Greetings from a new forum member

[vyking56 0]

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

[Boost Junky 1]

Welcome Gareth! Good to see another turning to BMW Im sure you will feel welcome here and nice choice with the E39, should be nice with the 8 under the hood. What made you decide to sell the Subaru?

Luke

[edit] spelling

Edited July 21, 2009 by Boost Junky

[_BRS_ 209]

Welcome, you're at the best place to learn about BMWs, enjoy your stay.

Good luck on the hunt for an E39 beast.

-Blair

[vyking56 0]

What made you decide to sell the Subaru?

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?

[Boost Junky 1]

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?

Well you definitely are making the right choice as far as class. My mate has a E39 but just with the M52 2.8L 6cyl and I like its functions and friendly response when you drive it so the V8 should definitely pur along with adequate comfort.

Hahaha yea its become all to common to my ears now also way to many turbo nissans around but I must admit I still like them.

Cheers Gareth and no the bottom end should be good for between 450-550hp on the standard bottom end keeping in mind though that the motor requires decompression and descent fueling/tuning systems in place.

Luke

[bmw_guy 0]

Welcome Gareth,

Good to have you on board.

Good luck also

[OLLIE 26]

Welcome. you are the perfect candidate to build an e30 rally car.

DOOO ITTTT

welcome ..

[Cale 36]

Welcome to bimmersport Gareth!

[e30plz 1]

Good choice Welcome to BS.

[neelnaize 0]

Welcome Gareth, mountains of knowledge and very helpful members in this forum. All the best on your E39 Hunt.

[Apex 693]

Hi Gareth and welcome to Bimmersport.

If I kept a car for as long as 7 years I would be looking at something as new and low millage as possible.

If you can pay the extra for a NZ new 540i M-sport Facelift, you will not regret it in the long run...

I’ll also go against the grain and say go and buy a 2006-7 Subaru WRX which will be a lot more fun and will cost a lot less to maintain, unless a recent BMW is a magic M-Car, I mean M3,M5,M6 its jut an old man dressed in a tracksuit.

[bravo 35]

e39 was voted best car in it's class, and best car in the world for many years running in consumer reviews, car and driver, edmunds.com and others.

It is a fantastic car, and my favourite everyday model BMW. (Obviously greats like the M-cars, and classics like the 2002turbo win, but are not common models).

I agree with the comments Ray made in your other thread re: 6 cyl vs 8. Coming from a WRX I would say that a 530 might underwhelm you a little. The 540i shouldn't. Keep in mind it is a fairly small-mid sized v8 though.

If you want 6cyl, get an e46 330i. Similar level of kit if you are buying at the top end, and a great drive.

I would also consider an e34 m5 or 540i manual. Not as modern, but plenty comfortable, manual, and lots of go to boot.

[Apex 693]

True,it was the best car in the world... more than 13 years ago.. The Alcatel one touch easy and Ace of Base were pretty awesome at the time also.. things have come a long long long way.

[bravo 35]

Yes, but he doesn't have a new car budget. So If his budget will only stretch to a 10yo car, it's still one of the best 10yo cars you can buy.

[Apex 693]

16k can buy a lot of 2005+ cars Bravo.

I suppose if you have your heart set on a 540i and the luxury of time and have the cash, just keep an eye and an ear out and something will pop up, contact as many dealers as possible and let them know you are interested, give them your details and make them a stupid offer, they may say NO initially but times are tough and I guaranty they will call back within a week, scan the auctions, even approach people with cars you like and let them know you are interested if they are looking at upgrading to a new car, something will pop up. I have heard of NZ new E39 M5’s changing hands wholesale for as little as 20-25k recently so nothing is impossible.

[vyking56 0]

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

[Apex 693]

I’ll be the debt devil and say go for something like the Black one, that’s so nice.. if you keep it for as long as the WRX it would be worth it in the long run.

Hard thing with the Japanese cars is normally a lack of service history and no space for a German Plate. All the Electronic gizmo’s can be modified to NZ specks, there are members on here that can help you!

Good luck.

[bravo 35]

I've been watching the first one you posted. It's very close to my perfect e39 (m5 excepted). Has all the extra kit. I'm not buying, but plan to at some stage, so was just keeping an eye on what was around.

The second one you posted has had the headlight upgrade to the facelift lights, but retains the orange repeaters, and pre f/l tail lights. Also doesn't have the msport bodykit (the standard-bodied e39's are very drab). I'm not a fan of wood panelling either, and the newer one has the nicer 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

Something like this might be a compromise between kit/kms/age and price. Has had some minor light upgrades (no orange turn signals, but not the new headlights), and although it misses the msport kit, it looks quite good in that colour.

The most important thing is to get whatever you plan to buy checked by a reputable BMW specialist - not just a shop that has worked on the odd BMW. They will be able to give you a much more valuable appraisal of any potential issues. I've driven some poorly maintained e39's and they really are dogs.

Mint ones are by contrast absolutely magic.

[vyking56 0]

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

[kiwi535 538]

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

have you driven one?...cos they are deceptive,they dont feel that fast.Outright accelleration(esp standing start) of most BMWs(esp 5 and 7 series) is hindered by weight.Of the top of my head i would expect a fully kitted 540 to be around 1800kg so you wont get the kick in the pants you get out of the jap turbos...But they have a combination of luxury and performance that is hard to find.

M5 s do not lack in luxury compared to run of the mill cars,in fact they will prolly have MORE extra.

Edited July 21, 2009 by kiwi535

[drifty325i 0]

Welcome dude, im a big fan of the e39 540i so good luck with that im sure you will love it!! Go the v8

[Quinn 1]

Welcome dude, im a big fan of the e39 540i so good luck with that im sure you will love it!! Go the v8

My father has an 02' E39 530M which he has owned from new (BMW built it to his order). I know you're after the v8 and I haven't driven one to compare but every time I drive it I'm still impressed. Its not outright grunty but it feels surprisingly light and nimble (a lot of fun on the twisties) for such a big car with all the features and as most euros it pulls well from 80kph onwards. I would own it in a heart beat (if I had 20 odd grand) and the only mods would be an LSD (for when traction control is off) and a few more hp. If you haven't driven one, do, I think it would be a real contender for the 540 and with all the Mtech kit it looks a lot nicer than the standard 540.

Just my 2c

[vyking56 0]

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!

[1rotty 40]

Woohoo,yet another 540.

The novelty & pleasure of driving these never seems to diminish.

Now.on with the mods

[antil33t 90]

Welcome

Nice ride, hope you enjoy it