Any BMW e39 540 owners out here???

herman maire · 10-13-2006, 02:59 PM

Would love to hear some feed back on these cars....

I'm looking at the 97-98 540 6speed manual trans because they were non VANOS, 99-up were all VANOS and I dont need the added troubles.

So far I know about
1- weak radiators
2-expensive alternators
3- power window switches

Other than that they seem to be pretty damn solid

fastpat · 10-13-2006, 03:33 PM

My wife's car is an e39 540i Touring, 2000 model year. All Touring's are 5-speed auto trannies (in the US-spec version), and most were equipped with the Sport Package, which drops the ride height about 1-2 inches. The Touring's also had standard self leveling suspension, and did not have the 9 inch rims on the rear because the rear suspension is different than the Sedan's to make the load floor wider.

We have about 60k miles on it now, and it's been a joy to own so far. We've never had a problem with the VANOS, most consider it a plus because you see better fuel mileage during highway cruises.

We've had a few things break; the fuel door sensor, and a couple of other things that were so low level I can't remember what they were. There's a nagging coolant loss that I haven't been able to trace, loosing about a pint every week of so. It's about time to replace all the hoses anyway, so that may cure it.

All in all, e39's are fast, quiet, extremely solid; and well worth owning.

As always, your mileage may vary.

bornrich · 10-13-2006, 04:27 PM

I have a 99 540iA with 75k. Already had the radiator go and onw abs sensor. Nothing else since the purchase in 03.
Also be aware of the burn out pixals on the computer display. ALso, if you use them, the drink holder are junk. My wife has broken two in the front ($40+ each) and one in the back seat area.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

window regulators go snap crackle pop. Catalytic converter on v-8 cars is an 80K failure, each and every time. Same thing with lower control arm bushings - wear and tear on BMW. Blower resistor fails regularly, but a DIY easy fix.

Check inside the valve covers where the spark plugs sit - valve covers are known to bend, you'll need new ones.

the 6 cylinder cars have better steering, balance and less problems overall.

rjp

LeRoux Strydom · 10-14-2006, 07:14 AM

The VANOS will be the least of your worries. Look out for radiator (on the V8) and lower control arm issues, consider them wear items.

+1 to what RandyP says. My 530i is probably the best car I have ever owned.

LeRoux Strydom · 10-14-2006, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fastpat
My wife's car is an e39 540i Touring, 2000 model year. There's a nagging coolant loss that I haven't been able to trace, loosing about a pint every week of so. It's about time to replace all the hoses anyway, so that may cure it.

You may as well get that radiator and thermostat looked at. The coolant loss will become catastrophic quite soon and leave your wife stranded and/or with a large repair bill if you cook the engine. The cooling system on the V8's becomes a weak point around 60k - 80k miles, but preventative maintenance will see you right for another 60-80k. YMMV.

herman maire · 10-14-2006, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
I've got a 528i that I'm putting a supercharger on - probably my favorite car...

-Wayne

Thanks guys for all the replys-

Wayne
Why dont you just buy a 540?? it seems like a lot of trouble to end up around the same power of a stock 540 unless you know something I dont know

herman maire · 10-14-2006, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LeRoux Strydom
The VANOS will be the least of your worries. Look out for radiator (on the V8) and lower control arm issues, consider them wear items.

+1 to what RandyP says. My 530i is probably the best car I have ever owned.

Thanks for the info-
I would like to think the VANOS would be the least of my problems but after reading on the web that they are prone to failure I dont know who to believe.

I will say that on my older 94 E36 325IS that I had a few years ago, it was only a single VANOS motor. It had about 90,000miles and that VANOS system would groan like you wouldnt believe. Enough to make me want to sell it. EURO E36 m3's are also know to fail to the tune of $2-3k so they DO fail with the M3's the motor they can blow if you dont change it.

My dad who now owns a 2000 528 with 60,000miles has cold start problems where the car cant idle by itself. If its really cold the car will stall unless you give it some gas. This is suposed to be early signs that the VANOS is not happy. Once warm it runs perfect.

We still have yet to check the MASS AIRFLOW sensor or idle valve.

asphaltgambler · 10-14-2006, 09:23 AM

Herman - I am a BMW tech by trade. I have never seen any issue with non-M engine vanos units failing or making noise. It just doesn't happen.

There are other common issues like those stated above. Add to that the intake seperator plate fails (engine PCV system) and leaks oil externaly and in severe cases cause the car to burn oil like there's no tomorrow.

The other deal is the valley pan (seals top of the engine block cooling passage) seal will fail and start to leak coolant.

The later cars '99 and up are better sorted out, better sound systems, and xenon lighting.

LeRoux Strydom · 10-14-2006, 11:13 AM

The Bimmerforums site is a good resource for technical info on the E39 cars. I repeat, VANOS will be the least of your worries.

fastpat · 10-15-2006, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
Thought about it. The combination that I have is not easy to find (Montana black leather, white sport package, shadowline trim). I haven't seen it anywhere, and I've been looking. Besides, I have a 528iT as well, and I must say, I just don't like it as much as the sedan - I think it may be something particular with that car. The only problem with it is that it doesn't have enough power. Supercharger = cool project + problem solved!

The SC kit increases the power from 189 to 309, which is higher than the 540's 290.

-Wayne

The six cylinder e39 cars have a different, and lighter, aluminum (I think) front subframe than the V8's steel unit. It's rumored that the isolation mounts are softer, and certainly the bushings are likely of a softer durometer than the V8 units. I don't know how interchangeable these parts are, but I'd at least renew the complete front suspension wear parts, and consider going to V8 components were possible to compensate for bringing up the front end weight to almost V8 levels.

speedkillz · 10-15-2006, 09:10 AM

I have a 94 540I sedan I use as the daily driver...279k and some change today.
I replaced the trans when the trans cooler cracked and let coolant into the trans at around 160k. Not Cheap. That was 3 years ago. Water pump went out not to long ago easy fix, be sure you use all new hose clamps. Every time I tell myself "get a new car" I change my mind. On the freeway you can't beat it ,fast ,smooth, plenty of power and comfy about 24.5 mpg to 28 mpg gets better gas mileage @75 to 80 at about 2400rpm. Around town average 17 to 21. I do need to replace the control arms, the right side is clunking. Over all I think it's been a great car.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by speedkillz
I have a 94 540I sedan I use as the daily driver...279k and some change today.
I replaced the trans when the trans cooler cracked and let coolant into the trans at around 160k. Not Cheap. That was 3 years ago. Water pump went out not to long ago easy fix, be sure you use all new hose clamps. Every time I tell myself "get a new car" I change my mind. On the freeway you can't beat it ,fast ,smooth, plenty of power and comfy about 24.5 mpg to 28 mpg gets better gas mileage @75 to 80 at about 2400rpm. Around town average 17 to 21. I do need to replace the control arms, the right side is clunking. Over all I think it's been a great car.

You get 21 city and up to 28 mpg highway w/ a 540(??) A 4000 lb. V-8 car? Not calling you a liar, just wondering how you do that. Egg under the accelerator pedal? Electric supercharger? I'm baffled here. You might have finally beat the laws of physics.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

that's not unusual. I've bettered those #'s in my 90 Corvette, and my buddy in a 94 Z has broken 33 MPG on the freeway.

speedkillz · 10-15-2006, 09:57 AM

Its true I'm not a lead foot but I don't let the grass grow around my feet. I check mileage with the car computer every time I get gas. Best miles I ever got was 28 no a/c on and windows up worst was 15 in bumper to bumper. V8 in MHO are easy on gas on the freeway. the 4 cyl are spinning @3k+ at 70 I'm @ 2k with 5 speed auto. I went out this moring and looked after your post and I went to Oak Glen yesterday for some apples and trip computer said 23.8... ride up was no traffic ride home was heavy traffic. From my house round trip @140 miles that included up hill and down. I feel it's accurate Ive owned the car for a long time and use the trip all the time and even the miles to empty when I'm lazy and don't want to get gas...more than once. I'll post miles after I check it tomorrow.

fastpat · 10-15-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by speedkillz
I have a 94 540I sedan I use as the daily driver...279k and some change today.
I replaced the trans when the trans cooler cracked and let coolant into the trans at around 160k. Not Cheap. That was 3 years ago. Water pump went out not to long ago easy fix, be sure you use all new hose clamps. Every time I tell myself "get a new car" I change my mind. On the freeway you can't beat it ,fast ,smooth, plenty of power and comfy about 24.5 mpg to 28 mpg gets better gas mileage @75 to 80 at about 2400rpm. Around town average 17 to 21. I do need to replace the control arms, the right side is clunking. Over all I think it's been a great car.

That's an e34 540i, much different.

fastpat · 10-15-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by speeder
You get 21 city and up to 28 mpg highway w/ a 540(??) A 4000 lb. V-8 car? Not calling you a liar, just wondering how you do that. Egg under the accelerator pedal? Electric supercharger? I'm baffled here. You might have finally beat the laws of physics.

My wife's getting 20 mpg driving to work these days, we got 24 mpg on a road trip mostly at around 80 mph, and on a trip from CA to SC wherein she remained behind me all the way at 55 mph (me towing a 10,000lbs.+ boat behind my F350), she got 28 mpg. Today's fuel/engine controls are pretty good.