Advice/opinions on used 540i

[tlaselva]

With the winter is quickly approaching, it's coming time that the Vette's going into hibernation soon.
Unfortunately, that will necessitate a purchase of a 3rd car. (Taking mod money away from my Vette… )

Been entertaining the idea of a 3 to 4 year old 540i.
Prices of these cars are good, and should have plenty of reliable years left in them.

I'm not up to speed with the 5 series as I am the 3, so asking all you 5 series guru's issues/suggestions with a 1998 to 2001 540i I should be aware of.
Unfortunately car has to be an auto, b/c wife refuses to drive standard. Women....

Thanks all in advance.

[///Greco540]

Let's see if I remember correctly here...

1998 last year non-vanos. Engine underrated and produces alot more power than BMW claims. Nav's had a 4:3 display and were CD based.

1999 introduction of vanos. torque gets a bump from 310 to 324.
2001 introduction double vanos, cosmetic changes (LED rear taillights, AE headlights) Don't know if that was the year they added the 3.15 diff to the Auto's sport pack? Nav's started w/ 6:9 display and were DVD based.

Price wise, a nice low mil 98 runs $32-$33K and a 01 runs around $55K+.

Other than electrical gremlins, the only thing to watch out for is a weak colling system. Radiators, water pumps have been known to go.

Too bad the wife wants auto.. http://www.trader.ca/Search/Enlarged...goryid=1&CAT=1 and he just dropped the price to $32,800.

Nice '01: http://www.trader.ca/BMWofMississaug...tegory=&alpha=

[Mitch555]

You want a 98+ BMW 540i winter beater?!? lol

[SpudBoy]

Originally posted by Mitch555
You want a 98+ BMW 540i winter beater?!? lol

that's our Tony!

[UncleJ]

A car with AWD would be a better winter beater, no?

[///Milk]

if you have kids...330iX?
isnt that the wagon?

[crusher]

Go for it Tony!! 540i's are pretty good, reliable and hey u can also s/c it heheh competition for your z06 Anyways, as long as its taken care of all the time it should last you for 20 years!!!

Jeff

[Mitch555]

Originally posted by SpudBoy
that's our Tony!

Geez!!! Loaded much?

[Jon@Bimmersport]

tony..just end it and get dinan S2-M5 lol

[97 Z3 2.8]

540's are beautiful cars. I've though of getting one as well. Good in the snow as long as you know how to drive it. Get snow tires though. You'll need em!

Bill