Looking to buy a 540I, and I'm a noob.

Please accept my apology if this ‘reply’ is annoying anybody in anyway.

Iceotron, I happen to have exactly what you are looking for and it is right around the corner from you, Rochester NY.

It’s a 2000 e39 540i Sport with 6-Speed manual transmission. I purchased this vehicle straight out of California with 152K miles. Being a certified German technician (with 15 years of experience) and a BMW fanatic; miles were never important to me.

I am the second owner. Currently it has 162K. Runs very strong, no rust at all, in mint condition and it has service records you would not believe. The original owner serviced the car regularly in the BMW dealership only. Check the CarFax yourself (VIN: WBADN 5348 YGC 94989), it even recorded every trip to the dealer!

I was able to obtain all the records from the BMW dealership in California. Not even one inspection was missed at the dealership and all suggested repairs were done right away as well. It is scary to mention the amount of money they invested in maintenance.

The records however does not mention clutch replacement at all therefore my assumption is that the clutch was first replaced at 155K while in my possession. That only tells you how really the car was treated.

Despite the fact that the vehicle (when purchased) came in an excellent condition, the following Repairs were done while in my possession (owner since December of 2008) totaling $2,739.33 including the VANOS related special tools for Timing the engine:

• OEM Clutch Kit replacement along with the pressure plate and the release bearing. While the transmission was removed (and for the sake of preventative maintenance) we also decided to replace the Rear Main Seal, Rear Main Plate Gasket, Rear Coolant Plate Gasket, the Coolant Bridge Gaskets and the Crankcase Ventilation-Oil Separator.
• Rear Swing Ball Joints inc. & Snap Rings (Inspected the front and rear suspension and decided to replace the Swing Arm Ball Joints on both sides in the rear. Other suspension parts are in excellent condition! The car drives straight and has no evidence of uneven tire wear.)
• Timing Chain Guides and Rails replaced including the Oil Separator and all related seals/gaskets
• Valve Covers painted with 500F heat resistant paint (Sand Blasting done by ‘Miller Sand Blasting and Painting’ in Rochester, NY)
• Cooling System overhaul including the Valley Pan and the Intake Manifold Gaskets
• Intake Manifold Cover aka Crank Case ventilation replaced
• ABS Control Module Rebuild (by BBA Reman) with LIFETIME WARRANTY
• 4 new Winter Tires mounted on the original ‘staggered’ 540i Sport OEM Wheels

Interior Upgrades (totaling $246.66):

• e39 BMW Chrome Door Pins
• Chrome Gauge Cluster Rings
• 6-Speed M Shift Knob with Chrome Ring
• M Brushed Aluminum Pedals
• M E-Brake Handle (Black w/ Chrome Ring)

Exterior Upgrades (totaling $2,300.51):

• OEM M5 Wheels + Tires
• Dimmed OEM 'Hella' Tail Lights
• OEM 'Hella' Head Lights with Xenon and Angel Eyes
• Black wide Shadow Grille
• Full Vehicle Window Tint with LIFETIME WARRANTY

Note: Brakes (pads and rotors all around) are like new. The car does not leak any fluids and the exhaust sounds and looks like new as well. Only genuine parts used, receipts/records and detailed pictures (taken during repairs) are available upon request. Also, the full list of parts replaced is available as well. Currently it has 162K miles! I know, 162K miles seems a bit too much but with all of this done, the car should last you a long time. Most of the repairs were done as the ‘preventative maintenance’ cause the car was not intended to be sold but kept (and drive on daily basis) for a long time therefore as you can see, I did not save in any of the maintenance at all. Total Invested: $5,286.50 (note: not even one hour of my time ‘labor’ has been factored into the ‘total invested’ amount, these numbers reflect the cost of the parts only!
If interested, send an email to: vatreni007@hotmail.com

email sent....

Originally Posted by Mack

10k budget for a 540? Isn't gonna happen. Unless you can get a 97 or 98 in GREAT shape for 5 or 6k$. Good luck!

I paid $10,500 for my 2001 540i Sport (auto) with 72K mi (5 months ago). Previous owner had replaced the complete cooling system (everything) and front upper/lower control arms. All work done at La Jolla independent. No accidents. Needed new tires which cost me about $500 and an oil change ($100). So far I have put 5k mi on the car with no issues (other than front tires wearing unevenly - alignment check has been scheduled).

I spent about ~3 months looking for a car and test drove about 10 cars (all 540's). The car I ended up with was the first car I test drove! Over the 3 months I was looking the seller dropped his price from $14K to 11k and I negotiated 10.5K. I spoke to the seller several times and he told me that most people that came to look at the car didn't seem like they were really ready to buy a car like this. Fact is I don't think these cars sell easily at all which is good news for you as a buyer. The issues with the 540i are well documented and I would not buy one without knowing most had been addressed. I walked away from a few nice cars that were reasonably priced only because I could see 2 to $3K in upcoming repairs. The one I got is not perfect but the main issues have been taken care of and I got all the service records since new! You've just got to get out there and search. Good luck!

pics of my car here
http://www.km5tz.netfirms.com/BMW%20540i.htm

Originally Posted by David.W

I paid $10,500 for my 2001 540i Sport (auto) with 72K mi (5 months ago). Previous owner had replaced the complete cooling system (everything) and front upper/lower control arms. All work done at La Jolla independent. No accidents. Needed new tires which cost me about $500 and an oil change ($100). So far I have put 5k mi on the car with no issues (other than front tires wearing unevenly - alignment check has been scheduled).

I spent about ~3 months looking for a car and test drove about 10 cars (all 540's). The car I ended up with was the first car I test drove! Over the 3 months I was looking the seller dropped his price from $14K to 11k and I negotiated 10.5K. I spoke to the seller several times and he told me that most people that came to look at the car didn't seem like they were really ready to buy a car like this. Fact is I don't think these cars sell easily at all which is good news for you as a buyer. The issues with the 540i are well documented and I would not buy one without knowing most had been addressed. I walked away from a few nice cars that were reasonably priced only because I could see 2 to $3K in upcoming repairs. The one I got is not perfect but the main issues have been taken care of and I got all the service records since new! You've just got to get out there and search. Good luck!

pics of my car here
http://www.km5tz.netfirms.com/BMW%20540i.htm

And that right there is why I've started my search so early. Thanks for the post, it's encouraging.

I paid $6500 for my 99 540i6 with 102K, car was purchased from private party and price was reduced from 9K also had dealer trips listed on carfax . I was talkin to the owner ever since i test drove the car and he seemed to like the idea to sell the car to an enthusiast for cheaper rather then some kid as a present from his parents. Anyhow car still has original clutch and currently at 118K (planning on doing it after tax return). So far ive had front control arms bushings, starter replaced at the shop, i also rebuilt my intake manifold with all new parts including all hoses some that probably shouldnt even been touched. So far im happy with the car although my clutch pedal is squeaky when cold. So i would say i paid $6500 plus $2000 in repairs that i was very well aware of. Also it took me 2 months to find the car i was happy with, well not entirely i wanted black interior . So take ur time dont jump on first good deal you see.

Btw i saw a 98 540i w/56K miles for $4k it had salvage title due to theft... and i almost got it but luckly i didnt because the interior was beat up, manual tranny had leak and the usual valve covers yadda yaddda

Originally Posted by David.W

I paid $10,500 for my 2001 540i Sport (auto) with 72K mi (5 months ago). Previous owner had replaced the complete cooling system (everything) and front upper/lower control arms. All work done at La Jolla independent. No accidents. Needed new tires which cost me about $500 and an oil change ($100). So far I have put 5k mi on the car with no issues (other than front tires wearing unevenly - alignment check has been scheduled).

I spent about ~3 months looking for a car and test drove about 10 cars (all 540's). The car I ended up with was the first car I test drove! Over the 3 months I was looking the seller dropped his price from $14K to 11k and I negotiated 10.5K. I spoke to the seller several times and he told me that most people that came to look at the car didn't seem like they were really ready to buy a car like this. Fact is I don't think these cars sell easily at all which is good news for you as a buyer. The issues with the 540i are well documented and I would not buy one without knowing most had been addressed. I walked away from a few nice cars that were reasonably priced only because I could see 2 to $3K in upcoming repairs. The one I got is not perfect but the main issues have been taken care of and I got all the service records since new! You've just got to get out there and search. Good luck!

pics of my car here
http://www.km5tz.netfirms.com/BMW%20540i.htm

Wow thats a candy right there!

Im selling my 2000 540i sport pac with a 6 speed im asking 8900 its black/black it has 125k runs drives and looks great you can see it on auto traider her is a link I work for this dealer and my boss is doing me a faver by putting it on the internet for me this is my own personal car http://www.cars.com/jcauto/inv.html let me know if your intersted also have done a lot of mantnence

my car is on the second page and im in New Jersey and it comes with a second set of wheels with snow tires http://www.cars.com/jcauto/inv.html

You can look at my car I'm selling. It's a 2001 BMW 540i Sport pkg in great condition, just spectacular. 143K miles. $7,500. Visit Ebay or Craigslist for details. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=130359562995
or e-mail me for more pictures or details at brabusnik630@aol.com or call 917-968-5001. Thanks.

Originally Posted by brabusnik

You can look at my car I'm selling. It's a 2001 BMW 540i Sport pkg in great condition, just spectacular. 143K miles. $7,500. Visit Ebay or Craigslist for details. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=130359562995
or e-mail me for more pictures or details at brabusnik630@aol.com or call 917-968-5001. Thanks.

Aluminum front and rear suspension? Is that aftermarket?

see the attachment

Wow! That's some beauty you got there. The sheer amount of options is staggering. Will be a damn great buy for anyone in the market.

can someone clarify what "Gas Guzzler $1300" is.....

Gas guzzler tax because it gets such poor gas mileage. I knew the M5's had 'em. Didn't know the 540 had 'em. Especially with all the 540 owners here saying they get 30mpg highway LOL.

Originally Posted by brabusnik

You can look at my car I'm selling. It's a 2001 BMW 540i Sport pkg in great condition, just spectacular. 143K miles. $7,500. Visit Ebay or Craigslist for details. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=130359562995
or e-mail me for more pictures or details at brabusnik630@aol.com or call 917-968-5001. Thanks.

Are those the original wheels? Sport wheels?

Got lucky on mine, 97 with 66k miles @ time of purchase. Was traded in on a Bentley Arnage. Needless to say the trade $ was for a 528i, so I decided to ditch my 120k 00 328i and upgrade

I am planning on selling my 540 in the spring/summer. However I will be asking a bit more than 10K.Do your research and maybe you would consider my car. See what is available and think about it. Coincidentally, my daughter is transfering from WVU in September. She hasn't decided where she is going yet, however Buffalo is one of her choices. We will be visiting that school sometime soon. If we do travel to Buffalo, I could show you my car at that time. You never know.......................

Originally Posted by MikeHVNYBMW

I am planning on selling my 540 in the spring/summer. However I will be asking a bit more than 10K.Do your research and maybe you would consider my car. See what is available and think about it. Coincidentally, my daughter is transfering from WVU in September. She hasn't decided where she is going yet, however Buffalo is one of her choices. We will be visiting that school sometime soon. If we do travel to Buffalo, I could show you my car at that time. You never know.......................

Drop me a PM if the trip comes about, I'd also be glad to point out some places and things to do while your here.

Will do...................

I have a feeling there is a lot of hp envy here....

Originally Posted by SoCaLE39

I have a feeling there is a lot of hp envy here....

You must be able to detect it quite easily, having owned an M5 !!!