BMWolf 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 Hi all I am looking at a 98 540i is there anything I should check or problems that i need to be aware of before going ahead with this purchase? It has some miner scratches on the bonnet but in general is in good condition. The km's are at 114,000 I have driven it and it seems ok, but what do I know. any and all help will be appreciated Wayne. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
3 SERIES 93 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 No1 rule: Pre-Purchase Inspection! Worth their weight in gold if it turns out to be a dud Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg111 13 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 I'd second that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenday-rulz21 6 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 The most common 540 fault is the cooling system. They usually go around the 100k mark. Check the service history to see if anything has been replaced or if nothing seems to have been replaced get a warranty. A warranty is the best way to spend $1500 if you've got an e39. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RvT 9 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 Hi all I am looking at a 98 540i is there anything I should check or problems that i need to be aware of before going ahead with this purchase? It has some miner scratches on the bonnet but in general is in good condition. The km's are at 114,000 I have driven it and it seems ok, but what do I know. any and all help will be appreciated Wayne. Hi WayneAt that mileage there should be minimal issues but it is a 10 year old car so it will be the other things like head light adjusters or the radiator reservoir becoming brittle that will catch you out. Not sure where you live from your profile but other e39 owners could have a look as it is not till you have owned one that you know what is right or wrong with them. A link can also help us tell you what options it has or hasn't got which helps the decision process. The best $150 to $200 you can spend (as suggested by others) is to get a pre purchase check by BMW. Don't be put off by the expense but rather use it as a tool to reduce the purchase price. If they find something wrong with it, you have proof and can negiotiate with the owner to get it fixed so you will recoup the $ straight away. If by some miracle it has nothing wrong, then you at least have peace of mind Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jochen 4 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 what can go bad: water pump ignition switch cup holders battery radiator headlight adjusters headlight glass gets crazed suspension creaky trailling arm bushes door panel liner seals fail causing water leaks All of these are easy to fix and relatively minor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aliluya 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 On mine 2001 E39 530i roughly 115,000kms so far fixed are: Headlight adjusters $250 Radiator $250 (covered under the jap warranty crap) Bushes $? forgot how much Other items on mine but not needing to be fixed. missing pixels on the display in the dash auto dipping mirrors permanatly dipped on drivers side (permantly yellowey green) Other than that it is supurb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMWolf 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 Thanks for all the suggestions and help, the car is in Waihi and the AA do not go near there, and the nearest BMW service would be in Tauranga so not to sure if the owner will be happy to allow us to take it there. I will have a think about all the comments and make a new plan. Wayne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 Thanks for all the suggestions and help, the car is in Waihi and the AA do not go near there, and the nearest BMW service would be in Tauranga so not to sure if the owner will be happy to allow us to take it there. I will have a think about all the comments and make a new plan. Wayne if you are willing to get a check,he should take that as a signal that you are keen.If he wants to sell it........ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martyyn 2 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 There are literally dozens of e39's around at the moment so take your time and perhaps look further afield to find one in a main center that has a dealer for a pre-purchase check. A well looked after 540 will be a gem, a 540 needing work will cost you an arm and a leg. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aliluya 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 There are literally dozens of e39's around at the moment so take your time and perhaps look further afield to find one in a main center that has a dealer for a pre-purchase check. A well looked after 540 will be a gem, a 540 needing work will cost you an arm and a leg. Fully agree ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camera doctor 25 Report post Posted January 15, 2009 (edited) Fancy a Road Trip ?? Spotted this last weekend at Armstrongs in Dunedn, they have $14 995 on the window now, only 85 K's, real tidy too. BTW - I have a 1996 done just on 100k and so far the only problem I have had is the windscreen washer motor, which I replaced last week ( real easy ) Had the car for 12 months now. Armstrongs Dunedin Edited January 15, 2009 by camera doctor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
