Talk to me about E39 540i tourers

[RB Will]

Looking to replace one of the fleet with something a bit more practical for the ever growing dog and quite like these. Is there anything in particular to look out for with them?

Cheers

[williamp]

RB Will said:

Looking to replace one of the fleet with something a bit more practical for the ever growing dog and quite like these. Is there anything in particular to look out for with them?

Cheers

Yes, lots sadly. have a look under ther BMW general forums

[john_p]

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f... 540iA Sport&mid=25368

[Caruso]

Auto gearboxes are prone to failure at about 150k miles.

[rottie102]

...and the scaremongering begins...

[RB Will]

Sounds that way. Having read the linked thread it has made me a bit nervous. I only need to do about 7000 miles a year in it though

[rottie102]

RB Will said:

Sounds that way. Having read the linked thread it has made me a bit nervous. I only need to do about 7000 miles a year in it though

At least you understand. Come on, E39 is an oldish car, of course things can and most likely will break down when not serviced properly/neglected. Just leave some spare money for eventual repair, buy smart (check what has been done to it etc), take somebody with you who knows their way around cars, change the exhaust to something more suitable the V8 and enjoy a very good car!

[williamp]

rottie102 said:

...and the scaremongering begins...

scaremongering? On that thread there is nothing about "aparently my mate..." but a lot about "this happened, that happened to me..." Thats not scaremongering. Thats allowing someone to have an informed view. See the difference?

[RB Will]

I have been running an e30 325is for 4 years now I understand that things will break every now and then. Had no big bills from it though.

[Mr Dave]

Caruso said:

Auto gearboxes are prone to failure at about 150k miles.

Or 80k

Or 100k

Or 120k

Or if you change the oil

Or if you dont change the oil

Depends on what forum you go onto really. They do fail sometimes though so buy a manual and an ESS supercharger kit.

[RB Will]

Not been able to find a manual tourer yet