1998 BMW 540i (E39)

Highlights 

• Desirable spec

• Smooth and powerful V8 engine

• Good service history

• Below average mileage

• MOT until 15/04/2026

Overview

Many would argue, ourselves included, that the E39 is the best 5 Series that BMW has ever produced. There, we said it. We fully admit, however, that this is a subjective argument, but the fact is the E39 – produced from '95 to 2003 – epitomises everything a well-built and stylish German saloon should be before things all got a bit, well, overblown.

From uncomplicated, handsome lines to an all-encompassing selection of engines with just enough tech to keep things comfortable without removing any of the actual fun of driving, the E39 is a lot of things to a lot of people.

Barring the utterly sublime powerplant featured in the M5, the best engine to be offered in the E39 was the M62 4.4-litre V8 as fitted to the 540i (which was basically a de-tuned version of the aforementioned M5 motor). Here was a family car with 280-ish horsepower that could sit comfortably at 155mph all day long on whichever Autobahn you decided to throw at it. 

Solid, smooth, sporty enough for most and eminently comfortable, the BMW E39 540i has it all, minus the M tax, and represents a solid daily modern classic. But what if you wanted all of the benefits of the 540i but with a little more pizazz? Well, you could roll it in glitter and create an Alpina B10 evocation, as is the case with this particular example.

This E39 540i has been given the modification treatment in the form of genuine Alpina wheels and Alpina badges on the boot lid. Mechanically the car remains a standard 4.4-litre 540i with an automatic gearbox but with decent service history, less than 90K on the clock and an MOT until 15/04/2026 it's mechanically on point.

Despite carrying a few minor blemishes the car presents well overall and the Cosmos black exterior paired with the spoked alloy wheels gives the car a slightly more menacing demeanour.

History and documentation

• Decent service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 1998 (pre-delivery check – main dealer), 1998 @ 9,661 miles (oil service – main dealer), 1999 @ 17,301 miles (inspection I – main dealer), 2000 @ 24,835 miles (oil service – main dealer), 2001 @ 35,909 miles (inspection II + bodywork check – main dealer), 2004 @ 49,783 miles (oil service – BMW specialist), 2007 @ 63,975 miles (inspection I + microfilter – BMW specialist), 2008 @ 68,958 miles (inspection II – BMW specialist), 2008 @ 73,141 miles (oil service + inspection I + microfilter – BMW specialist), 2009 @ 75,900 miles (oil service + inspection I + microfilter), 2009 @ 86,760 miles (oil service + inspection I + microfilter)

• Numerous service invoices and receipts

• V5C and V948 paperwork for the registration plate both present and correct

• Date of first registration 12 May 1998

• In current ownership since 08 Sep 2009

• Two keys

• Original book pack

• HPI clear

• MOT until 15/04/2026

• 86,812 miles

Interior

• Sand Beige upholstery is undamaged and in good condition throughout with wear commensurate with age and mileage

• Internal mirror/light package 

• BMW sports seats 

• Polished Vavona wood trim

• Alpina badging continues inside the car

• Driver's seat leather slightly worn 

• Driver's side floor carpet is discoloured in places

• Phone is non-functional

• Factory navigation system

• Full size matching spare wheel and jack

• Factory tool kit in boot lid

Exterior

• Cosmos Black paintwork presents well overall

• 18” Alpina multi-spoke alloy wheels with centre caps in good condition with the exception of the offside rear which has a 5cm strip of paint removed and an 18cm scuff

• Alpina badging on boot lid

• Graduated tinted windscreen

• A few light surface scratches as follows: 45cm line repaired on nearside front panel, 3cm on nearside rear door, 5cm and 15cm on nearside rear panel, 12cm two line scratch on rear behind the offside wheel, 6cm on nearside rear door at handle, 2cm on driver's door under handle

• Mismatched tyres have not been replaced since 2008 and 2010 so it’s probably worth budgeting for a new set

• No obvious signs of rust aside from some slight corrosion on the bottom of the rear wheel arches

• All shut lines are straight and true

• Tidy underneath

• Sills and jacking points appear to be in good shape

• No signs of damage

Mechanical

• 282bhp, 4.4-litre V8

• Automatic gearbox

• 0-60mph in 5.5secs

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• M sports suspension

• Water pump replaced in 2021

• Clean and tidy engine bay

• Starts, runs and idles well

• No mechanical issues to report 

Summary

With equal parts performance and practicality the E39 540i is pretty close to the perfect modern classic saloon. Still cool and with room to seat five adults in comfort, this particular car is a mechanically sorted, usable example. 

The Alpina accoutrements may not be to everyone's taste but it's all removable and the car can easily be reverted to its original 540i flavour in the time it takes to say “sheer driving pleasure”, should you wish.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Strathaven near Glasgow.