Newbie to BMW - How reliable is 540i-6sp 97&up

**csmith** · 03-15-2005, 10:28 PM

Entering the Bemmer world and doing lot's of investigating. I like the performance & size of the 540i with 6sp. Thought of the M3 4dr as well for the fam of course.

Are there any known issues with the 97 and newer E39's. This seems to be the best bang for the buck or I could be wrong. Many models out there. I am aware of the engine issue on the E34 and other basic problems that face most bemmers.

How are the 97-up models to work on. Can home mechanic do this or special equipment and programming needed for this?

I am actually selling my 85 911 for this cause

Thanks,

**killcrap** · 03-16-2005, 10:06 PM

check here for common problems and fixes.

http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html

**Gunslinger** · 03-16-2005, 10:29 PM

pics of '85 Carrera or ban

**Greco540** · 03-17-2005, 09:45 AM

Most of the issues involved with the E39's are DIY for the home mechanic. There are tons of sites like www.bmwdiy.info www.bmwtips.com that can help you pretty much tackle and small to mid sized job on the car.

**Dan** · 03-17-2005, 09:57 AM

it's only as reliable as it's maintanence history. preventative maintanence is your best friend so change the radiator before it's too late to get stuck. that's the only thing that really scares me.

other then that, tires eat quick depending on the softness and driving style. I was in the market for a M3/4 but when the power and safety overweighed the M3, the 540i/6 is the way to go. wonder why they stopped making the M3/4....