I'm in the market for a 540I and I found a 97 E39 but I was wondering is there any particular things that I should look for that could be potential problems? This will be my first BMW and it is for my wife so I dont want to regret this purchase and get stuck with big service bills. Heres some info on the vehicle.
1997 540IA
Auto 5spd(A5S 560Z)
80000 miles
Silver w/ Black Leather (Car is very clean)
Clear Carfax
They were asking 18,000 but they accepted my offer of 16,000 but I told them we had a deal only if I can get the service records, which of course they dont have so they are going to try and get it from BMW of Honolulu :eek: I think thats going to be a problem just from what I heard about them. Any advice that anyone can share like good BMW shops, performance parts any info. Will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Big Mahalos!!!
Kama

P.S
Just so you guys know I have been a European Car owner for the past 15 yrs. just the cheaper ones, VW :D.

One of our members is a Service Advisor there and I'm sure he can pull up the records on the car as others have done the same for me.

As for the E39, I have a 97 540iA but it only has 35k on it. Things to lookout for would be the control arm bushings and the radiator. The radiator will typically go @ 70k to 80k. Other than that, go to the websitein my sig and chek the DIY section for E39 stuff.

Hey Beastmaster I appreciate your post and your help, I did purchase the car tonight and I got it for 15k instead. My wife really liked the car and so do I so I said what the hell, I ended up calling around for an extended warranty company and I got some good results so I'll probably have the car covered this week, its just for some peace of mind. So I guess I be hanging around here more often now :redspot. Is being a member of BMWCCA a good start for me you think? me being new to the Bimmer world and all. This should be a long love affair with a great car.

Mahalo for your replies!
Kama

I like CCA as the benefits are good. $40 a year and you get Roundel magazine and discounts from the dealer on parts. the best thing is after being a member for a year and if you are still a member, you can buy a new car or a CPO car and get a rebate from BMW CCA ranging from $500 to $1500!

Details on the CCA Rebate? My dad's been a member for about 2 1/2 years and just bought a CPO 2003 325iC for my mom, but had never heard about any rebate program...

Nevermind, found the .pdf file on bmwcca.org, thanks for the heads up though :)