Why is there more used E39 540's for sale, is there something i don't know?

There's a sweet used CPO E39 540 for sale on local BMW dealer that really caught my eye on Friday evening and i got really serious enough than i noticed just walking around the lot there are total of 6 used 2002/2003 E39 540's (some CPO and some not) for sale (all sweet looking, at least to me), and no other used E39 models on the lot.

It's probably just coincidence, that's all, but if anyone is also seeing similar trend where you are and you know something about why there are more used E39 540's for sale than other E39's (other than the obvious stuffs such as time to change the vehicle) then please share. I'm hoping it's just coincidence and maybe i can take opportunity to get myself a nicely used 2002/2003 E39 540. Can't imagine why anybody would sell their E39, especially 540's.

Thanks much!

new model year released - people are trading up

A large percentage of these Bimmers were leased for three years and have now been turned back in.

Lets put it this way, no matter how pretty or hot a woman is there is someone out there tired of hitting it. Therefore if you have money or game you upgrade to something newer not necessary better looking but just newer. Also many people are afraid of the high maintenance cost assocaited with used BMW's. To be honest, without the help from BMW forum like this one I would also be afraid to purchased an used BMW due to their high maintenance cost. IMO, if you're in the market for a high permformance luxury used car there is no better bargain than an use E39. The E39 540I sold for almost 60K brand new. My buddy just bought a new E60 525I for $58K.

Originally Posted by Clarke

A large percentage of these Bimmers were leased for three years and have now been turned back in.

That wouldn't explain why there are no 525s or 530's though which were sold in much greater numbers. The only reason I can think of is that the 540 gets substantially lower gas mileage and may have become less desireable on the used market with increasing gas prices. If you do a calculation of the extra $ spent per year it doesn't add up to much, but the average non-enthusiast used car buyer doesn't always think that way so the 540s might move slower. Just a guess.

yeah - I think your typical non-enthusiast would get scared of maintenance on the M62, M62TU mills - even though they're both bulletproof engines.

Hey - more 540i's for us right? Where are you in the country btw? I'm in Seattle and I haven't really seen many 540i-6s around - though I look mostly in private party ads as I'm not a big fan of dealers.

Those dealers just got me for $6.98 for a thrust washer less than the size of a dime.
There's something wrong with that picture if you ask me.
325ic a beer

I think it is more harmless than every one thinks. Most new 540s went to people who wanted the newest and the best. 525 and 530s went to people who were enthusiasts or had been waiting (and saving) for a BMW. They are more likely to keep their cars longer. The orignal owners of the 540s are all now in 545s and 550s. All the better for second owners like me who are addicted to the power of 540s.


Clay
99 540iA

Originally Posted by crwilsn

I think it is more harmless than every one thinks. Most new 540s went to people who wanted the newest and the best. 525 and 530s went to people who were enthusiasts or had been waiting (and saving) for a BMW. They are more likely to keep their cars longer. The orignal owners of the 540s are all now in 545s and 550s. All the better for second owners like me who are addicted to the power of 540s.


Clay
99 540iA

AMEN...."No Replacement for Displacement"

I wouldn't get worried that there are more V8s E39 5 series in the used car lots than the inline sixes. Just means that 540i owners are trading up to the newer E60 or have moved to more frugal engines.

The I-6 owners are probably fairly contented with their vehicles coz its a better balance between good fuel economy and good performance. And if there were a few 530i and 540i in the used lot, perhaps the 530i gets snapped up first because people are more conscious of fuel economy.

Having said all that, the six cylinders are a bit cheaper to maintain than the V8s.

Originally Posted by tempestv8

...if there were a few 530i and 540i in the used lot, perhaps the 530i gets snapped up first because people are more conscious of fuel economy.

I think you got real close to the mark there. I agree all the way up to the part about "fuel economy" In short, the I6 sell faster because theyr'e cheaper.

There is a member here selling his 540i here and has some goodies with the car on it. Look for him his screen name is AsianImage.

how bout a 99 540/6 black on black for $10,300? the place where i buy all my cars from has or had it(may be sold now). they deal exclusivly with repos, thefts, light floods, light hits, etc. they're very reputable being in the business for over 20yrs and dont sell junk or try and scam people. http://www.rebuildablesonline.com/showroom.php?type=Car i would buy this right now but i dont want to sell mine cause i have to much work into her.

i have no affiliation with eag except being a loyal and satisfied customer for many years.

nightkrawler, did not see that car on the list, must have sold...I agree that my I6 is a good "beginner" BMW (and cheaper, gave 8.5K, 97, 115k miles, stock, new tires, brakes, rotors, pads, a/c condensor, Sch I maint). It is my first, and I LOVE IT! I am hooked for life, but I agree that the fuel economy may be a drawback...also, here in KY you don't see many 540i, but a few more 528i, yet they are still hard to find. The 3 series is popular around this state...not sure why, but they are. I actually found mine on eBay, and picked her up in St. Louis, MO.

And hey, how did Brent get his own "smiley"?!?! LOL


I LOVE MY CAR!!

two words: gas prices

If I had to choose between three similar mileage vehicles, a small capacity I-6 2.5 litre 525i, the large capacity I-6 530i or the 4 litre 540i V8, all of which have similar equipment and specifications *and* price, I'd pick the 530i again.

525i - engine may have to work harder than the other three and so economy could suffer slightly

530i - engine is the best M54 BMW engine every built (no I'm not biased)

540i - fear of additional complexity, and high gas prices can't sway me to the better performance, especially when we live in such policed environments these days

So 530i for me!


p.s. If the 540i has the same gas mileage as the 530i in 90% of cases, I could be convinced to go for the V8....

Originally Posted by tempestv8

If I had to choose between three similar mileage vehicles, a small capacity I-6 2.5 litre 525i, the large capacity I-6 530i or the 4 litre 540i V8, all of which have similar equipment and specifications *and* price, I'd pick the 530i again.

525i - engine may have to work harder than the other three and so economy could suffer slightly

530i - engine is the best M54 BMW engine every built (no I'm not biased)

540i - fear of additional complexity, and high gas prices can't sway me to the better performance, especially when we live in such policed environments these days

So 530i for me!


p.s. If the 540i has the same gas mileage as the 530i in 90% of cases, I could be convinced to go for the V8....

a few mpg loss < fun factor of the V8 < the ridiculous domination of the V8

I'd take my 18MPG over an I6 any day. I've owned 2 I6s and they were both dogs.

Originally Posted by chivas

a few mpg loss < fun factor of the V8 < the ridiculous domination of the V8

Originally Posted by 1Dreamer

That wouldn't explain why there are no 525s or 530's though which were sold in much greater numbers. The only reason I can think of is that the 540 gets substantially lower gas mileage and may have become less desireable on the used market with increasing gas prices. If you do a calculation of the extra $ spent per year it doesn't add up to much, but the average non-enthusiast used car buyer doesn't always think that way so the 540s might move slower. Just a guess.

I was going to make the same point.

Originally Posted by Asharus

I'd take my 18MPG over an I6 any day. I've owned 2 I6s and they were both dogs.

Sacre Ble!

OK, so the I-6 were never fast as the V8s but imagine driving an e34 520i around. Now they are slow.

Haha as if my 92 525i was slow enough w/ the M50 engine.

Having just purchased a CPO'd '03 525i I can say that my reasons for choosing that car as opposed to the V8 was based almost entirely on price. The milage was a plus....only 16k on the 525 as opposed to much higher on the 540's but overall it came down to vehicle cost. The fuel economy is a plus, but not a key factor.

DOH! You coulda had a V8!!

Everywhere i read, including the latest BMW CAR Publication from the UK, the E39 530i is the most balanced 5 series EVER! The power IS there, a much better front suspension, weight ratio, fuel consumption, not to mention price ETC ETC.

SO in my humble opinion, (imho) Its the best one to own new and certainly pre-owned (certified, that is)

there you have it.