Hello all, been out of the car circuit for a while, sold my Imprezza 5 years ago to start my own bus. I am now ready for a cheap weeknd toy. I have always loved BMs and had a few 3 series in the 90s. I now really fancy a V8 hence the 5 or 740. I prefer the looks of the 5 to be honest but have heard you get more for your money with a 7?

I only have 3.5k to spend but would like a 540i sport around a 2000.

Would like some advise on the pros and cons of the good old V8s, I know Im looking at big mileage and will be looking for full SH and minimal owners, all advise much appreciated.

Smiggga

Welcome to the forum.

Old V8s in the E39 are thirsty, the E39 V8s have drop link steering which is supposed to take some of the feel away from the front end compared to the 6 pots.

You will get more toys in the 7 series but I would imagine they would be a bit thirstier than the 5 series V8s.  Would be a lovely big barge to cruise around in. 

Transmission wise the majority of the V8s will be automatic, I think the 7 series is standard auto.  The autoboxes should be serviced and at that age will be crying out for a service.  The ZF autoboxes are pretty reliable, but you have no way of checking the level, smell and colour of the transmission fluid as there is no dipstick 

Engine wise the V8s are pretty reliable.  There has been minor trouble with ignition coils and various valves in the exhaust gas recycle system/crankcase breather system/oil seperator system.  But nothing really problematic.

I have no feel for waht 3.5k will get you in terms of a V8 powered BMW but I know there is another chap on here itching to find a good big engined 5 series so you may have a fight on your hands....

Best of luck in your hunt.

What a friendly, helpfull bunch you are!

 All interesting/usefull stuff, I have never driven the V8 or a 7. I will rectifiy this soon when my wife finally gives birth and I have a few days off, I hope! I just havnt seen any local cars that I fancy and havnt had any time to travel around car shopping lately.

I am having my drive relaid over the next two weeks and as I say the wife is ready to burst so Im hoping that a Nov/December bargain might come my way.

Petrol consumption isnt an issue as it will be a Sunday toy. The insurance quotes Ive had with a good record at 37 have surprised me in a bad way!

I know 3.5k isnt much but I run a van and another car and I have seen plenty of 97-2001 examples for similar money over the past coulple of months on Autotrader, albeit with the obvious long legs.

Please keep the advise coming as it all helps once the hunt begins.

Smigga

Stone-IslandV8 wrote: IIRC the post 99 engines get the uprated vanos system on the engine so pull a bit better from lower down but don't discount 97-99 cars that have been well looked after.

You learn something new everyday. I didn't know there was a vanos change on the V8s, 6 pots yes as you could tell from the shape of the front of the camshaft cover.  Engines went from M52 to M52TU from Sep 98 IIRC.

I haven't found out too much about the history of the V8s yet, even after owning one for nearly two years now...Need to read up more on the oily bits.  The Haynes manual are good for this but sadly they haven't done one for the V8s yet.

Keep the words of wisdom coming, Ive read that the 3.5 v8 is the best engine, better than the 4.5? I am seeing alot of 535s out there at good prices but not many 540s. Its a stupid question, I know I need to try the 2 out, and I realise theres 50bhp in it but have any of you owned/lived with both? Is there a big compromise in power, performance, driving experience in the smaller engine?

Nb. Interesting to see a 540 with 214k! on it on ebay, still going well apparently.

Smigga

Thanks for that, Ive just found a 51plate 540se with full bmwsh 85k in black with black elec leather, etc for less than £5k. Its too far to go and see and drive and over my budget (which allways seem to happen) BUT.. I was looking at a 99/2000 with maybe 150k on the clock for around £3-3500k. I havnt seen many like the se especially black on black with relatively low miles, I think it may be wise to push the boat out a bit and make an offer?

Smigga

I can only speak from an e34 point of view but the V8 engines are solid and reliable. I'm lucky enough to have a very rare 6 speed manual and I cannot see me owning another car EVER!

The sound and acceleration of the V8 is second to none but at the same time it still feels very refined and easy to tame. It purrs like a cat when you are gently cruising along but floor that pedal and get the roar of a lion with the charge of a cheetah!

I think the 7 would be a bit more mundane and relaxed than that as it's more geared up as a luxury cruiser rather than a thourough bred boys toy. I do like the 7 but I feel there is more enjoyment in the 5 and I don't feel old enough (no offence to anyone!) to have a 7 yet.

As already mentioned, I don't think mileage is an issue as the engines are rock solid and as long as it runs fine and the body/interior looks good, you can't really go wrong. The only other thing I'll say is look out for the dreaded nikisil. There is more info throughout the forum on this subject so you are in the right place to arm yourself with the facts!

Happy hunting

Mike

I think there is no other engine then M62TU with 286 Bhp who has better fueleffective. A Volvo V70 2,5 turbo who have 100 bhp less have the same fuelconsumation.

Over  3½ years of driving I have 1.06L/100 Km.

But mine is  manual 6 speed. 17" Uniroyals

I owned last week (fore 2 weeks) also a 540IA Msport with 18"wheels Avon tyres it take 1,2L /100km I think the 18" Avons was a little heavy to roll.''

BMW proberly make the most Fueleffective engines in the world , my 528-96 have 100 more bhp then my Volvo 740-87 and have the same fueleconomy.

After seeing that 51plate 540se going for £4495 on Sunday I am going to save a little more and hold out for a similar car instead of a slightly longer in the tooth car. I am still gutted it got away but it was just not the right time and was too far away to see before the auction ended.

Hopefully a Christmas bargain will be out there for me.

Keep up helpfull work guys

Smigga

http://www.autopower.se/galleriet/bilder.asp?bil=45700 - http://www.autopower.se/galleriet/bilder.asp?bil=45700

Payed 2135£ fore this 540IAM 2001 in perfect condition , little work and 432£ in spareparts included a used CD changer. sold fore 5125£ after 12 days. Cheapest in Sweden 

Were there less 540s than 535s produced? There seems to be loads of 535s for the right money around and next to no 540s for some reason, only about 8 in the counry in my price range. Or do people just not want to part with em?

Smigga

smigga wrote: Were there less 540s than 535s produced?

I reckon probably less 540s than 535. 

I get excited if I see either as they are rare.  I saw a 540 Sport in the west end of Glasgow a couple of weeks ago and it was a fine looking beast.  On a Y plate so getting old but it looked the mutts nutts!

The 540 would have cost more new so logic would dictate that more slightly cheaper cars i.e. the 535 would have been made?

Look at it today with E60s, how many 520ds do you see compared to 540s and 550s?  I've seen two 550s and not a single 540.  Every other E60 is a 520d.

However if do search deep, long, hard and are prepared to travel you will find the right car in the right price range.  It's just a waiting game....

I check ebay, autotrader and pistonheads everyday, seen a crackin 535sport last night in Yorkshire but I know if I go to see it Ill end up getting it and then see a 540s a few weeks down the line and regret not waiting!

UweM3 the car looks smart enough but not really what Im after.

Smigga

Stone-IslandV8 wrote: Why not forget the 540 standard or sports and get an alpina B10 4.6L v8?

Now you're talking or how about the LSV converted 540i? LSV bolt on a supercharger to the standard 4.4 V8.

Well Im getting closer, finally test drove a 535s at the weekend, loved it and was surprised at how modern the interior was on a 9 year old car, it drove faultless had low miles was open to negotiation on the price but..... What is the 540s like?.....

Smigga

HAHA.... then I MUST be patient.

Though I have to say I was driving on Saturday at about 25mph just to take it all in, long time since I appreciated a car, 5 years to be exact!

Smigga

Just checking if my signature now works?

Smigga

Stone-IslandV8 wrote: Why not forget the 540 standard or sports and get an alpina B10 4.6L v8?

And how expensive are decent B10s...

A different league to the 540 in many areas including price.

Peter Fenwick wrote: Stone-IslandV8 wrote: Why not forget the 540 standard or sports and get an alpina B10 4.6L v8? And how expensive are decent B10s...   A different league to the 540 in many areas including price.

Isn't that what Crombers has?

He hasn't been on here for a while.  He did have bother with cylinder head gaskets just after he bought it IIRC.

Well its decided, 540 sport it has to be, sadly (or not) I know of everyone thats for sale in the uk and nothing local, if my wife ever has this baby I met get chance to go and get one. My original budget of £3.5k was very wishfull thinking, only a small turkey for us this Christmas!

Smigga 

An E39 540i sport is a beast of a car.  If it is one of the facelifted models it will look the mutts nutts esp in dark blue.

Atleast if you have decided on which one it is an easier waiting game as there will be far fewer what ifs!

All the best with your hunt.

Andrew

Cheers Andrew, yes Im after a 51 plate facelift version below the tax price jump as I run a van and wifey car as well so I have to be a bit practical in my old age.

I drove a dark met blue 535is 2 weeks ago and it was stunning after 5 years without a decent car! If it had been a 540 the deal would be done, but I hunt daily for a 540is and the good ones are all over 100 miles away and a bit more money than I thought I would spend (as is always the case when you start looking).

Anyway my 2nd child is due any day so I cant go far, and my business is due a few paydays over the next month or so, so Im hopein the right 1 will appear when my circumstances are suited to getting the best available rather than the cheapest and most local.

Smigga

Stone-IslandV8 wrote: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1308364.htm - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1308364.htm

Right car, very, very, very wrong colour though!

Isn't that an illegally spaced number plate he has on it?  A colleague of my wife got a £60 fine for having her number plate illeagally spaced.  Last thing you would want to do is attract more plod attention in a car like that.

Still going for big money which is bad for you but good for us with big engined machines.

For those of us who can't look at PH while we're at work, how about some info

HTH Peter

Pistonheads wrote: Due to new business venture I am selling my beloved baby. (You know when you do something and KNOW you will later regret it? well thats exactly how I feel right now. If im honest I wont lose too much sleep if it doesnt sell. Its a BMW 540i Sport 6 speed manual. these are very rare and in my opinion make it a true drivers car opposed to the automatic version. I bought the car from a friend of mine who himself bought the car back in 1999 so im aware of the history for quite some time. He had the car serviced at Halliwell Jones in Chester. since then I have overseen the servicing. it comes with 18" split rim BBS alloys AC Scnitzer door mirrors(very expensive)boot lip spoiler.etc. these item where fitted at Halliwell Jones BMW so you can imagine how much they cost! also it has xenon headlights. cellis rear lights.LED rear number plate lights.( transformes the look of the car at night). I have remapped the engine control and it now gives 312bhp (measured) and is top speed de restricted.to make it stop i have grooved discs with performance pads fitted. It has an unusual number plate which puts a smile on lots of faces. I may sell with the car. The car is crystal green in colour with a bottle green leather interior. it has 6 months tax and is tested till the end of March next year.Has covered 97000 miles.

Other than the colour its the dogs dangley bits.

Edit Car is in the Chester area, wants £5k.

Nice car. A bit expensive IMHO and the interior is horrible (i've seen the car earlier in the week). Not sure about:

since then I have overseen the servicing.

Could mean anything.

Thanks for the link, but not my cup of tea, leather in green should never be seen imo, I think some cars can get too personalised, and remaping is a big turn off to me. A factory standard 540is with 85k full bmwsh, siver with black leather is attainable for 5.5k on a 51plate maybe 5k on a good day, I think he will get his wish to keep hold of his baby.

Smigga  

Yep there is, only 150 miles away from me, Im hoping it is still there in another few weeks when Im ready, its been there for 3 weeks now.

Smigga

I was under the impression that all sports had an alluminium dash, there seems to be a few on sale with walnut? When or why do they change?

Smigga

Drove a 535is with cream leather a couple of weeks ago and thought the ali dash and gear shift area looked modern and smart and suited the blue paint/cream interior. Walnut to me says volvo, while the ali says more tt??? 1st impressions to me were good for the ali finish, that said I havnt driven the wood version.

If I find the right car Ill know!

All my humble personal opinion.

Smigga

Lol

Smigga

Well my beautifull new daughter is finally here, and a 540 has caught my eye, its a 98 with 118k but has been a showcar, m5 bumpers, quad exhaust, sport suspension factory upgrade, fbmwsh elec leather angel eyes etc. Just serviced with new pads all round.

Now I would prefer a shop standard 2000 sport all day but I reckon I might get this for £4-4200 and it is mint, oh its silver with grey leather no wood as well, what u think?

Smigga

Sounds ace, go for it, you'll not have a regret!

Mike

Its in the Midlands Stone, BMW Autostyle own it I think, I was curious about the sport button?? Do you have any knowledge of how it may have been maintained? Apparently fullbmwsh, I also dont like the rear lights (no offense to fans of them) I think they ruin it. I just cant seem to find a decent 540is that I can easily afford, it ticks alot of boxes, Im intending to view it tomorrow with a mate who has a B10 and knows his cars. If it looks cheap and tarted Ill walk away but it DOES look clean and straight in the pictures?

Smigga

Congratulations on the baby girl!

I'm supprised you can think about cars at a time like this.

Have you seen this one?

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=47334 - http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=47334

Thanks Peter, I know but Ive been looking since summer and would have got 1 last week if I had been nearer to it and she wasnt due.

I need the V8 to send her to sleep the wife's diesel Megane just wont cut it!

Yes looks a nice car.

Yes Stone, the car in Brum is Simon's car Im viewing it tomorrow.

Any info on the car appreciated.

Smigga

Due to a change in circumstance I never got to see Simon's car, I did however take a look at the clip Peter kindly sent me, thank you very much Peter as I pick the car up next week and can hardly wait, exactly the spec I was after and got it for the right money!

Thanks for all the advice that has lead to this point, I let you know how she drives!

Smigga

Stone-IslandV8 wrote: Where did you get the nikasil info? Build info direct from a tech at BMW says nikasil ceased on V8s on the M60 lump. My M62 which is a '97 model is alusil.However your date of 1998 coincides with the end of nikasil on the 6cyls. While the M60s were nikasil the M62 is a bigger capacity engine with both increased bore and stroke to get it to the 4.4L.....so did BMW make new engines,some out of nikasil and some of Alusil?

Most M62 4.4l in Europe were Nikasil, there has been a good bit of issues in the UK and BMW decided to rule Nikasil completely out of their engines and it was achieved sometime in 1998.

Other countries that had M62 4.4l like Germany, France etc had no issue because of the quality of petrol over there.

All Nikasil engines were not affected, even in UK or Ireland, really depends of petrol quality that was used.

There is a special bulletin on TIS about that that details the engine affected with dates, serial number etc.

The fact that nikasil was used up to M60 engines only is just a urban legends...

Many sources from internet, WIKI and different forums is very confusing and actually wrong.

On many forums you can read the M62 4.4l never had Nikasil, but this is wrong, and those posts are from US forums mainly. This is correct M62 US engines never had nikasil, but obviously they are speaking for US markets only.

Fooljam wrote: What is wrong with black leather and dash and plastic trim

To be honest a black interior is the only colour that IMHO looks ok with the silver, aluminium look, plastic trim.

Stone-IslandV8 wrote: So you're saying that a German BMW tech is wrong?...that a national magazine like total BMW is wrong?....I know all full well about nikasil on 6 cyls circa 1996-1998 and V8s M60........wheres the proof...the TIS bulletin? I'm not having a go...but certainly myself and other people I know have previously checked with BMW Customer services who have stated that ALL M62 engines were nikasil......now if thats not the truth then surely BMW,forums and wiki etc would have checked their facts instead of rehashing an urban legend as they'd leave themselves wide open to legal action if buyers could show that they bought an E39 V8 on the strength that it didnt have a nikasil engine????

I don't know what your friend is saying but it is a fact many e39 came with M62 4.4l did have Nikasil blocks and yes BMW changed them for free when the cracking issue was identified, so BMW covered themselves.

Check the TIS yourself, I am at work right now. I read the article from my TIS at home when it was pointed to me...

As for the BMW magazines, it has been covered in the UK already, in recent years.

As pointed out to me by Beemerchris some time ago, there was an article about this here:

Total BMW 02-2005 pages 98 to 103 (buying guide e39 V8's)

I too was sure they never came with Nikasil blocks, but they did...

Peter Fenwick wrote: To be honest a black interior is the only colour that IMHO looks ok with the silver, aluminium look, plastic trim.

Yeah agreed, it would not look to good with beige interior, wood would look better here.

Stone-IslandV8 wrote: I remember the article in TBMW however I seem to remember them altering that info after being called on it and certainly the M60 & M62 guide TotalBMW 05/2006 states that M60 nikasil,M62 alusil. I've stated that my german friend who is an engineer at BMW...or was til he moved abroad and started fettling on his own,stated that the nikasil engines died with the M60. But if you put TBMW aside for perhaps being wrong(not unheard of),AND my friend being wrong,AND Wiki and every other BMforum (or most anyway) being wrong it doesnt excuse or alter that BMW CS stated they were all alusil. If they were indeed produced with nikasil initially then why not the high levels of nikasil-related problems emerged? Its well documented on 6cyls cos there were high levels of failures....why not the same for the M62 lumps?

Yeah well I told you to check the TIS. I will publish the article tonight if you can't.

About this article published in 2005 that I mentionned, it was re-published by Total BMW again in 2008. Same wording again.

As I said the M62 was produced in 2 flavours, with and without Nikasil blocks, depending of the country of destination.

Many coutries where Nikasil blocks never had a single issue, although they had thousands and thousands of those engines of the road, because their petrol was a lot cleaner with not all that sulfur. So they engine were never affected.

I had heard a while ago that M60 & M62 were both affected so I'm glad that is cleared up, I didn't want to get involved in a fisticuffs lol!

I have invoices and a BMW engineers report from when my nikasil block was replaced by a performance car specialist back on 70,000 miles so mine suffered at some point with high sulphur fuel consumption. It also had a new ECU though I'm not sure why, all totalled about £4k.

Mike

Picking up my new chariot, 540ia Sport on Friday morn, sorted a very competetive insurance policy from Mayfair Performance Insurance. Having not driven much more than a 1.5 diesel for the past 5 years and having a 200 mile return journey to enjoy are there any tips things I should watch out for?

Smigga

Lets see some piccies of the new V8 then!

Interesting debate on the old nikasil problem...

smigga wrote: Picking up my new chariot, 540ia Sport on Friday morn, sorted a very competetive insurance policy from Mayfair Performance Insurance. Having not driven much more than a 1.5 diesel for the past 5 years and having a 200 mile return journey to enjoy are there any tips things I should watch out for? Smigga

Yeah, police cars! especially the unmarked ones!

When I first got mine, I drove it from Silverstone back to Reading on a very clear motorway and lets just say there may have been one or two oppotunities where mr plod may have had a few words to say!

Just have some serious (but safe!) fun, you will not be disappointed I guarantee it!

Mike

No pics coz I aint got her yet if you go up a bit I found it through a link kindly supplied on here by Peter. I have come close to makin do about 5 times then this one pops up as though it was designed to my spec. I looked at the link but assumed it was an old advert, then I checked and saw the date, I sent a text there n then, give me your best price and Ill give u mine, we met in the middle and I sent a deposit for a car that was 200 miles away!

I used to have a Scooby turbo 5 years back and I can still remember the 1st time I drove it. I sold it to start my own business, promising myself Id get my dream M3 within 3 years, I nearly got there then I trebled my mortage and moved house, M3s became very common and a bit chavvy in my area (only imo) and anyway still couldnt afford a good one. V8s have always been a passion and then I started looking at 5s and 7s hence the start of this thread and found what was on offer. I really cant wait for tomorrow even the 4.30am start and the inevitable Friday car park on the M6.

I shall be taking it steady, plenty time for fun!

Pics will be up when I've got em.

Smigga

Well the day finally came, not much sleep then a 7 hour journey to collect plus 6 hours back to get aquainted. You were all right, for a car thats done 120k and is 9 years old it is solid, quiet (unless pushed) looks no dated inside than various new cara I use and looks absoloutely stunning, my neighbour thought Id bought it new, which is obviously a credit to its former keepers.

A couple of questions, it has full history upto 119k, will/shud it have had belts done I cant find any in the receipts, when might they be due? 

Am I best with unlead or super unlead?

There is a brake lining sensor showing fault, it has records for having this replaced but light still comes up sometimes owner explained this before I bought and it certainly stops ok, any advice on this appreciated. It had discs n pads about 15k ago.

Is there anywhere I can find out how much it cost new?

Will sort pics 2moz?

Smigga

Lookin through history they have been done twice before,  ts intermittent I'll sort it when the pads go.

After a good kip the car is even better today I cant believe how much car u get for your money!

Smigga

Can anyone recomend a really good BM specialist or honest Main Dealer in the NW?

Smigga

smigga wrote: A couple of questions, it has full history upto 119k, will/shud it have had belts done I cant find any in the receipts, when might they be due?

Chain driven cams and chain driven oil pump, no belts!

The only belts in the engine will be the ones you see at the front of the block powering the water pump/alternator/power steering/air con etc.  These are pretty reliable.  Mine have done 50,000 miles and show little signs of wear.  They cost very little £>10 or 20 for OEM (Contitech) from ECP and are an easy diy fit.  They are only replaced on them failing a visual inspection.

smigga wrote: Am I best with unlead or super unlead?

I have run mine of both unleaded and VPower.  The VPower gives better mpg and only just manages to break the same pence per mile as unleaded.  I never noticed an improvement in engine performance but would you with some much bhp?

It is swings and roundabouts with the fuel I think, but a tank full of VPower will help keep the fuel system nice an clean once every three months or so.

I recently had my transmission serviced which has given a slight improvement in mpg on long runs. I got 36.6 mpg recently (on unleaded) which I was shocked at!

smigga wrote: There is a brake lining sensor showing fault, it has records for having this replaced but light still comes up sometimes owner explained this before I bought and it certainly stops ok, any advice on this appreciated. It had discs n pads about 15k ago.

Sounds minor but irritating.  Might be a loose wire somewhere, might be worth getting diagnostic to check it out after checking the two brake sensors visually first.  The E39 has onlt two, one on the front nearside and one on the rear offside.

HTH

Andrew

Can anyone recomend a garage in the North West to sort my computer pixels out, they are on their way out.

Also when I scroll through the computer there has been a 100mph limit set, which is fine by me but how would I alter this and the other settings in there, sorry I know Im being lazy i should just get the manual out!

Smigga

jetsetwilly2000 wrote:   some folk sneer at my 'old banger' but only until they get a ride in it, and then when they hear how much it cost me there is usually silence, apart from the gentle grinding of teeth...

Amen to that! I get 'old banger' and 'old mans car' but I know what's under the bonnet and what she can do and no matter what I do, the car still feels safe as houses and solid as a rock.

If you look after your beemer, your beemer will look after you! and unlike some cars, it needent cost the earth which I think is a regular misconseption with german cars.

As for your car smigga, I'm glad you got it at last and that you are happy. I agree with Andrew on the belt, it will last a long time and you'll know when it's on it's way out because it'll start to screech. As for the brakes, if you are unsure about what to look for, I'm sure quickly popping into a friendly garage to get them so tell you what's left on the pads and wether it's just a sensor or not. The only thing that brings a light on is a damaged sensor so it's either snagged when the pads were last changed or as mentioned, it could be the worn sensor wasn't changed when the pads were.

Happy motoring and hurry up with those pics!

Mike

Haha sorry 540 V8 it wont stop raining!!!! I did manage to give her a bath between showers on Saturday and still found VERY few blemishes on her, I was mad enough to buy a wet silver car, however you just know a straight car when you see one and mine seems to defy its age/mileage.  A friend of mine is a Merc Tech and has taken her in for an inspection at his garage tomorrow. It was serviced 1500 miles ago but does no harm to take extra care and he will look at the brakes. I WILL sort some pics! My wife had our second baby 4 weeks ago and I have no decent ones of her either, Im useless I know!

Every spare minute I get I try to spend it behind the wheel lol

Smigga

I can understand you wanting to spend every spare second behind the wheel! I can't understand how you get away with no baby pics though lol!

I guess we'll all be in suspense for a bit longer then!

Mike

Lol I know, its been a bit hectic, loads on phone and camera just not uploaded yet, I will sort at weekend.

Had inspection on car today, slight oil weep from rocker cover and out of line headlamp, oh and front belt showing age, but that was it. It was only gone 20 hours and I was pining!lol

Its back in bed now though, day out in Cheshire planned for Sunday see if I can empty a tank in 1 days playing!

Smigga