I finally pulled the trigger on an a car I've been wanting for about a year now. Because my 740il turned out to be a maintence nightmare (and ate up alot of my savings), my budget wasn't really as high as I would have liked, but I ended up finding a Black/Black 2000 540iA ZSP ZPP with 135,000 miles for 11,995 + junk. I did check and it looks like it has a new radiator (good), but besides that are there any other vehicle specific maintence issues I should be watching out for (besides the standard, brakes, fluids, etc)?

I am told the e39 is one of the more reliable lines bmw has put out, so I'm hoping I don't have to be dropping a few thousand every couple months just to keep it running (like my 740il), even with the higher mileage. The engine sounds really smooth, quiet, and w/o funny noises.

Also, I'm picking it up on Thursday, I'll have pics then too, for anyone interested.

Some response would be great...

*bump*

They're essentially the same car. Only the 740 is bigger. But I'm partial to the 5's. It's probably more reliable but I haven't had any problems yet other than the alternator going up on me and her CPO warranty just expired.

its not the same car, just the same engine, and 7's are more expensive to maintain. our techs at work believe the e39 to be one of the best cars bmw has ever made, in fact the head tech drives a e39 530. he's been working on bimmers for 20+ yrs so if its good enough for him.. since i bought mine i've just had to do routine maintence, changed all fluids, replaced valve cvr gskts, microfilters, wiper blades, replaced broken rear cup holder with the storage tray, few other small odds and ends. the e39 has won many awards for being a fantastic car. btw, check the valve cover gaskets for leaks, make sure the last few plugs aren't swimming in oil.

........my 740il turned out to be a maintence nightmare (and ate up alot of my savings), ...........I told the e39 is one of the more reliable lines bmw has put out, so I'm hoping I don't have to be dropping a few thousand every couple months just to keep it running ............

Who told you that??

The 540 is a bit smaller than 740, but it shares 90% of it's problems and throws another 10% in for good measure. It is not a step up on the reliability chart, for sure. The whole powertrain & tranny is shared, as is the pixel issues and other stuff. Expect crankcase breathing problems and gasket issues and catalytic issues and tranny issues...all the fun stuff you get with the 740i.

Who told you that??

The 540 is a bit smaller than 740, but it shares 90% of it's problems and throws another 10% in for good measure. It is not a step up on the reliability chart, for sure. The whole powertrain & tranny is shared, as is the pixel issues and other stuff. Expect crankcase breathing problems and gasket issues and catalytic issues and tranny issues...all the fun stuff you get with the 740i.

Most of my problems with the 740 have been electrical, overheating, brakes, and suspension, and some of it because it was abused by it's previous owner.

btw, check the valve cover gaskets for leaks, make sure the last few plugs aren't swimming in oil.

How do I do that? I looked around the engine and didn't see any indication of oil leakage...

They're essentially the same car. Only the 740 is bigger. But I'm partial to the 5's. It's probably more reliable but I haven't had any problems yet other than the alternator going up on me and her CPO warranty just expired.

Other then a new radiator at 60,000Miles and now 72,000 on the clock with no problems at all.

Most of my problems with the 740 have been electrical, overheating, brakes, and suspension, and some of it because it was abused by it's previous owner.

If the prior owner of your 740 caused all your issues, maybe they will not crop up. Still, the 540i electrical, brakes & suspension (control/thrust arm bushings) exhibit similar quirks and reliability issues. There are no upgrades or significant differences in these areas between 5 and 7 cars. The 740i overheating issues that historically stem from inherent coolant system weaknesses are exactly SAME on 540i. Folks sometimes run the motors to failure upon coolant loss. IMO, prior owners can not be blamed for most of these issues....it's the car's design at fault.

The UUC all aluminum radiator and aluminum expansion tank combo with a fresh water pump with metal impeller is the only foolproof solution for folks who want to drive with reliability. With the brittle OEM plastic coolant system crap, you keep your AAA card and rental car phone#'s handy.

wheel bearings... front suspension parts (tie rods, control arms, etc)... and just the overall suspension since it's got some miles on it.

For whatever reason, there are fewer mechanical issues faced by 01-03 e39 owners than other model years. Maybe it has to due with age (i.e., miles) or the production technology used at the time. Who knows!

According to my BMW service technican, the V8 4L engines in the 540, 7 series and X5 are probelmatic! Even the new whips have issues. I always cringe when I see a Chris Bangle designed 7 stranded on the side of the road.

So what should you do? Perform regular maintenance and limit the amount of spirited driving...Unfortunately, driving within the speed limit and BMW ownership DOES NOT go hand and hand! At least, 5s retain more of their value than 7s!

Problematic engines? You mean the cooling system? What part of the engine specifically.

You meant the fact that you have to replace an o2 sensor every now and then? Or an air filter, spark plugs, oil change? You have to use the correct octane gasoline? Im not sure what the problem is he's talking about. Maybe its the emissions system problem that some of them are having...

Who told you that??

The 540 is a bit smaller than 740, but it shares 90% of it's problems and throws another 10% in for good measure. It is not a step up on the reliability chart, for sure. The whole powertrain & tranny is shared, as is the pixel issues and other stuff. Expect crankcase breathing problems and gasket issues and catalytic issues and tranny issues...all the fun stuff you get with the 740i.

I've had my 540/6 for three years, the only problem I had was replacing the valve cover gaskets. Everything else has been routine maintenance (brakes, tune-up, oil changes, etc.) I think you are being just a little pessimistic. Just because you've experienced these problems doesn't mean everyone else will. Maybe you just bought a lemon.

For whatever reason, there are fewer mechanical issues faced by 01-03 e39 owners than other model years. Maybe it has to due with age (i.e., miles) or the production technology used at the time. Who knows!

According to my BMW service technican, the V8 4L engines in the 540, 7 series and X5 are probelmatic! Even the new whips have issues. I always cringe when I see a Chris Bangle designed 7 stranded on the side of the road.

So what should you do? Perform regular maintenance and limit the amount of spirited driving...Unfortunately, driving within the speed limit and BMW ownership DOES NOT go hand and hand! At least, 5s retain more of their value than 7s!

I'd be interested to know what parts of these engines are problematic being that I have a V8 540 and a V8 X5. I haven't experienced any problems.

For whatever reason, there are fewer mechanical issues faced by 01-03 e39 owners than other model years. Maybe it has to due with age (i.e., miles) or the production technology used at the time. Who knows!

According to my BMW service technican, the V8 4L engines in the 540, 7 series and X5 are probelmatic! Even the new whips have issues. I always cringe when I see a Chris Bangle designed 7 stranded on the side of the road.

So what should you do? Perform regular maintenance and limit the amount of spirited driving...Unfortunately, driving within the speed limit and BMW ownership DOES NOT go hand and hand! At least, 5s retain more of their value than 7s!

Yes they do. :), The prices on 7's are dropping like a rock, especially with gas prices rising...

I had an '02 525i for about a year... I didn't have any (even minor) issues with the car, just one regular oil change, that was it. Granted, it only had 55K miles on it when I bought it, but I was pretty impressed. I had an 02 325xi before that and it was the same story.

The only reasons bmw problems are sooo sooo overexagerated because

1. Labor
2. parts
3. workmanship

Ok here goes my opnion .. if you shop around and find a good used part or replacemnt part(ex aluminum radiartor), and diy it your fine ... just use your bentley manual like a bible and remmeber torque specs matter ... overtightening and undertightening is probably the # 1 Cause for redoing the same issue over and over .... also, if u use 93 octane, sythetic oil, oem filters, the right bmw coolant and tranny fluid you will be fine most likely

definitely when buying any car with the m62 engine (or m62tu like you have), check out- or have someone check out- the valley pan for leakage, intake manifold gaskets, crankcase ventilation valve, water pump, thermostat, valve cover gaskets, pretty much all the gaskets on the top end. in the long run you can save a lot on labor by doing them all at once, but best to be sure things haven't already been replaced. If your valley pan is leaking, you'll notice coolant drips coming from the bell housing since the drain hole above the pan leads there.

As has been said, the cooling system is a big weakness of these engines (not to suggest that its a poor engine design, but the cooling system is the most prominent weakness)

its doubtful that you're still on your original mass air flow sensor at this point, but if you are, expect to need a new one at some point. I agree also to check out all the suspension joints for wear.

I've had my 540/6 for three years, the only problem I had was replacing the valve cover gaskets.

How much did this cost to repair and what are the symptoms?

I seem to have some discoloration where it looks like the top of the motor bolts up to the bottom (only on one side). Does this sound like an issue? Would this be covered under the original factory warranty? I have like 2 months left (47,XXX miles).

I just had the radiator reservoir replace at the dealership and they didn't mention the discoloration being an issue. Would they just be trying to duck the repair?

The only reasons bmw problems are sooo sooo overexagerated because

1. Labor
2. parts
3. workmanship

Ok here goes my opnion .. if you shop around and find a good used part or replacemnt part(ex aluminum radiartor), and diy it your fine ... just use your bentley manual like a bible and remmeber torque specs matter ... overtightening and undertightening is probably the # 1 Cause for redoing the same issue over and over .... also, if u use 93 octane, sythetic oil, oem filters, the right bmw coolant and tranny fluid you will be fine most likely

We don't have 93 octane in the People's Republik of Kalifornia. It's not allowed. Any violators are sent to camps where you have to listen to Barbara Streisand's nasaly voice whine about how we all hate the enviornment and why all of us (except her, of course) should be forced to drive a prius.

definitely when buying any car with the m62 engine (or m62tu like you have), check out- or have someone check out- the valley pan for leakage, intake manifold gaskets, crankcase ventilation valve, water pump, thermostat, valve cover gaskets, pretty much all the gaskets on the top end. in the long run you can save a lot on labor by doing them all at once, but best to be sure things haven't already been replaced. If your valley pan is leaking, you'll notice coolant drips coming from the bell housing since the drain hole above the pan leads there.

As has been said, the cooling system is a big weakness of these engines (not to suggest that its a poor engine design, but the cooling system is the most prominent weakness)

its doubtful that you're still on your original mass air flow sensor at this point, but if you are, expect to need a new one at some point. I agree also to check out all the suspension joints for wear.

I have a friend of mine that's a mechanic and he knows people at an independent bimmer shop in yorba linda... I'm going to drive the car over there and have it fully inspected when I get it.

the valve cover gasket job is arund 500 bux or a lil less w/oem parts and a regular mechanic labor .... dealer is around 1600

the valve cover gasket job is arund 500 bux or a lil less w/oem parts and a regular mechanic labor .... dealer is around 1600

Thanks for the info, what are the symptoms that you need a valve cover job?

just leaks oil

500 sounds high just order the gaskgets online or mail order it and take it to a cheap mechanic he can probably do it for 50 bux + parts

We don't have 93 octane in the People's Republik of Kalifornia. It's not allowed. Any violators are sent to camps where you have to listen to Barbara Streisand's nasaly voice whine about how we all hate the enviornment and why all of us (except her, of course) should be forced to drive a prius.

hehe really? Maybe thats why i never see 93. I could have sworn i seen it in some places... anyways i think all truck and suv drivers should be forced to drive a prius but the rest of us are ok, esp bmw, mercedes, volvo, etc.

the valve cover gasket job is arund 500 bux or a lil less w/oem parts and a regular mechanic labor .... dealer is around 1600

wtf?! $1600? or even $500 is crazy. iirc the gaskets themselves were very cheap and the job is easy, time consuming, but easy.

yeah you could do the gaskets, i've done like 3 cars

hehe really? Maybe thats why i never see 93. I could have sworn i seen it in some places... anyways i think all truck and suv drivers should be forced to drive a prius but the rest of us are ok, esp bmw, mercedes, volvo, etc.

Have you really seen 93? That would be a find. There are rumors of stations around with 100 but I've never seen one. I actually, though, I have to retract my earlier statement, because I think arco/bp does have a 92. But... I'd never put that stuff in my car.

when you do the valve covers, it's nice to take the fuel rails off to give yourself a little extra space. i did that because i like myself.

I've got to do the valve cover gaskets on my 740il :(

I've had my 540/6 for three years, the only problem I had was replacing the valve cover gaskets. Everything else has been routine maintenance (brakes, tune-up, oil changes, etc.) I think you are being just a little pessimistic. Just because you've experienced these problems doesn't mean everyone else will. Maybe you just bought a lemon.

Perhaps we should re-rename the BMW Tips and Tricks website to the Lemon Tree?? No. Seriously...the crankcase ventilation, thrust bushings, pixels, radiator, coolant canister, strut dampers and gasket failures are VERY common and typically occur under 80K mi. This lifecycle is abnormally low. A Ford Taurus or other pedestrian domestic will exhibit these failures at around 120-150K mi. The valve cover gaskets you replaced are a widespread problem and they lead to spark plug misfire and this leads to $2K cat failure from injesting raw gas. These are simply premature problems due to defective design.

I consider a lemon to be a conglomeration of uncommon troubles. Every single trouble I've had is well-documented by other's on Tech Tips and throughout countless threads.

I do not believe your original pixels are still working after 8 years. The average lifespan is around 3-4 yrs and many '03 cars are seeing this problem already. Are you the original owner?

Getting in a little late on this thread, but I've had a '97 E38, and had no major problems. But then again, I babied that d@mn thing. The key is to find a reliable indy repair shop. Avoid the stealer at all costs... the key word being "COST". Either way, congrats with your 540i purchase...

Speaking Of The Devil ... My Coolant Just Started Tripping ... We Just Changed The Coolant And Temprature Goes To Almost Hot Then Drops Back Down ... Is This The Thermostat ?

Have you really seen 93? That would be a find. There are rumors of stations around with 100 but I've never seen one. I actually, though, I have to retract my earlier statement, because I think arco/bp does have a 92. But... I'd never put that stuff in my car.

If I do I will let you know or post

Have you really seen 93? That would be a find. There are rumors of stations around with 100 but I've never seen one. I actually, though, I have to retract my earlier statement, because I think arco/bp does have a 92. But... I'd never put that stuff in my car.

In the Eastern USA, British Petroleum (BP) acquired all the Amoco gas stations about 5-10 years ago and renamed them as BP. ALL of our BP stations now strictly sell Amoco gas, not BP or Arco. You can not get the old 92 BP or Arco blends here. The BP-Amoco premium grade is strictly 93 octane, sold under the familiar "Amoco Gold" moniker and label on the pump (formerly Amoco Clear). FYI, our BP stations are still painted "BP green" in color. The BP regular is curerntly the old "Amoco Blue" and the plus grade is "Amoco Silver" and even advertized as such on commercials. It contains no Ethanol & they even retained the Amoco additive package. The only BP tie in the Eastern USA to the old Boron/Sohio/Arco legacy company is their green BP ProCare service shops.

I have found this to be the case from New England to Ohio to Florida. I don't know about where you live.

No one ever answered your symtom question fully i guess, Here it goes: there may be oil on the bolts surrounding the valve cover , also check sparkplug bays for oil, inspecting the plug with dry hands and placing a rag over a flat head and checking each spark plug bay for exessive oil residue ... if excessive keep checking your oil .... i blew my first engine on my 89 prelude like that and my 95 tercel lol

No one ever answered your symtom question fully i guess, Here it goes: there may be oil on the bolts surrounding the valve cover , also check sparkplug bays for oil, inspecting the plug with dry hands and placing a rag over a flat head and checking each spark plug bay for exessive oil residue ... if excessive keep checking your oil .... i blew my first engine on my 89 prelude like that and my 95 tercel lol

Thanks! Appreciate it. :)

In the Eastern USA, British Petroleum (BP) acquired all the Amoco gas stations about 5-10 years ago and renamed them as BP. ALL of our BP stations now strictly sell Amoco gas, not BP or Arco. You can not get the old 92 BP or Arco blends here. The BP-Amoco premium grade is strictly 93 octane, sold under the familiar "Amoco Gold" moniker and label on the pump (formerly Amoco Clear). FYI, our BP stations are still painted "BP green" in color. The BP regular is curerntly the old "Amoco Blue" and the plus grade is "Amoco Silver" and even advertized as such on commercials. It contains no Ethanol & they even retained the Amoco additive package. The only BP tie in the Eastern USA to the old Boron/Sohio/Arco legacy company is their green BP ProCare service shops.

I have found this to be the case from New England to Ohio to Florida. I don't know about where you live.

California's different...