that I probably won't keep this one. The initial big bill on brakes was unplanned and has essentially emptied the kitty. I could plough more money and time into getting the car how I want, but I really should be directing that effort to my actual project car not the daily driver! A rare, sensible automotive decision (although I do reserve the right to change my mind!)
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