turbolizard 38 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 Does anyone know of any e39 540 with 6 speed manual in NZ? These seem to be quite common in the USA but I have never seen one here - I would be real interested in one as a less complex alternative to M5. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 there are a few,there is one for sale on trademe i think,or there was just recently. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cainchapman 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 I don't know of any, but the 540 doesn't have any less technology in it than the M5. The E39 M5 is great. Spend your money there. A few cheaper parts in the 540 being less performance orientated. But no less complex. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turbolizard 38 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 ... the 540 doesn't have any less technology in it than the M5.... few cheaper parts in the 540 being less performance orientated. But no less complex. Interesting thoughts on 540 vs. M5. My current car is an e34 540 6 speed that I have owned for 4 years and I have been very happy with what it delivers and what it has cost me. It is easy to work on and parts cost is not too bad for regular stuff. I have to admit to being a bit terrified of M5 parts costs and doing work on it myself, which I have no concern on my e34. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 540i Sedan Centre: Coombes Johnston European 07 846 8888 Transmission: Manual External Colour: Toledo Blue metallic Internal Colour: Snd Beige/D Beige - L Montana Trim: Year: 2002 Kilometres: 60673 Price: $49,990 Specification: Air bags - Front driver and passenger Anti-lock brakes (ABS) Engine immobiliser Hi-Fi stereo system Multi Function Steering Wheel On board computer Park Distance Control Remote central locking Sunroof Traction control Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cainchapman 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 I'd stretch a bit further and get the real thing. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.as...&key=519856 Try having Cruise control, Electronic Damper Control on top of yours. The ///M bits do cost you more than the standard parts. The difference between your 6 speed gear knob and my ///M one $110+GST $255+GST when I bought it 2 years ago. BMW got the wrong one in. The EDC shocks cost an arm and a leg. Realistically, if it fails. I doubt I'd replace it. I'd go with a sport set of shocks and springs. You'll go a long way to find a better all-round car than a 540iS. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martyyn 2 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 (edited) I have a friend with one....very nice it is too. Oh and no need to stretch any further there was an 01 M5 that failed to sell for 47k just recentlyin Wellington. Edited June 30, 2007 by Penry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turbolizard 38 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 I was initially put off the concept of the M5 because of stuff like electronic damping, which is hugely expensive to repair if it has problems. The fact that my e34 just has the stock sport suspension actually made it more appealing to me when I bought it. However, I had also figured a e39 540 manual might be quite a $$$ saving compared to M5 if I could find one (initial purchase and servicing). Perhaps driving an M5 would settle it - I have not tried one. When I got my e34 540 I was pretty sure I would be happy with an auto, until I drove the manual. I am sure an M5 is hard to put aside after you have tried it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cainchapman 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2007 Imagine your 540iS with more luxury and an additional 100 horsepower. Sold. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
