first BMW - bought 540i touring

[urquattro]

Hi Chaps, fancied a change and bought nice 2000 540i touring, did test drive etc before comitting funds - for the price it seems an excellent car, performance and spec. as well as being an estate.
Not worried about mpg as it same as departed star on bonnet, but would appreciate views on this quite rapid car, no sat nav option but have t/tom anyway - rest of spec. is good but a bit sad re 16" rims and possible tyre choices now available.
Appreciate any help and guidance, thanks Keith

[stewjohnst]

You should be able to pick up a set of 17" M Sport alloys off fleabay for not a lot of cash, the m sports used to come with 9J on the back and run 235's up front and 255's at the rear iirc.

It will look even nicer on 18's but I found the softer ride on 17's suits the wafty style of the V8.

Never had a major mechanical issue with my 540, just keep the oil and fuel up and enjoy

[stewjohnst]

You should be able to pick up a set of 17" M Sport alloys off fleabay for not a lot of cash, the m sports used to come with 9J on the back and run 235's up front and 255's at the rear iirc.

It will look even nicer on 18's but I found the softer ride on 17's suits the wafty style of the V8.

Never had a major mechanical issue with my 540, just keep the oil and fuel up and enjoy

ETA - linky

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E39-5-Series-M-Sport-17-...

Edited by stewjohnst on Tuesday 10th May 04:09

[dan5oclocksmith]

Nice choice of car (says the man with a 540i/6 Touring )!

I was in the same boat, mine came on 16" turbines, but swapped to 17" Style 66s (same as the ebay link above).

Tourings didn't come with 8" front / 9" rears, but they go on no problems.

Is yours auto or manual?

[urquattro]

dan5oclocksmith said:

Nice choice of car (says the man with a 540i/6 Touring )!

I was in the same boat, mine came on 16" turbines, but swapped to 17" Style 66s (same as the ebay link above)

Tourings didn't come with 8" front / 9" rears, but they go on no problems.

Is yours auto or manual?

Hi Everyone - Thanks for info re wheels and tyres, 17" conversion is best it seems, the car is oxford metallic green with the 5 speed autobox, 6 speed manual would have been nicer, but this was good price and had excellent history etc.
Look forward to using it once check over routine done, full service including fluids etc, hope to get autobox drained, new filter etc and refilled with the Esso LT as I do not believe in "fluid for life" and have always had autoboxes serviced this way.
Keith

[JJM]

Hi Keith

Sounds like a great car, look forward to seeing the before and after pics.

If you need a recommendation for a good indy BMW garage in the South East try these guys...

http://www.centralgarageessex.ltd.uk/index.html

I use them for my E39 and they are very good.

Cheers,

Jon

[The Stiglet]

Congratulations on the new car

Can't speak for the 17 inch wheels but my 540I sport came with 18 inch M Parallels and I think it suits the car very well. The ride comfort is excellent, having been used to a 335d on run flats, but I imagine you'd pay a bit more in tyres over the 17's. Off the top of my head I think the rears are 18x9 265's and the fronts are 18x8 235's. Might cost a bit more to buy the alloys too...

How much do you think it will cost to change the gearbox oil? I could be tempted at the next service.

[Max M4X WW]

The touring's don't have staggered wheels as far as I know, they may fit though - I'm not sure.

And Hello from another E39 540i owner

[dan5oclocksmith]

Max M4X WW said:

The touring's don't have staggered wheels as far as I know, they may fit though - I'm not sure.

And Hello from another E39 540i owner

dan5oclocksmith said:

Tourings didn't come with 8" front / 9" rears, but they go on no problems.

[urquattro]

The Stiglet said:

Congratulations on the new car

Can't speak for the 17 inch wheels but my 540I sport came with 18 inch M Parallels and I think it suits the car very well. The ride comfort is excellent, having been used to a 335d on run flats, but I imagine you'd pay a bit more in tyres over the 17's. Off the top of my head I think the rears are 18x9 265's and the fronts are 18x8 235's. Might cost a bit more to buy the alloys too...

How much do you think it will cost to change the gearbox oil? I could be tempted at the next service.

I will let you know the practicalities and obstacles re transm oil change, I know the box needs Esso LT 71141 and have found a supplier, next I need to price/locate the filter/plate for renewal as well.
Had a look at the refill process, a bit daunting so will use skilled place as dont want autobox issues just the rubbish out at 100k miles. K

[dan5oclocksmith]

If you need help or advice with the autobox, I'd strongly suggest you join up at forum.bmw5.co.uk and speak to member michael.d.s - he's an absolute genius with BMW autoboxes.

[Mustard]

The Stiglet said:

Congratulations on the new car

Can't speak for the 17 inch wheels but my 540I sport came with 18 inch M Parallels and I think it suits the car very well. The ride comfort is excellent, having been used to a 335d on run flats, but I imagine you'd pay a bit more in tyres over the 17's. Off the top of my head I think the rears are 18x9 265's and the fronts are 18x8 235's. Might cost a bit more to buy the alloys too...

How much do you think it will cost to change the gearbox oil? I could be tempted at the next service.

If you need the mega bucks Esso/Mobil oil (about £40 a litre from BMW)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Esso-ATF-LT71141-Life-time-G...

then flush 5ltrs through twice (about 1/2 hr labour each time)

[stewjohnst]

dan5oclocksmith said:

Max M4X WW said:

The touring's don't have staggered wheels as far as I know, they may fit though - I'm not sure.

And Hello from another E39 540i owner

dan5oclocksmith said:

Tourings didn't come with 8" front / 9" rears, but they go on no problems.

I didn't know about the tourings as such as my 5's were saloons. Know my 540 used to have staggered rims and also the 535 I had for a bit. I only got the 535 as I couldn't find a decent 540 and I was impatient and wanted another V8. You could certainly tell a difference between the two and I kept kicking myself for not getting another 540. The 535 was still quick but just wasn't as effortless and serene as the 540.

[Deano_BMW]

Nice one mate, welcome to the fold. Mine is also oxford green. Seems quite a popular colour for 540 tourings.

[urquattro]

It was not expensive due error codes everywhere, a real reason to for someone to unload - pleased about that, BMW indie man says all crap cleared and only rear wheel sensors, so hopefully a modest cost and all in all a good car - debadge next and pretend it a 318 until somebody pokes it unkindly - only kidding;)

[Gaygle]

Good choice for a first BMW!

[The Stiglet]

Mustard said:

If you need the mega bucks Esso/Mobil oil (about £40 a litre from BMW)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Esso-ATF-LT71141-Life-time-G...

then flush 5ltrs through twice (about 1/2 hr labour each time)

Thanks for that.

[urquattro]

Mustard said:

If you need the mega bucks Esso/Mobil oil (about £40 a litre from BMW)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Esso-ATF-LT71141-Life-time-G...

then flush 5ltrs through twice (about 1/2 hr labour each time)

Many thanks:
Local bmw indie did exactly that, two flushes were necessary to get rid of the black rubbish and well used a/t fluid. The third fill was satisfactory and clean, in my view well worth the cost, approx £250 and after 108k miles the best insurance policy on the newly acquired car.
Thanks for the advice as it helped me manage one of my key areas of concern, now have very sweet five speed box.

[Mustard]

urquattro said:

Mustard said:

If you need the mega bucks Esso/Mobil oil (about £40 a litre from BMW)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Esso-ATF-LT71141-Life-time-G...

then flush 5ltrs through twice (about 1/2 hr labour each time)

Many thanks:
Local bmw indie did exactly that, two flushes were necessary to get rid of the black rubbish and well used a/t fluid. The third fill was satisfactory and clean, in my view well worth the cost, approx £250 and after 108k miles the best insurance policy on the newly acquired car.
Thanks for the advice as it helped me manage one of my key areas of concern, now have very sweet five speed box.

Mine produced a noticebly better change when done at 80k and now about 1-2mpg more economical!