buying 2002 540i sport 6 speed

[nawz23]

as the tile says im looking to buy a 02 540i sport what should i look for, what are major problems with it, and is it worth buying it.The price is 12000$ with 70k with all records and maintenance is the price good i was thinking offering 11k cash should i got for it???

[rashid]

I have 530i, 2002 with 330,000 KM now & I can remember the following problems that I think, common in booth 530 & 540:

1.Suspension problems (steering rack, bushes & arms, etc) from time to time due to the complication of the suspension system.

2.One important problem, the pixels in the cluster disappears due to a pressure problem. Few threads here provide details on this problem.

3.Taillights gets water in that can damage the light itself & some electrical modules too (like radio controller). Silicon solves this problem up to certain extent.

4.Headlights goes dull & can not be cleaned from inside. Only you can polish it from time to time, till it reaches the stage of replacement.

5.Problem with electrical seats (easily broken side-covers & clicking noises). Some solutions are explained in the BMW tips board.

I would advise you to ask about the price of the steering rack, headlights, taillights, cluster repair & radio controller before you proceed. The above info is based on experience with 530. forums experts can provide more valued advises specifically about 540.

[nawz23]

as every car there are going to be problems and im aware of that it can't be avoided tx for pointing out some of those things i will certainly keep my eye on it.What about engine and trans how reliable are they??? i hear about cooling problems water pump etc but that's ok they are not that expensive and i can do it my self if they go bad. I have a choice between 02 540i or 01 s500 benz but i heard that early s class has lots of problems and its expensive to fix im hoping 540i is better then that

[drz]

S class will have more electronic stuff that could go wrong, and -- to be honest -- I don't know much about MB's, so I would personally look at the 540. Plus, you cannot get the s500 in manual

The engine and transmission should last a very long time with proper maintenance. By long time, I mean well over 200,000 miles.

Goo luck with the car hunt!

[rashid]

I am an owner of BMW 530i, 2002 with 330K km & I also own Mercedes E280-Elegance, 2007 with 63K KM & under dealer warranty. I personally find the BMW-2002 better than the benz-2007 from stability, performance & quality. I like to drive the BM more than benz. This is my personal openion.

[nawz23]

tx for the help guys i hear that bmw is a drivers car all the time and i wan't that for a change.I been lexury car owner for long time but now i want something sporty with some muscle.And of course il be tuning it as soon as i get it who can keep a car stock these days lol thank you for the help everyone

[rashid]

One more problem that happened to me two times ... fualty charging motor & must replace. This is I think, due to the location of this part that allow collection of dirts & leaves. but still i love my BMW ... it is unique in its class.