What are the year models to look for? Which ones to stay away from, if any? Other than the cooling system and the radio pixels what should I look for? Thanks in advance for your help.

What are the year models to look for? Which ones to stay away from, if any? Other than the cooling system and the radio pixels what should I look for? Thanks in advance for your help.

Tony, if you haven't already, check out www.540i6.com - good place to start learning about common problems and fixes.

hi tony

heard many people saying that the non-vanos one is better on performance and more durable than the vanos one.....

so pre-99 maybe a good choice

btw: are u going to paint it like your 528 ??

hi tony

heard many people saying that the non-vanos one is better on performance and more durable than the vanos one.....

so pre-99 maybe a good choice

btw: are u going to paint it like your 528 ??

Thanks for the input, I will keep that in mind.

My 528 is just black, no special paint job. I would prefer a black car though.

I believe the pre-vanos 540i has larger bore intake runners as well - some people with M62TU engines install the pre-vanos intake manifold for some top end gains.

i say before u buy your 540 ... take it to get a pre extended warranty purchase check up ///// they charge u 175 or so to do a 300 point inspection .... what i did was just left the car started for 4 hours and drove it around a whole day before i bought it

I did a lot of research on this question before buying my 2001 540 6sp. I have owned five Bimmers and all of them had cooling leaks or water pump issues.

Starting in 2001 the water pumps, radiator, and termostat were improved to address some leaking concerns. Pixels, door seals, and other things were not addressed.

I had to replace my cluster (Pixels), Radiator, thermostat, pump, hoses. Yes,,,,,,the magnum V-8 ,,,,,she loves to run Hot..... So don't skimp on cooling components,,,,,check them/replace them,,,,,,and hey,,,,your gonna have to pay for a V-8 one way or the other......

just my $.02 but would not be looking at any e39 540/6 that is not a sport model.

Mr. Downs:

All of the previous posts are good info. I own a '97 and would like to add that I recall seeing a writeup/white paper somewhere stating that the next generation 540 (in '97) was "held back" in it's true performance capabilities. Whether or not this is attributed to the Vanos or not is questionable.

Taking inito consideration the other posts, they all seem pretty much accurate but does vary. For example, at 70k miles I just had an expansion tank leak repaired but also took into consideration the forum recommendation to have the radiator, thermostat and water pump replace.......call it proactive maintenance. Call it $1,300.00:(

Nonetheless, I hope this helps in your consideration. There's definitely +/- for later models (angel eyes, clear markers, etc.). However, speaking from experience as an owner I don't think you'll be disappointed based on the year you choose.

Good luck and keep us posted if any more questions arise. We would love to have you as a member AND an OWNNER!