e39 complicated but simple

EuroPRIDE · 12-22-2009, 06:45 PM

Hellooo Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

In the morning today I took for a test drive a bmw e39 1997 6-SPEED, 200km.

I took a seat in the pilot seat and just started to think and stare.

Even though it was cold because I took the bus then walked to where she was
the control buttons caught my attention. Every button looked almost the same.
So Im thinking to myself after I figured everything out BMW is complicated but yet simple if one gets to understand how it works.

Im aware that a e39 suffers from Radiator/cooling problems but Zionsville can fix that.

Last but not least I would like to know and Im sure others would love to know where the main spots are to maintain this type of machinery.

Adresses would be great but also pm's would be advantageous if I can get good deals if the time ever comes when my e39 might require.

I love getting good deals.

Iam a DIYer obvisously, since Im not related to Bill Gates but I never know if one day might come and IDK I just might not know something.

Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XieitUTgoo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Hgaz4o5eB0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4th0tRTC0GA

parm · 12-22-2009, 10:55 PM

Suspension, abs sensors, Cam sensors, engine & drive train mounts sub frame mounts, where to begin? In my experience a used BMW isn’t going to be inexpensive until you get the bulk of the kinks out.

Parm

EuroPRIDE · 12-22-2009, 11:39 PM

Thanks.

By the way, love the shade of blue on your e39.

EuroPRIDE · 12-23-2009, 12:15 AM

So no one out there knows of a good garage to get things fixed that I wont be able to do at home....

No one on this entire forum!?!?!?!

where is everyone....

Oyster · 12-23-2009, 12:24 AM

Lakeside and Bimmersport

Dado 540 · 12-23-2009, 12:44 AM

Suspension and mounts are regular wear and tear items however they do tend to go as they are under stress from those massive wheels.

If you are getting that 200k engine (especially 1997) i would drop the oil pan to check for debree from chain guide rails. Would also consider dropping the transmission pan and check there as well. Amount of metal shavings on the 4 magnets will indicate the condition of the tranny.

These two are probably the most expensive jobs. Untreated chain guides may lead to a blown engine (engine swap), and tranny ofcourse having to get rebuilt.

The shops that you are inquring about are RMP and/or Bimmersport. I have not had any work done by either of them but many on this site like the work they do.

You never mentioned what model you getting. 540i?

EuroPRIDE · 12-23-2009, 02:43 PM

The premium package with a 6-speed manual, sedan. Its like a grey/ufo type colour.

I really appreciate the information that prolongs the life of my engine and mine aswell.

Thanks a lot thats exactly the kind of information I wanted to hear and others around the world that come onto this forum.

MLue1 · 12-23-2009, 02:55 PM

Parm and Dado have pretty much covered the common weaknesses of E39s but I see that you have a 6 speed. The clutch is reputed to be weak on the 540s but the 6 speed tranny is quite strong, the only thing that I recall about the manual tranny is that the bushings in the shift mechanism may expand and make the tranny hard to shift, I'm not sure how often or easy/expensive this is to fix.

... oh yeah you should check the valve covers and valley pan gasket for leaks... happens on all 540s.

EuroPRIDE · 12-23-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLue1

Parm and Dado have pretty much covered the common weaknesses of E39s but I see that you have a 6 speed. The clutch is reputed to be weak on the 540s but the 6 speed tranny is quite strong, the only thing that I recall about the manual tranny is that the bushings in the shift mechanism may expand and make the tranny hard to shift, I'm not sure how often or easy/expensive this is to fix.

... oh yeah you should check the valve covers and valley pan gasket for leaks... happens on all 540s.

The valve covers have been replaced with the spark plugs.

Is there a stage 2 or heavy duty clutch that exists for the e39 540i?

When I was switching gears it seemed a little stiff but it seemed smooth.

Thank you.