rusteee

Hi Guys Just got the pre-purchase inspection report (well lack of, as they failed to send it through tut tut) for a 2000 540i Ive been looking at. I was talking to the person who done the inspection, came back pretty good minus a few faults which I had spotted anyway. The only thing I was worried about is, 7 cylinders had Roughly 170psi even, Number 4 cylinder has around 148psi. I know its not too much difference, but seen as all the rest are basically even, is this a sign of worn valve or something? Engine is smooth as silk, and he couldn't fault it otherwise (no power loss, oil usage, rough idle, smoking etc), but didn't want to say for sure what he thought it could be without fully investigating. Any ideas of wether it would still be worth purchasing, or steer clear of it? Cheers

Yeah thats what my thoughts are. You have to be realistic when it comes to engines, but that seems a bit crazy, especially seen as it could be catastrophic engine damage if it lets go, and the repair/labour is so damn expensive and time consuming. Never the less, still a fantastic engine =)

Hmmm thats a bit scary isn't it. You'd think being to do with the timing they would make something a bit more lifetime haha good ol bmw. Is it more age, mileage or bad service that causes it? Or can it just happen at any time? I got a video of the car cold, never ticked or rattled (had been sitting a few days), sounded as tight as it did the day I tried it hot, so not too sure. Is there any way to tell without ripping the oil pan off? It's hopefully going in to BM Worshop for a pre purchase inspection.

What was the cost of having the guides done if you don't mind me asking? Maybe I better weigh up wether the v8 is worth getting, I do quite a few k's in a year, and it seems thats a pretty bad flaw

That sounds like a damn good idea, cheers for that. Yea I always like to try a car cold before I make any decisions on it, as thats usually when the gearbox, lifters etc will show true colours. I thought it could be the tensioners as they need the oil pressure on start too don't they? I remember when the wrong oil (20w50!!!) was put in my 530, that really talked to me the next morning, couldn't believe it when I found out what he put in it. I'd say the VANOS is a bit knackered at that mileage but doesn't seem to make any noises when warm, as I say I'm only going off what hes told me. He's offered for the pre purchase inspection, so might go for that too. Only thing I didn't like about the car was that its silver ..... fussy bugger. I think the extensive service history, all 3 keys etc might overcome that though. If you don't mind me asking, what was the rough cost of having the VANOS done in your 540? I had the 530 done by Ray when I purchased that a couple of years ago, but it was the guinea pig car, as well as I6 so can't really compare. Never did get rid of the rattle though.

Na, this one has just the basic stacker with tape deck etc. My 02 was the same, but this one has all the phone etc and ability to connect phones and ipod which is a bonus.

Yeah I havn't actually heard it, as I tried the car out when it was warm and were no signs of ticking or knocking at all, was tight as a nun. He just told me that it can sometimes do it on cold start for 2-3 seconds, when I stated that I would like to try the car from cold start. Heard too many horror stories about chain guides falling to bits in the M62tu. Was an extensively well serviced car looking at the books and reciepts, no more than 10k between oil services and had all cooling etc + its 100k service all on time. So I'm hopeful its just a hydraulic tensioner or something if anything. Suppose pre purchase would be wise

Oh right, this one is June I think, so must be pre facelift. Hard to tell the cosmetic difference apart from the headlights and rears. Other than that its much the same, but the back seats don't fold down. Is it normal for the V8 to give a tappet type noise for 2-3 seconds on cold startup? I know the 530 I had done that on cold mornings but it did have 257,000kms on the clock.

Thanks for that. Yea I should have got the number and looked it up. Looked very similar to my 02 apart from the headlights, and this one has a few more fancies like phone, auto blind sunroof etc. What was the build date where they went through F/L?

Hi guys Have found a nice 540i that I'm pretty keen on, NZ new full service history all receipts etc and healthy 163,000kms. Does anyone know what the main differences between the years are. I had an 02 530i Msport, the one I've found is a 2000 540I Msport. Obviously engine and steering difference lol, but body wise, and electrical etc, what would the main difference be? I noticed my 02 had ASC, and the 2000 has DSC, what is the difference? Just not too sure whether I want to take a step backwards in years purchasing the next vehicle. Any help appreciated =) Russ

Hows that one coming along?

Hi Guys In the market for an E39 again, thought I'd take a stab on here and see if anyones come across any in the travels =). Looking at getting the 540I this time, but would definetly consider another 530I otherwise. Must be Msport and NZ New, don't mind paying the money for it. If anyone knows of any good ones, or have one for sale I'd appreciate the point out. I've basically checked trademe, and a few car yards online, doesn't seem to be too much out there for sale. Cheers for the help Rusty

That really is insane, hard to get your head around that much torque, out of such small mechanics. Would love to see it in action!!

Very nice looking engine internals, always good to see a well maintained car =) Keen to see how it all goes

Yea thats true ay. I should say though, that there has been no hiccups at all with going through the claim etc so I'll give them that =) Shouldn't really complain at all I suppose, coulda been worse

Yeah your on to it. As I did ring them prior to them picking it up, and they said exactly that, I cannot de-register it as they need to change it to them, then they will sort it out from there. I mean its a small issue considering, but I had not long put a 6 month rego on it, and was trying to get back as much as possible considering the pay out.

On my way home to a call out, gravel on the corner, came around and lost it when the passengers side kicked out. Tried to correct but had to go with it. It's a bastard because I've driven that road sooo many times in the last 8 years of owning vehicles and usually know what to expect. Just have to fully concentrate on these country roads, not just expect them to be a clear path.

Here are a couple of pics. The upside down one is when we had just dragged it out of the drain, and the other is having flipped it back over just before it went on the tow truck. As you can see, considering the impact etc the car held together extremely well, even after rolling.... brilliant i say.... Edit- Good to know about the airbags too, I was always curious, cheers for the info.

I didn't know whether it was appropriate to post pics, as it is a sad sight to see it like that but definitely can if wanted. I didn't actually take any of while it was still upside down jammed in a drain as I wasn't thinking straight. Even crawled back in to turn he lights off as the light warning alarm was on hahaha even though the headlights were scattered a further 20 odd meters down the road. Only photos of the after, after we had dragged it out, and when it was flipped back over. Basically hit the bank and rolled 2 and half times then slid along a wee bit on its roof.

Cheers guys. Yea I definitely wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. Absolutely fantastic car to drive even though the K's were getting up. I had a look at the E60 but the build just didn't appeal to me too much. I would be extremely keen to check out your one when its ready Brent!! My one was also Topaz blue, Msport with all the fruits, would love to get another one. Have signed it over to the insurance company now, they wouldn't even let me get the 5 months rego refund as they get that to try recoop their costs.... considering they pay under half the cars worth, I thought I could get it back dreeeamin. But oh well could be worse. Grateful to be alive, and grateful for the services of such an awsome vehicle.

Hi Guys Sorry for the bit of a downer thread, but just thought I'd express my respect and gratefulness for the fantastic build of the E39 and I suppose most other Bimmers. Sadly, last week had a massive accident, rolling the vehicle and completely writing it off. Thankfully no one else was involved, and managed to literally climb out of the upside down car without any injuries. Looking at the car, and how hard it was hit the bank etc, it held together extremely well and quite literally saved my life. I was interested to see only the steering wheel airbag went off, do they have seperate sensors? Absolutely gutted to see such a beautiful car like that, and she was a fantastic car, I'm hoping someone else is going to use some parts from it (mainly interior like the Msport and silver trims etc i presume). Insurance are paying out pittance compared of the cars value of course, and I assume they will auction the wreck in Hamilton somewhere. So, I'm now in the market for another NZ New E39 530 or 540 2001+ if anyone knows of a tidy one for sale. Was considering an E60 but not too sure on them. Does anyone know of any info or write ups on the E60's, like the awsome E39 sticky one thats on the site?

Hi guys Does anyone have, or knows a good place to get a good condition (unwarped) rocker cover for an M54B30 from 530i E39. I've been looking on Ebay etc but they are hellishly expensive for secondhand ones, and not being able to see them, don't really want to take the risk. Any help appreciated =) Cheers

Hi guys After the wind/water barrier that fits between the door and door card for the passengers door of an E39 (2002 530i M sport if it makes any difference). Also the foot trim on the sill of the passengers door If anyone has one to sell or knows where I can get a good condition one please let me know. Cheers for the help =)

Oh yeah I remember this car, I was looking at buying it a few years a go to. Apparently he converted it, used to have jatco box etc ordinary jap import 328i. Was converted/changed with the engine/manual box from an NZ new 328i, and all the bits and pieces to make it an M3 replica.

Oh really, How did that go? Did they use all the correct BM oil and change the filter etc?I think i'll try a service first. $300 seems pretty cheap