Problem areas on E39
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I've just acquired an E39 with 90,000 miles. It is a 2000-540i-6 speed manual, the car has been babied by the previous owner and maintained by a BMW dealer. I am planning to take it on a road trip and was wondering what the problem areas are on an E39-540i.
Front suspension bushings have been replaced recently. I have also replaced the drive belts and repacked the drive shaft center bearing, is there anything else i should be looking at?
Thank you for your response.
Front suspension bushings have been replaced recently. I have also replaced the drive belts and repacked the drive shaft center bearing, is there anything else i should be looking at?
Thank you for your response.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Biggest issue and most likely to leave you stranded is the cooling system. At 90k you are on borrowed time if original cooling system.
Other issues:
http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html
http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=55
And since you are new to the forum, you'll want to bookmark the following for future reference:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5976608&postcount=38
http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php/BMW_E39
Other issues:
http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html
http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=55
And since you are new to the forum, you'll want to bookmark the following for future reference:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5976608&postcount=38
http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php/BMW_E39
Everything! just kidding..
High Priority:
Have ALL the cooling system components checked.
Not so High Priority:
Valve cover gaskets, upper timing cover, plugs (If leaking).
Brake wear
Fuel filter wouldn't hurt (assuming it still has its orginal one)
Trans fluid change?
Battery
...just to name a few.
High Priority:
Have ALL the cooling system components checked.
Not so High Priority:
Valve cover gaskets, upper timing cover, plugs (If leaking).
Brake wear
Fuel filter wouldn't hurt (assuming it still has its orginal one)
Trans fluid change?
Battery
...just to name a few.
The problem areas on any E39 during the internet days are owners that do not know how to use the internet to their advantage when looking up said issues.
That's an interesting point because the main problems are painfully well characterized, e.g., here's a start ...
Behr cooling system leaking
Plastic DISA valve breaking & destroying the engine
Cluster pixel tape lifting
MID pixel tape lifting
Hella PBT headlight adjusters breaking
Power steering cap & hose leaking
Trunk wiring loom fraying
CCV clogging
Bosch ABS control module frying
Cupholders breaking
I6 VANOS seals deteriorating
V8 valley pan gaskets leaking
GKR/BMW/Valeo FSU/FSR dying
Thrust arm bushings leaking
Ambient temperature sensor breaking
Window regulators breaking
Vapor barrier adhesive leaking
Jack pads falling off
Windshield cover molding crumbling
Driver's seat control switch breaking
Rear center brakelight socket melting
Seat cables fall out causing seat twist
Windshield washer tanks & pumps leaking
BMW roundel paint chipping
Vent trim corner cracking & wood trim varnish cracking
etc.
Behr cooling system leaking
Plastic DISA valve breaking & destroying the engine
Cluster pixel tape lifting
MID pixel tape lifting
Hella PBT headlight adjusters breaking
Power steering cap & hose leaking
Trunk wiring loom fraying
CCV clogging
Bosch ABS control module frying
Cupholders breaking
I6 VANOS seals deteriorating
V8 valley pan gaskets leaking
GKR/BMW/Valeo FSU/FSR dying
Thrust arm bushings leaking
Ambient temperature sensor breaking
Window regulators breaking
Vapor barrier adhesive leaking
Jack pads falling off
Windshield cover molding crumbling
Driver's seat control switch breaking
Rear center brakelight socket melting
Seat cables fall out causing seat twist
Windshield washer tanks & pumps leaking
BMW roundel paint chipping
Vent trim corner cracking & wood trim varnish cracking
etc.
in addition to the above
CPS
Oil filter housing leak
Intake book crack
power steering fluid hoses
Door lock actuators
CPS
Oil filter housing leak
Intake book crack
power steering fluid hoses
Door lock actuators
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