I forgot what a great car the 540i is. After being dormant during winter I finally got it on the road, had to change the battery mind you. Amazed how well it drove 200 kms after 6 months of sitting there in the cold. Anyways, just wanted to make this statement, man I love this car. I know it's 14 years old already, well at least my 1999 is, and yes its had its issues that have cost me a small fortune, but in my opinion well worth it. As I was giving her a wash before taking her on for the trip a gentleman walked by and said: "hey, isn't that the car that was considered the best sedan for like 10 years". Don't know why I'm writing this post, maybe just because I'm a proud E39 owner.:thumbup:
I definitey cursed myself by getting an e39 as my first car. I wont be able to drive anything other than german (more specifically BMW) for the rest of my life if I want to be satisfied with my car
I definitey cursed myself by getting an e39 as my first car. I wont be able to drive anything other than german (more specifically BMW) for the rest of my life if I want to be satisfied with my car
I bought my 540 for myself on my birthday in 2006. Here it is going on 7 years and everytime I hit that pedal I love it....still feels like the day i took mine home! NEVER going to sell this car:thumbup:
Alfonso, just got my car back from the shop after not driving for awhile, and I was considering making the same thread! It was really nice to hop back in the E39 and enjoy an extended drive. Everything in your post is accurate, including the $$ invested into keeping it running. Definitely worth it!
I think some of the the things are just the difference between the sport package and the comfort package in the 740i.
540i vs 740i-
740i- Comfort seats felt like sitting on a couch, so comfortable.. Suspension is no where near as nimble as the 5 although swallowed every bump, pothole, and dip without phasing it.. Trunk space was more ample. Rare factor- rarely saw any other 740i (swb) models especially in black on black.. Same engine as the 540i but not as quick due to the extra weight and honestly felt heavier in general.. Auto transmission was a very smooth shifting transmission, fast when it was supposed to be, reserved when it needed to be..
540i- Handles great, no body roll at all, Seats are far too stiff, as is the suspension but that is the trade off for good handling. There are a million e39s rolling around my area so I feel like any given parking lot I will be parked beside 3 other black e39s.. Granted the fact that mine is a 540i/6 makes it a little more stand out.. The transmission is fairly smooth but I need to replace the CDV to get the clutch to feel more natural.
We all share the same sentiments. My 540 was my first BMW, Now my line up looks like
99- 540i-6
94- 325 sons car
07 - 335i other sons car
07 - Z4M Coupe
My wife recently came back from Germany where she had a 12hr Layover in Munich, toured the BMW welt and came back with an X6M in mind...Not sure what my next one will be ...lemme see what the // M guys are up to these days...
Everyone that walks by my garage is enamored by the Z4M. I look at my 540 with those same eyes...
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