Bargain Barge - 540i V8
Discussion
Hey, all,
I'm looking to buy one of these over the next week or so. I currently have an MR2 (SW20), which does about 32 mpg (ish). Most of my driving is motorway miles (between Surrey and Warwickshire).
Questions are, what should I look for re: faults on these cars, and is it going to crucify me when it comes to MPG?
Cheers!
I'm looking to buy one of these over the next week or so. I currently have an MR2 (SW20), which does about 32 mpg (ish). Most of my driving is motorway miles (between Surrey and Warwickshire).
Questions are, what should I look for re: faults on these cars, and is it going to crucify me when it comes to MPG?
Cheers!
Have a read of this thread (and the volumes before it).
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Or if you can't be bothered to read it post in there and someone will tell you all you need to know.
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Or if you can't be bothered to read it post in there and someone will tell you all you need to know.
I got a 528 but was looking for a 540 but i got put off by hearing horror storries about the auto boxes ( i got a 528 as they r a lot more common with a manual box for less than £1000 than the V8's ) but the main thing to look out for on any 5 series is weak cooling systems and worn out auto boxes other than that they are excellent cars but can be a bit thirsty , mine averages 25 mpg around town but can get 35-40 on a long motorway run .
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
I have just sold my e39 540, and my previous car was also a mk2 MR2.
I averaged about 19mpg with a mixture of town and motorway, you can manage 28-30mpg on the motorway with a light right foot.
You will need a decent fighting fund to run one, my last service came to £1240 and my car was a good one. Weak points are rads, alternators, engine gaskets and wishbone bushes. All of these needed replacing during my ownership and are not cheap. I had no problems with my gearbox but have heared of people who have. Rear tyres last 10,000 with the traction control button left alone and they like to eat disks and pads (tis a heavy beast).
Great interior, goes like stink, makes a nice noise and rides well but quite disapointing when thrown down a country road as it doesnt handle like an M5.
Did i mention they cost a fortune to run?
I averaged about 19mpg with a mixture of town and motorway, you can manage 28-30mpg on the motorway with a light right foot.
You will need a decent fighting fund to run one, my last service came to £1240 and my car was a good one. Weak points are rads, alternators, engine gaskets and wishbone bushes. All of these needed replacing during my ownership and are not cheap. I had no problems with my gearbox but have heared of people who have. Rear tyres last 10,000 with the traction control button left alone and they like to eat disks and pads (tis a heavy beast).
Great interior, goes like stink, makes a nice noise and rides well but quite disapointing when thrown down a country road as it doesnt handle like an M5.
Did i mention they cost a fortune to run?
Cheers, chaps
The commute is pretty epic, as it goes - twice a week. Surrey to Leamington Spa, then 8 miles either way to work and back from my digs up there.
The radiator, head gaskets et al have all been sorted by a BMW specialist recently (with receipts), so I think it's mechanically sound. I think if I can get above 26mpg on the M40 run (generally without any problems), then I'll be a happy man.
Also thinking about having it LPG converted, but that's one for the near future.
The commute is pretty epic, as it goes - twice a week. Surrey to Leamington Spa, then 8 miles either way to work and back from my digs up there.
The radiator, head gaskets et al have all been sorted by a BMW specialist recently (with receipts), so I think it's mechanically sound. I think if I can get above 26mpg on the M40 run (generally without any problems), then I'll be a happy man.
Also thinking about having it LPG converted, but that's one for the near future.
I had one for a year, albeit a Touring.
Was fantastic, when it worked.
I replaced the water pump and radiator, and the fuel pump (which floats in the tank, which is only accessible by removing the back seats).
In addition to that, factor in a full set of tyres every 10,000 miles. Lots of roundabouts on my commute and a heavy engine up front led to lots of front tyre wear and a heavy right foot meant smoking back tyres off the roundabout.
Add in brake discs and pads every 15,000 miles.
Oh and an average of 20mpg, that is town and long runs combined.
Aside from all that, really comfortable, epic speed in a straight line, every gadget. On the flip side, the manual bit of the autobox wasn't as engaging as I'd hoped it would be. And mine had a standard exhaust so it didn't really sound like a V8.
Was fantastic, when it worked.
I replaced the water pump and radiator, and the fuel pump (which floats in the tank, which is only accessible by removing the back seats).
In addition to that, factor in a full set of tyres every 10,000 miles. Lots of roundabouts on my commute and a heavy engine up front led to lots of front tyre wear and a heavy right foot meant smoking back tyres off the roundabout.
Add in brake discs and pads every 15,000 miles.
Oh and an average of 20mpg, that is town and long runs combined.
Aside from all that, really comfortable, epic speed in a straight line, every gadget. On the flip side, the manual bit of the autobox wasn't as engaging as I'd hoped it would be. And mine had a standard exhaust so it didn't really sound like a V8.
Unless you really need an auto, a manual box is worth seeking out - better economy and performance, and a more involving driving experience. The 6-speed is also worth a lot more should the worst happen and you need to break the car for parts.
I was lucky to find a touring in good condition with sensible miles, but I've discovered that the costs of running one (even with no major issues) need to be considered carefully.
As has been said though, they're great cars. If I can afford to, I think I'll be keeping mine for a while.
I was lucky to find a touring in good condition with sensible miles, but I've discovered that the costs of running one (even with no major issues) need to be considered carefully.
As has been said though, they're great cars. If I can afford to, I think I'll be keeping mine for a while.
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