Do I sell or hang on? '99 540i (E39) - BMW Forum

jstenq · 03-14-2009, 02:16 PM

I have a love/hate relationship with my awesome 540i. I have 145K mi and have recently replaced the water pump, alternator, radiator, thermostat, belt, brakes, some gaskets, etc... Adding up these repairs, I think I could simply make payments on a newer model under warranty.

I hate to sell, but I don't think I have the intestinal fortitude to keep driving this car if I have to continue to sink significant money into it. Is this an infortunate rash of regular maintenance, or should I sell it now, while it is still running?

Numark318i · 03-14-2009, 02:35 PM

I would say around that mileage everything seems to break. Once you get most of the maintenance like what you have stated out of the way it will not be so bad.

Keep in mind though that you should keep up with regular maintenance.

Do you drive the car hard? Is the tranny still shifting smoothly? does the interior still fit your needs?

A lot to consider. I would keep it, but to each his own.

CosmosBlack · 03-14-2009, 03:01 PM

I agree with what Numark said, at that mileage, there are numerous components that need to be replaced. Now that you have done that, there might still be a few popping up in the near future. But things should be easier now that the car has most new parts in it.

However, major parts like the engine and transmission...if that goes, then it's gonna be a big impact on your pocket.

It's your call, if the car is paid off, I'd drive it till it falls apart. These things can go 200k miles and beyond. Unless you have plans/budget to upgrade to something better that you like.

LesG · 03-14-2009, 03:27 PM

My neighbor has a 5 series with around 220k and he drives it everyday to work. My brother did the type repairs you just mentioned at about 130k on his 95 3 series and it has gone another 20k with no more problems. I would drive it now that you have done so much work.

jstenq · 03-14-2009, 06:41 PM

Everthing is great, however, when the car is cold, it seems to lag shifting from 1st to second. Once the car is warm, no problems. Could this be the beginnings of a transmission problem, or a fluid issue or what?

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-14-2009, 08:03 PM

check your fluid level could just be a little low

rashid · 03-15-2009, 05:50 AM

In addition to the above, things that you had recently replaced can take you 100,000 Km more (minimum) & you better keep it till it complete that Mileage, since you have already spent.

Clark Griswold · 03-17-2009, 09:04 AM

Keep it. You've already hit most of the regualr high dollar repairs. Besides, if you add them up, what was it 2-3 monhs worth of car payments?

mconerly · 03-30-2009, 06:21 PM

I was in the same difficult situation with my 1997 528i (185,000 miles) until this last week when my engine blew a cylinder. I found a 2000 525i with only 80,000 miles in perfect condition for $10,000 which was not a whole lot more than what it would have cost to repair the engine damage in the '97. If you were thinking about buying a new/used car, there are some really good deals out there right now! For me, I got another e39 so now I have a whole car full of spare parts lol.

Teh Prof · 03-31-2009, 07:35 AM

I'd say that what the OP has done is typical for the car and nothing to be surprised about.

I do wonder however whether his tranny is a manual or automatic, and if automatic, whether he has ever changed the fluid and filter.

If not, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a sample of the tranny fluid and get it analyzed--if there's much metal in the fluid, the car needs to go.

calderhall · 03-31-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstenq

I have a love/hate relationship with my awesome 540i. I have 145K mi and have recently replaced the water pump, alternator, radiator, thermostat, belt, brakes, some gaskets, etc... Adding up these repairs, I think I could simply make payments on a newer model under warranty.

I hate to sell, but I don't think I have the intestinal fortitude to keep driving this car if I have to continue to sink significant money into it. Is this an infortunate rash of regular maintenance, or should I sell it now, while it is still running?

I feel your pain !!in the last 3 months ive replaced water pump,thermostat,dif,wheel bearing and sensor,door handle,two brake pipes and a rear suspension arm,not to mention a new key and im in the same boat as you !! i am going to keep it for 6-8 months and part company before i go broke.

will3hawks · 03-31-2009, 06:20 PM

If you have not changed the trans oil/fluid you can expect trouble. Somehow BMW convinced many people that transmissions do not need to be serviced for a lifetime.

There's a word for that.....BULLSHIT, BULLSHIT BULLSHIT!!!!!

In the real world, NO ONE defies the laws of physics or chemistry!!!!!

Will we please get our heads out of our asses and do proper maintenence???

Thus endeth the sermon.