I think I want an E39 540i
01-09-2007, 05:43 AM
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Originally Posted by andy92782,Jan 9 2007, 07:16 AM
I used to own a '99 540i 6-speed. Awesome car, but it it weren't for the CPO warranty, I would have been hurting badly from repair bills.
All E39 540s had a bad radiator design. The radiator would crack by the top radiator hose almost like clockwork, every 40-45k miles. Mine did. Expect the coolant recovery tank to crack also. This was only on the V8 models, not the 528/530s.
Power window regulators go out often.
Mine also had a seized a/c compressor and a failed DSC control module.
If you get one now I'd probably budget a minimum of $2500/yr in maintenance and repairs costs.
All E39 540s had a bad radiator design. The radiator would crack by the top radiator hose almost like clockwork, every 40-45k miles. Mine did. Expect the coolant recovery tank to crack also. This was only on the V8 models, not the 528/530s.
Power window regulators go out often.
Mine also had a seized a/c compressor and a failed DSC control module.
If you get one now I'd probably budget a minimum of $2500/yr in maintenance and repairs costs.
I was aware of the radiator problem, but $2,500 per year in repairs would likely kill the deal for me. At $200/mo., what's the point? When that is added to the regular loan payments, the monthly nut would be around 335i lease money, or maybe more. And, of course, repair payments are sunk costs. Well, I'll probably continue to play around on autotrader, but the numbers don't seem to be too compelling...
01-09-2007, 06:09 AM
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BJ,
we had a 2001 E38 740i Sport for 2 years (bought early 04, sold mid-06)....we bought the car with 50K miles, and i immediately invested 2K to bring it up to snuff (thrust rod bushings, tie rods, rad and brakes)....it was flawless after that.
the car is heavy (as is the E39 5 series) - suspension bits WILL wear quicker than on your neighbours accord or camry. that's why at 50K your potential new car and my E38 needed some stuff to be replaced.
our (and most) E38 also had the EDC shocks....they are prone to leaking, but will not fail....your call at that point.
the car is a dream to drive, is luxurious, looks hot, has all the bells and whistles, etc......the V8 (540/740) is the only way to go.
the biggest "problem" with these cars (E38) is that majority of them were leased....so for 3 (or 4) years, there was only so much maintenance that someone would do to it knowing the car was being given back.
in canada, it was a $110K car....usually leased by company execs. when we were looking, all the examples for sale were referenced as "just off lease".
note: i was actually wanting an E39 540....but quickly swtiched to the E38 740 once i saw the negligible price difference....the 740i is a "mack-daddy" car.
good luck with your search.
we had a 2001 E38 740i Sport for 2 years (bought early 04, sold mid-06)....we bought the car with 50K miles, and i immediately invested 2K to bring it up to snuff (thrust rod bushings, tie rods, rad and brakes)....it was flawless after that.
the car is heavy (as is the E39 5 series) - suspension bits WILL wear quicker than on your neighbours accord or camry. that's why at 50K your potential new car and my E38 needed some stuff to be replaced.
our (and most) E38 also had the EDC shocks....they are prone to leaking, but will not fail....your call at that point.
the car is a dream to drive, is luxurious, looks hot, has all the bells and whistles, etc......the V8 (540/740) is the only way to go.
the biggest "problem" with these cars (E38) is that majority of them were leased....so for 3 (or 4) years, there was only so much maintenance that someone would do to it knowing the car was being given back.
in canada, it was a $110K car....usually leased by company execs. when we were looking, all the examples for sale were referenced as "just off lease".
note: i was actually wanting an E39 540....but quickly swtiched to the E38 740 once i saw the negligible price difference....the 740i is a "mack-daddy" car.
good luck with your search.
01-09-2007, 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by bjohnston,Jan 9 2007, 06:43 AM
I was aware of the radiator problem, but $2,500 per year in repairs would likely kill the deal for me. At $200/mo., what's the point? When that is added to the regular loan payments, the monthly nut would be around 335i lease money, or maybe more. And, of course, repair payments are sunk costs. Well, I'll probably continue to play around on autotrader, but the numbers don't seem to be too compelling...
BTW - I'm leasing a 335i. I pick it up in Munich (euro delivery) in about 2 weeks!
01-09-2007, 09:48 AM
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^ If I went E39, I think I would want the V8. Big torque is good in a big car. I'm not particularly looking for a V8 performance sedan. I just like E39 Bimmers. The GS430 does nothing for me. I'd rather lease a new G35 for similar $$$. I think you were helpful to me in an earlier thread re. Euro delivery BMW leases. I will look into that, but I don't think a Euro trip for the Mrs. and me is in the cards til the Fall. I can certainly wait til then. Thanks, and congrats on the car! You'll have to report back after you pick it up.
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