I am ready to trade up to a 540i...

[ozarkmark]

...from a 528i.

Link:

Details of Used 1998 BMW 540, Rogers, AR - Yahoo! Autos

In your experience, based on the fact the auto tranny is crap (GM nein ZF) and the rear shock mounts are known to fail, is this something you would probably buy as a beater to get you around? I would need another 150,000 out of it....

My 528i is perfectly happy with 222,000 miles but....OMG that v-8 power is awesome in this 540 I am considering! Meh... I don't think the 528i will last another 40,000 mile year. I could be wrong....

Thoughts? GO!

[marti5]

The 540 is an awesome machine you will not be dissappointed, your only problem will be the cooling system, rad, exp tank, waterpump etc.

[Teh Prof]

You are slightly mistaken. The 528's automatic tranny was made by GM. The 540's automatic tranny was made by ze germanz.

I think if properly taken care of this car will last you another 150000. My 540 has almost double the mileage of this car and is just fine.

The usual V8 maintenance items list is longer than the 2.8 6-cyl. My favourite one was the valley pan and gasket, which costs a couple thousand to replace and goes bad on EVERY SINGLE M62 engine.

I like the look of the 540 in the ad, but the price might be a little high. These cars have really come down in value since I bought mine...much to my chagrin ;-)

[cipher]

I have a 97 w/ 93,000 I've taken care of it as much as possible and it's not cheap to maintain. I need to replace the valve cover gaskets because they really do leak on the m62, I hear it's due to the degree of slant that the v8 has that sux but the experts say get it so go get it. You'lle have a lot of fun driving it

[ozarkmark]

thanks all. Yes - the 528 had the GM tranny.

I traded today and talked the guy down enough so I was happy. I look forward to keeping it for awhile.

To my utter surprise, I opened up the leather keeper with all the manuals inside. The previous owner kep all his maintenance records. To my surprise and glee he had just replaced the radiator and expansion tank 10,000 miles back. Whoo hoo! It looks like the guy was pretty enthusiastic about keeping it in good shape. I found a few other receipts for brakes, inspections, and other minor things.

I will keep an eye on the valley pan.

[witeshark]

Congratz!

[ozarkmark]

Thanks witeshark...it was tough to see my long term 528 go but I forgot about it when I stomped the new 540 on the interstate today. lol...

It's in great shape. The owner didn't drive it more than 8500 miles per year. Not a ding, scratch or oily part to be seen.

[spawn_x]

hello guys, first post here. I am looking at picking up maybe a 97 540i

I can't see the original ad, would 4-5 grand me a good price for one with 110k miles, if in decent condition?

I read about transmissions and gaskets - do I need any special tools to work on these or only a shop can take care of it? how is the upkeep cost of these? do they last a good amount?

I'm not a newbie to cars but am to BMWs.. any opinions appreciated. Also, what about 740s - same engine/tranny?

Much appreciated, thank you!

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

glad your happy with your new car nothing like a well tuned Bmw v8 have a 740(same engine) and so far have not needed an special tools(have replaced every gasket short of the head gaskets....) I currently have 156k miles on it and it passed smog with flying colors

what year is the 540i?

[Teh Prof]

Yes, 4-5K would be a good price for that car, just remember that there are maintenance costs involved too in a car that's 12 years old.

[ozarkmark]

Originally Posted by AlpineSixAndSeven

glad your happy with your new car nothing like a well tuned Bmw v8 have a 740(same engine) and so far have not needed an special tools(have replaced every gasket short of the head gaskets....) I currently have 156k miles on it and it passed smog with flying colors

what year is the 540i?

Hi Alpine...it looks like the ad has been removed. The 540i I bought is a 1998 in the faster titanium silver color.

I am amazed at the upkeep the previous owner performed. I found more maintenance records indicating new brakes, all schedulled inspections, oil changes etc....

I am loving this car. While installing the satellite radio this morning, it doesn't appear anyone ever sat in the passenger seat and back seat.

[ozarkmark]

Resurrected thread from the dead. The car has 146k miles on the odo.

Just an update on what I have had to do to the car since buying about a year and a half ago/ last 50,00 miles. Each bullet point item was a visit to the local Euro mechanic I use. Prices include labor:

-New ignition switch and serpentine belt @100k ~ $275

-New thrust arm bushings (OEM type). Replaced precat O2 sensors at 126k ~ $400

-New valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, Valley Pan and Bavauto gasket kit, CCV/ Rear manifold cover. New driver and passenger side Catalytic converters (used Magnaflow universals welded in). New Fuel Filter, thermostat, Camshaft Position Sensor, new hood emblem and oil filter reservoir mounts @ 145K ~ $2200

Total thus far is $2875 IIRC.

To do:

-New tires and Road Force balance ~ $500

-Need new struts and shocks. Suggestions welcome.

[witeshark]

Seems reasonable; thanks for the update

[jericho111]

Hi!

Pls. post pictures of your new Baby!! I think I want one for myself too. V8 seems awesome!!!!

Jericho

[BBenedict]

Thanks for the update. Interesting info. I suggest you take a look at
Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels for tires. They have good prices and if there is a
good installer in your area you should do ok.

I have a 2002 540i (auto trans, sport package, premium sound, laydown rear seats, etc.). It has ~73,400 miles on it and it runs perfectly.

Yep, the V8 is a good engine, lots of torque everywhere.

Glad you are enjoying it.