BMW 540i DD: Fix up, or time to sell?
 

Hi Guys. I'm at a crossroads on whether or not to sell my '97 540i 6spd with 185k. On one end, I really like driving the car. The 540 is a wonderful blend of performance, luxury, comfort and style. On the other, I can't help but think I'd be throwing good money after bad and should invest the money needed for repairs toward something newer with less miles.


Here are the cars needs:

- Rust bubbling around trunk lid, tail lights, hood, behind the front wheels. It's fairly minor now but growing quickly. Paint cracking on hood.
- Water pump leaking
- Valve cover/timing cover gaskets and possible RMS all weeping
- Intake manifold needs to be resealed
- Rear window regulator
- Knock sensors (rodent chewed a hole in the wiring)
- Rear spring and suspension link
- AC needs recharge
- Few other smaller things

On the upside, the following was recently done:

- Radiator and expansion tank
- Control arms (car rides nice)
- Clutch
- New tires with alignment
- Lots of new parts by the PO whom was a DIY guy.

The beautiful tan interior is in excellent condition, runs strong and smooth, shifts like a hot knife through butter. I also have extensive service history from new. I'm considering another 540i, an e39 M5, e46 M3 or even running a Boxster or Carrera 4 as a daily driver.

Pictures below:

http://s47.photobucket.com/user/phatrick88/library/BMW%20540i?sort=3&page=1

What are you asking? I've been wanting one for a while.

I think the big question here is .... Are you diy' ing all this stuff, or are you writing checks to a shop? I agree, these are really nice driving cars, 185 k is getting up there though.

You will easily spend more than the car is worth getting it right. Then something else will break, because it is an old BMW with a lot of miles. Sell it for $3000 on Craigslist and invest your money into something newer with lower miles that is worth fixing.

I get a headache just thinking about trying to keep a rusting, paint-cracking, leaking 185K mile '97 BMW V8 on the road.

There's no question, that car is now past it's expiration date.

I'd not put any significant money into it. It is one major repair away from being totalled. I'd get rid of it and start over with something else.

Find an LS3 and 6 speed out of a wrecked Camaro and jam it in there. No more high maintenance BMW drivetrain and more power to boot ;)

I,d at least try to recover some of the "expensive new tires" before getting rid of it.