99 540i common probs. at >100k miles? PRICE?

[aigel]

I have the chance to pick up a 540i 6 speed with a few dinan enhancements (exhaust and suspension).

The car has approx 110k miles and is in presentable shape but there are no records whatsoever.

What are common problems at this age and mileage? Especially the drivetrain, are there any common problems. (E.g. headgaskets, oil leaks, valve guides etc.?)

Would a car with little maintenance (e.g. long oil change intervals) be a big problem or can these engines take that well?

And finally, what's your feel on price on an undocumented higher mileage example like this, in the SF bay area??? I want to make sure to make an offer that will leave me with some room for repairs and upgrades if they should be necessary!

Cheers, George

[pebowles]

odd electrics, leaking rocker covers, thermostat/water pump. Most modern oils are so good it is probably unlikely you will have big component failures. However the niggling things will cost, and unless you have a good mechanic (don't expect this from dealers) you should but he car very cheap and expect to pay a bit as time goes by.

[aigel]

pebowles:

Thanks for the input. This was at a repo auction. I bid low and lost to a higher bid. Oh well. I am glad to read your last sentence. I did exactly that, bid cheap to have some room for repairs. No big loss.

One thing that I found during my info search is the fact that these seem to hit bottom prices very quickly, unlike a Mercedes Benz. That was another thing that scared me a bit. Even on a 5 year old car it seemed, you could loose 10k within 2-3 years...

Thanks again,

Cheers, George