Looking at a 540i

hey guys, I am looking at getting my first BMW, witch will be my first car as wheel, its a 1995 540i, anything I should look out for or check when I go look at it?

welcome to the fest , I would pick the owners brain as to what has been done to the car in the past couple of years , cooling system head gasket front suspension etc , etc , etc . there is a list here thats floating around . And better yet if he has records showing any kind of work . I'm sure someone else will chime in . good luck
Noel

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Troubl...will_break.htm

a V8 for a first car you say...

Originally Posted by _Ethrty-Andy_

a V8 for a first car you say...

"It was my mother she always used to say it was too much car for me to handle. I couldn't handle the V8."

- David Starsky

Don't get a 540, you'll regret it. Get a 535i less headache

Originally Posted by Costa

Don't get a 540, you'll regret it. Get a 535i less headache

540 is the only way to go. Ive had my 540/6 for over 4 years. Also had another auto 540, a 530 and i have a 840 . Ive owned several 525's and have had many different cars with the m30 engine. None of them match the 8 cyl. Very reliable, has never needed any more work than the other cars. The extra 100 hp makes a big difference, and mpg is pretty much the same as a 535.

this 540i is so pretty though

Originally Posted by PhatFree

this 540i is so pretty though

It does look good, but looks are deceiving. If its been inspected thoroughly and comes with records dating waaay back then by all means, get it. If not, walk away and find another. Seriously I know how it is, I bought my car on the base of its looks, still paying for it lol. New transmissions etc..

Originally Posted by Costa

It does look good, but looks are deceiving. If its been inspected thoroughly and comes with records dating waaay back then by all means, get it. If not, walk away and find another. Seriously I know how it is, I bought my car on the base of its looks, still paying for it lol. New transmissions etc..

yeah im going to look for that and a close family friend is a mechanic and going to go look with me, i also was going to find out if its nikasil or alusil, and maybe do the stomp test

Does that car have 49er's sticker on the back window?

Originally Posted by PhatFree

yeah im going to look for that and a close family friend is a mechanic and going to go look with me, i also was going to find out if its nikasil or alusil, and maybe do the stomp test

Even though your family friend is a mechanic, pay the money and go to a rebuttal independent BMW shop, especially one that deals mostly with older cars like these. The engine type doesn't matter now anyways, if it's nikasil it's probably unaffected by the problem and is just fine, or it's probably been changed to an alusil block. A stomp test can throw codes that are old and out dated. If you get your car checked at a BMW Indy shop they'll hook it up to a GT1 (ask of they can) and read all the codes the car is showing. Everything from the engine to ihka codes (climate control)

Originally Posted by M540FELLA

Does that car have 49er's sticker on the back window?

not that i can see but it is in the bay area

Originally Posted by Costa

Even though your family friend is a mechanic, pay the money and go to a rebuttal independent BMW shop, especially one that deals mostly with older cars like these. The engine type doesn't matter now anyways, if it's nikasil it's probably unaffected by the problem and is just fine, or it's probably been changed to an alusil block. A stomp test can throw codes that are old and out dated. If you get your car checked at a BMW Indy shop they'll hook it up to a GT1 (ask of they can) and read all the codes the car is showing. Everything from the engine to ihka codes (climate control)

ok, will do, i just hope nothing will be wrong with it or im screwed

If it does have the sticker,I've seen it on bimmerforums.com. The owner took really good care. He had a thread about all the work he did but I can't freaking find it. However do listen to what my man Costa said. It should be checked out before buying. I didn't get mine checked, but luckly I haven't had to much problems with it. Plus I had service records totaling about 4-5k in the last 5-6 year from the last owner,including a transmission rebuild and suspension rebuild. Here's a pic I found of the car I'm thinking of

i dont think it is, diffrent Photobucket profile, heres the craigs list posting http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/3192861359.html

Originally Posted by PhatFree

i dont think it is, diffrent Photobucket profile, heres the craigs list posting http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/3192861359.html

That's from my photobucket. The license plates don't match though. He might have already sold it to this guy,b/c this guy has 2 other cars pictured on his photobucket which lead's me to believe he could be an amature dealer. Where do you live in the south bay? I lived in Santa Rosa for 2 years when I was around 12, and my mom grew up in Menlo Park. Also have an Uncle that lives either in the south bay or east bay area.

I live in south bay, I'm going to go look at it tomorrow and the BMW shop is closed tomorrow but I bet you it Could be the same car

Sent from my Desire HD using Bimmer App

Originally Posted by barry8108

540 is the only way to go. Ive had my 540/6 for over 4 years. Also had another auto 540, a 530 and i have a 840 . Ive owned several 525's and have had many different cars with the m30 engine. None of them match the 8 cyl. Very reliable, has never needed any more work than the other cars. The extra 100 hp makes a big difference, and mpg is pretty much the same as a 535.

I agree and disagree, I agree on the fact that a 540 is the way to go - I have one. But for a first car it shouldn't be chosen, unless it has extensive records and has no rust.

Phatfree,

Remember what Harry (Dirty Harry) Callahan said, "A man has got to know his limitations."

That is a beautiful car, no doubt.
Might not even have any maint issues.
All around, a fab car.

If you have self-control issues behind the wheel, this car (ok, any car, but especially this one) will either bankrupt you with tickets, or worse...
Especially considering your lack of driving experience, the Worse can be really bad.
That is the point Andy is making.

If the above ain't no problem, DAMN FINE CAR!!! (If it checks out)
GO FOR IT!!

Good luck in your search for the ultimate driving machine.
Tom

Originally Posted by haolibird

Phatfree,

Remember what Harry (Dirty Harry) Callahan said, "A man has got to know his limitations."

That is a beautiful car, no doubt.
Might not even have any maint issues.
All around, a fab car.

If you have self-control issues behind the wheel, this car (ok, any car, but especially this one) will either bankrupt you with tickets, or worse...
Especially considering your lack of driving experience, the Worse can be really bad.
That is the point Andy is making.

If the above ain't no problem, DAMN FINE CAR!!! (If it checks out)
GO FOR IT!!

Good luck in your search for the ultimate driving machine.
Tom

+1000000000 you do not feel the speed in this car. When your doing 100 mph the car is just turning under 3grand, you won't hear or feel anything different than driving at regular speeds. That said, the amount of time it takes to get to 100 is very little, especially when you're not noticing it - ie. merging onto a freeway. Be careful, look at your instrument cluster regularly so you don't lose your license.


Sorry for creating such a negative tone, it's just the truth, I got an excessive speeding ticket and almost lost my license cause this cars build quality and power.

Originally Posted by Costa

+1000000000 you do not feel the speed in this car. When your doing 100 mph the car is just turning under 3grand, you won't hear or feel anything different than driving at regular speeds. That said, the amount of time it takes to get to 100 is very little, especially when you're not noticing it - ie. merging onto a freeway. Be careful, look at your instrument cluster regularly so you don't lose your license.


Sorry for creating such a negative tone, it's just the truth, I got an excessive speeding ticket and almost lost my license cause this cars build quality and power.

It's power is very decieving. I've had mine up to 140,which a regular 540 won't do without a chip, and it was as smooth a silk. However it did scare the crap out of me and I'll probably never get it up that fast again. Please be careful. Don't be like me.
And If it is the cat. be mindful that a new one is about $500.

well luckily im a very calm kid, i am more laid back and don't get temped or tempted, don't get me wrong i can be a quick driver, but i'll save those skills for the track :P

will keep an eye on the speedo, i was learing to drive stick in a old jeep and 15 felt like 35 lol

I went and looked at that 540i, the only problem is it has a small exahust leak, it May be do to the aftermarket catalyst converter, but in the end I think I will be getting it
Sent from my Desire HD using Bimmer App

I bought this puppy 6 months ago for cheap $$. I drive 300-400km each day and she runs like a Swiss watch. Previous owner renewed the front end, AC, brakes, suspension, seat motors, cooling system and the wheels. The motor is still original and although she runs well now, with 370,000km I'm expecting something to snap. It blows a little smoke on startup and has started burning a little oil. I hope I'm wrong but the early signs are all there. I'll keep you all posted....

Sorry, I missed what I was originally going to say. This is my first 540 and the guy that sold it to me actually said "don't expect gold if you're paying for silver". The moral of the story is just be aware of what you are buying and you'll be happy. Be prepared to fix things in cars like these but also get ready to have a lot of fun driving them.