BMW E39 540i owners out there? other cool options?

Nothing depreciates faster than a BMW! Do it!

IDk, but I really like driving my black Camaro SS. I mean I REALLY like driving it. It feels like you are sitting below the wheels. Ok, not as much as a Corvette, but still pretty low. The narrow windows make you think you are driving around in some super-exotic car most of the time. I love going through turns with the thing not leaning over at all and just gripping the road like mad. Puts my WRX to shame on anything solid and not icy.

Why did I get it?

Independent suspension and quality of ride.
V8/power.
Fantastic brakes.
Ability to mod.
6spd manual.

What did I do to it:
Stiffer anti-sways
Tower-strut brace

What do I like after owning it:
1+ lateral G turns. Corners on friggin rails. Mustangs do really well on a track with very little bumps and they did a good job of taming it with the current version, but in the mountains and on curvy roads, this thing is so much fun, and it doesn't ride like a jackhammer. Blew my brother away when I let him drive it through some passes around Mammoth. His car was a BMW 3 series. It's wide though, so I had to ask him "are you driving with your body centered in the middle of the lane?", cause he freaking me out with how close he was getting to the right side with me in the passenger seat. He said "oh..um..yeah, sorry".

Mileage isn't too bad. I can squeak out 22mpg without going too crazy. It has a programed 1-4 skip-shift and the top end gear is very high. It tops out at something like 250mph if you could get it to redline. Some people don't know how to drive these at all and can't get over 13 though. I'll have fun every once and a while, but I typically don't launch off the line or anything. Taking turns at speed is way too fun though.

The leather is ok, the interior is ok. Better than my subaru by leaps, not as good as a bmw obviously, although heated seats rock no matter what.

Visibility is hella bad, haha. You get used to it, and the current ones have a camera, but still, don't let anyone tell you it's good, it's horrible. But that's the price you pay for the looks.

It fits me well, I'm 71", with the angle you should be running your seat at IMO, you get plenty of height. I got about 2" to the top, but I also have the sunroof, and that limits the headroom a bit, although it seems taller because of the space in between the bottom of the roof and the glass.

Things that aren't as great:

No one needs 20" wheels. They make most cars go slower. 19 would have been a better choice. They designed the wells so large that anything smaller than 19s looks odd as heck, but IMO they shouldn't have gone all the way to 20. The 20 decision was more about modern trends and looks than performance.

I got the manual, something like 3800-3900lbs. That's not too bad IMO, lots of things like Mercedes SLs and the types are far heavier, but obviously mustangs and corvettes are quite a bit lighter. Handling wise I don't notice it, especially with my stiffer sways. Acceleration is more challenging. It can take off like crazy, but you have to know what you are doing, a lot more than with my subaru. Where the subaru engine shined between about 3000-5000 and dropped off after 5500-6000, this starts making serious power around 5000 and you have to keep the RPM high. You also got to keep in mind that 6th is very tall and not intended for going fast, it's for economy. 5th will take you to 190 (although aerodynamics limit the car to about 176). If you know how to work a manual and rev-match, it's no problem. If you don't, you'd be better off with the automatic, although that kind of acceleration is going to mean your mileage is crap in any case.

Trunk opening is kinda small, although the trunk is fairly large itself (seats go down for snowboard as well!)

I was considering Porsche boxters and 911s, corvettes, 370zs (got really close with that one) and some others, but this had a lot of the things I wanted, with adequate space, a half-a$$ rear seat like the porsche, but a big trunk to boot, and all in all a modern rigid design. If you don't know about the Holden Commodore, that's the car you should look up, because that's where the chassi came from. Came over here as the Pontiac G8, got a cult-following, then they stiffened it up even more and made the camaro out of it. Much better than most any "pony car" in the past, as those were simply straight line cars with not much thought put into them. This was more the real deal with all aspects pretty well thought out and competitive (like battery in the trunk for weight bias and CG).

And not only do I have a hitch on it, but also GFX. It's nearly impossible to make out the hitch on there. Due to the design of it, my estimation is that it "ties" the rear sides of the car together, much like my strut brace up front. So it adds like 30lbs or something, not too concerned.

Now that I'm in AK, I'm screwed and this is my summer-car. I like it so much though that I don't want to sell it. Drove up until mid October. What I'm going to try to do this summer is buy a tired/beater wrx and mod it for racing, drop in a JDM engine, rather than use it as a DD in the summer, then use it as my winter-car, especially since in winter it's basically like driving a rally-race every day, cars hopping curbs, studded tires, rocks all over the place.

jimmydean said:

Nothing depreciates faster than a BMW! Do it!

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Depreciation shouldn't be bad on an E39. They were last sold in 2003.

Descente - That model is the last 5 series I've liked. I'd go for one if it suited my needs.

Jm_ said:

Stuff...

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My buddy paid $16k for his 2005 6 speed.


<edit> And Like the Camaro (but not the BMW) you can buy a whole mess of parts for it at NAPA.

I would give a kidney for a 335d x-drive. IDK if they even make/made that combo. I always thought 3-series were very spacious inside for their size and I've driven 535s and they were dogs. My wrx was way faster and funner than a 535. 3-series is the right size for fun IMO and very well thought out.

i doubt a 10 year old, german v8 would be much cheaper to run than your current car.

jimmydean said:

My buddy paid $16k for his 2005 6 speed.


<edit> And Like the Camaro (but not the BMW) you can buy a whole mess of parts for it at NAPA.

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Yep, that gen Corvette is the 1st that I think really turned up the heat on competition. No US manufacturers made anything like it or could sustain making anything like it (ford GT sizzled out, Chrysler wasn't able to keep making the viper, not to mention those aren't really competitors for base and mid-range vettes). I think those actually look good, like something ferarri might have tried to make if GM didn't get the design out there first.

Jm_ said:

Yep, that gen Corvette is the 1st that I think really turned up the heat on competition. No US manufacturers made anything like it or could sustain making anything like it (ford GT sizzled out, Chrysler wasn't able to keep making the viper, not to mention those aren't really competitors for base and mid-range vettes). I think those actually look good, like something ferarri might have tried to make if GM didn't get the design out there first.

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If the C7 is half as bad ass as it is shaping up to be, it will put things on a new level.

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I drove this in the back lot for about 5 minutes and nothing will ever come close for an OE ride ever again.



It's currently listed for $66,500. 2009 with 15k miles and 638hp.

Long time BMW enthusiast here. I've had a 2002, couple e30's and a couple e36 M3s.

If money were no object, I'd LOVE to rock an E39 540 Wagon with the trans and diff from a 540i/6 Sport. It's an extremely expensive undertaking though, and not worth it financially. I looked into it a couple years ago, and I determined to do it properly you'd be approaching $40k.

My dad a 2000 540i sport (auto). Trans went out (not an issue here) at around 100k. Then the motor had some decent issues when it hit 150k. Had to have the valve covers sandblasted and re-powdercoated (~$1500) to stop the constant leaking. His power steering then completely failed at around 150k as well, needed a new pump and rack. At that point I convinced him to trade it in towards an F10 550i. It was a good call, that car is phenomenally fast. Feels faster than my friend's E39 M5.

Other issues are that the cooling systems on those motors aren't the greatest (just replace it before it fails), if it overheats even a little it's time for a new motor because the heads WILL warp. Pixels in the dash and radio fail and eventually you can't see the odometer or the radio. Expect standard electrical gremlins with things like the mirros, windows and sunroof. Good resource is www.bimmerforums.com I used to post there all the time, lots of guys who wrench on their own cars and post how-to articles and buyers guides.

That said, if I were in the market for a fast and fun sedan that could handle DD and shuttle duties with an occasional track day, the short list sort of starts and stops with an E39 540. I can't think of a better vehicle to fill those 3 duties. Just find one with LOW miles and don't get the wagon (expensive rear subframe issues). If you are a decent mechanic you can keep it rolling without too much trouble, and most of the issues are with high-mileage cars. I would suggest getting a 99 or newer, so you get the "Technical Update" motor with VANOS ( BMW's variable valve timing). 01+ gets the facelift (angel eye headlights, LED tails and different bumpers), looks a lot more modern. AGAIN, GET A LOW MILEAGE CAR. You know what BMW stands for? BRING MORE WALLET. Spend a bit more now, to save a lot later.

My $0.02
My experience with the do-it-all car idea didn't work so well. Couple years ago I tried to go from having a pickup back to a sedan. I loved my old 98 M3 track car so much and had such fond memories of it I decided to pick up another 98 M3. Tried the bike rack route on it, made a poor shuttle vehicle (hitch bolts to sheet metal!). Also made a ****ty daily driver as well compared to modern standards. And it was nowhere near as good as my old car on the track. Ended up getting a Diesel Jetta Wagon for DD/Shuttle duties, and I just rent a Spec Miata when I feel like going to the track. I've found that works the best for me. Miata rental is $600/day and includes transport to the track, insurance, fresh race tires, brakes and sometimes even fuel! And I don't have to worry about wadding up my DD. If **** hits the fan, I can still get to work on monday.

Sorry for the rambling response, but Good Luck!

E39 m5. Buy it, have the engine and tranny rebuilt.profit.

stoney said:

E39 m5. Buy it, have the engine and tranny rebuilt. Never recoup your 'investment'

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ftfy.

stoney said:

E39 m5. Buy it, have the engine and tranny rebuilt.profit.

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That is such a cool car a real sleeper. Would love one but I know I would be collecting too many speeding tickets.

Realistically, 540i Sport 6-speed is 90% of what the M5 is.

With the Sport 6-speed, you get the m5 trans and LSD. So you have a car with PLENTY of power and torque for a fraction of the cost. And without the increased maintenance that the S62 powerplant has over the M62. And lets face it, MOST e39 M5's these days have been ridden hard and put away wet at some point in their life.

A couple years ago when I was looking for a new car I was seriously considering an E39 540i /6 speed and M5. I test drove a few of each. The 540i with M-sport package is a very nice car, as stated lots of parts shared with the M5, and still plenty fast for most people. But I couldn't shake the fact that for 5-8k more I could get an M5 with 100 more hp and improved performance all around. I almost bought one, but in the end decided it wasn't practical for my needs at the time (70% city driving, hauling bikes, towing off-road toys around) and I only want one car so I bought an Audi allroad with 4.2 V8 instead. The allroad is a good compromise of V8 power, wagon hauling capability, good tow capacity, and AWD for less than ideal road conditions. However, I still would love to own an E39 M5 and might start looking again in the spring.

stoney said:

E39 m5. Buy it.

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This.

jimmydean said:

Nothing depreciates faster than a BMW! Do it!

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I think Audi takes the cake on that front...I would know as the owner of an allroad. At least mine is a V8 so it is more rare and holds value better than the V6 models.

#1stworldRICHwhitepeopleproblems

Cool link I used to use Bimmerfest.com a lot when I had a BMW.

If you are in a position to buy your dream car you should do it!

Why not S4/6?

Sandwich said:

Cause it's an Audi?

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And the engine is hanging in front of the front axle....

blackohio said:

Why not S4/6?

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not lesbian for the guys on here...

descente said:

BMCarter, what didn't you like about DD'ing your E36 M3? a couple of my buddies have them and love em...

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I DD'd one for about 4 years, with a track setup suspension for the last 2. Had zero complaints with it. But I was in my early 20's, and didn't care about ride comfort, and at the time wasn't doing lots of commuting for work.

Sold that when I got into DH racing, I realized I could get the same thrill riding bikes as I got from track days, for a fraction of the cost, and could do it daily. Drove a pickup truck for about three years, then went back to the E36 M3. This time, it was bone stock.

Upon going back to it, nothing about DD'ing it excited me. Fuel economy wasn't great, seating position was HORRIBLE (steering wheel doesn't telescope on the E36 M3, and the seat wouldn't get low enough so my head hit the roof and I couldn't heel-toe because the wheel was in the way), seats were incredibly uncomfortable, creature comforts were lacking, no navigation, no bluetooth, if I wanted to do 80 on the freeway, it would sit at like 4k rpm, and most of all, it was a 15 year old car that was starting to fall apart again. It was the little stuff, leather cracking, window and door seals leaking, rubber grommets in the engine bay failing, oil leaks, etc. Although I'm pretty sure it had been ragged on pretty hard for some period of it's life.

EDIT: 2 main things I forgot. The cupholders are useless (you knock your drink over every time you try to shift), and it rode like ass on socal freeways.

I still love the E36 M3, one of my favorite cars of all time, but the 2nd one didn't live up to my memories of my first one. Pics related, first one was silver, 2nd was red. the first one was DIALED.

Some guy is driving around a 2012 M3 around here on studded tires. I love those cars, but they drop ROCKS on the roads here for traction in the winter and that kind of car is just going to suck for winter no matter what you do. Guy must have money to burn...

5 series rides great. Suspension on the M cars isn't stiff, but much more firm than a non-m car. My complaint with the E36 M3 was it bounced, quite badly, on the bumps, expansion joints and crap we have on the socal freeways.

Have you ever driven a 540? The temptation is there to do stupid things. Only difference between the 540 and the M5 is that in the M5 you will be going just a little bit faster when you run out of talent and hit something. 540 is by no means a slouch. 282hp and 325lb/ft will get you to and beyond the speed limit just fine.

You'd be driving a Mini Cooper. I'm judging.
And my FJ will try to eat your car. Nothing personal, it just hates Minis.

Ask eric strt6 about his mini experience.
cliff notes: total POS

I was seriously considering one before my current car fell into my lap.

Pros:
Good looking car
Cheap for what it is
lots of support/info out there if you're a diy type
apparently reasonably reliable
decent mileage for what it is. My uncle pulls low 20s mixed without trying in his

Cons:
Typical bmw cooling issues
head gasket issues
10+ year old car issues
not cheap to maintain
recirc ball steering
not enough less $$ than an M5 to keep my eye from wandering.

If an m roadster hadn't fallen into my lap I probably would have ended up with an m5, although I'd have definitely looked at a cts-v before pulling the trigger. Maybe a gto too.

descente said:

test drove a cooper s tonight...pretty damn fun car...and 35 mpg ****s all over wanting to have a v8/rear wheel drive car

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Doing donuts in a fwd is teh awesome, too.

My car has this to prevent a bad ride in most any conditions with the flick of a switch. It will ride even better when I have the shocks revalved.

jimmydean said:

My car has this to prevent a bad ride in most any conditions with the flick of a switch. It will ride even better when I have the shocks revalved.

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That's cool, I didn't know active damping was offered in any Corvette, let alone that long ago. This is something I really wish would catch on, as it seems like the increased cost would go down with enough cars using the system. I really wish my allroad had something like this, because the suspension is too stiff for off-road or bumpy city streets, but also a little too soft for hard cornering and aggressive driving.