vyking56

Where would I find the "video module" on a 99 E39 540? (ex japan) Before I gut the boot looking for it - am I even in the right place? From what I've read from other peoples experience - it's somewhere in amongst this lot. Am I even warm?! Also, is there any easy way to install a band expander or similar re-modulation device which will let me listen to something other than "Classic Hits" until my iPod adapter turns up? If so, I assume that would be in this area too? Thanks in advanced

Hi All, Can someone help me out - I'm trying to work out exactly what my car is... besides being an E39 540i. It has the MSport steering wheel, front seats with the extendable thigh supports, seems pretty well packed with electronic goodies as well as a few other minors which I've not seen before on many other E39s I looked at. The number stamped into the strut-tower is: WBADN62000GF10326. It doesn't have MSport front or rear bumpers and no other badging. Are there different flavours, or is it purely a matter of the original buyer ticking the boxes and ordering the options they want when they order it?? It's an ex-Japan model which came into NZ November 2007. Cheers, Gareth

LOL, yes - thanks anyway though! Quite a stunning looking car, I did notice it the other night. The seats are absolutely gorgeous!

Well, it took a month, but I settled on an an 1999 E39 540i (ex-Japan 12 months ago) - which I got for an absolute steal. Just bought a "Neo Prolink", so I'm hanging out for that to turn up so I can integrate my iPhone into the sound system. Being my first BMW I didn't quite know what to think, but I had NO idea I'd love it as much as I do! In terms of raw performance, my WRX would absolutely leave it for dead so I'm glad I got the 4.4L and nothing smaller. The low end torque is beautiful and the interior is absolute first class compared to anything I've ever owned. The smile on my face is literally ear-to-ear... and the wife actually WANTS to ride in it over her Corolla unlike my Subaru! Thought I'd better post some photographs rather than rave about it all night!

The 01 Motorsport was my absolute favourite until he punched a hole in the rear bumper! I love the wide screen display and the silver trim. I'm guessing though it's around the mid-late 20s reserve though. Yes, I saw the 99 one in silver lastnight so is a pretty new listing. Definately is a nice compromise between age, price and specs. The KMs put me off *slightly* but it seems to have been well maintained. Will be making contact with the owner I think to ask him a few questions. Its definately around what I want to spend and ticks quite a few boxes

Oh wow, thanks for the info. What I've just read on bimmerfest.com has definately opened my eyes. I'm kind of thinking now for what I want it for and the amount I'll be driving it that saving several thousand dollars and going for a 97/98 might not be such a bad thing. I definately dont intend for it to be a daily driver. Question: If there are errors and warning messages on the dash, is that a sign that the car hasn't been properly serviced and had them cleared? I assume the warnings stay until the computer is cleared or reset? Also are the NZ new models de-spec'd in any way? Eg airbags, power figures, trim, general options? A few NZ new I've seen dont seem to have the inbuilt display/tv. IME many Japanese performance cars sold NZ new are generally "diluted" somewhat and it was always the "JDM" variants to go for if you had them side-by-side. I'm guessing this probably isn't the case with Euro's. Thanks

Thanks very much for the amazing welcome! Interesting comments so far, I especially agree with Bravo - having found an E36 328 very underwhelming compared to a modified 2L turbo. There has been one E46 330i coupe in Black that has really caught my eye so far, but I generally find the 3-series cabin space a little bit "comparable" to what I've come from. Basically this was the first E39 540 I saw that's spun me into this "must get one" frenzy -> 2001 540i Motorsport So for that reason I'm looking for a later model (2000+) E39. I'm not a fan of the E60 and they're soooo far out of my price range it's not funny. There has actually been an E34 M5 within my price range, but I really want my next car to be more luxury than performance - and something that the wife will actually 'want' to ride in! The E39s I've sat in thus far have definately nailed it for me and ticked all of the boxes. 96 540i "Trade-in Special" I could pay cash for this one right now, but as Apex has said, I'm going to hold out for one that's as new with as fewer KMs on the clock as possible. Gareth

I just stopped enjoying it and decided I wanted something totally different and with a touch of class that's nice and comfortable to drive. Been thinking about a RWD for a while, but Nissans or Falco-dores dont really do it for me. I decided on a V8 for effortless torque but a package that doesn't make your ears bleed on a long drive. Also now I'm out of my 20s I do the best grumpy old man impression whenever I hear a 2L Turbo screaming down the road with an external wastegate! I'm intrigued at your turbo setup... did the bottom end require much strengthing?

Hi, I'm looking to buy an E39 540. Have been watching them on Trademe mainly and went to look at one at Turners Auctions in Wellington a few weeks ago. Turned out that it didn't have a WOF, REG or even a key... but that's another story! I dont really want to spend much more than about $16k if I can help it, but I notice there's usually a jump in price from 96-98 vs 99+ which is when BMW shifted to the newer M62TUB44 engine and updated the interior. What I'm basically after is specific problems or things to watch out for. I've been driving Turbo Subaru's for over 10 years - but this will be my first time behind the steering wheel of a RWD V8 which doesn't come from Australia... so I dont have a clue what to look for or even ask. My friend bought a 740 ex Singapore a few years back which I still laugh at him about - so I dont want to give him any ammo to use on me! I understand the usual ball joints from them being heavy cars, radiators like anything more than 8 years old and the importance of a service history... but what else should I look for with a private sale? Is there anything major between the two engines M62B44 vs M62TUB44? I'd imagine purchasing a warranty would be a good idea? Also how hard and expensive is it to service them? I guess I can't do the usual work like oil changes myself? Anything major needing to be replaced or rebuilt at various stages in their lives - such as 100k, 150k, etc? Many thanks in advanced, I'm sure I'll have more questions soon! Cheers, Gareth

Hi everyone, Have just signed on so thought I'd introduce myself. I'm the ex-Web Master of ClubSUB.org.nz and have (yesterday) sold my WRX of almost 7 years. I'm still coming to grips with having only a Corolla in the garage, but I've decided a BMW will fill the void in my garage nicely! I'm want something with comparable power and handling, but with a degree of class and luxury - so I'm looking at E39 540's. Am looking forward to hitting the forums to learn what I can and maybe even the classifieds in the near future! Cheers, Gareth