Purchasing a 540i, Upgrades,Reliability

Boosted20V · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 04:45 PM

Im looking to get a 99-2001 540i with manual transmission. Are there any known problems with the v-8's? Mileage range will be between 80k - 100k
Any concerns I should worry about. I know the 6 cyls are great motors, and usually just have a weak cooling system. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Andy

James · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 05:14 PM

Cooling system is also weak on the V8s. Valve cover gaskets are nearly as common in terms of needing replacement. Wheel bearings, rotors, dash pixels, window regulators, and control arm bushings are all common failures too. Not sure about the M62, but I now on the S62 that carbon buildup is a problem. Catalytic converters are also very costly and should have been replaced by now.

Upgrades - I strongly suggest a lightweight flywheel, but look for a sprung-hub solution like the one Rogue Engineering offers. I guess it depends on your budget, but you could also swap in a 3.15 open diff, or M5/Dinan LSD if you want to spend some real money.

Boosted20V · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 05:18 PM

Those little things dont really bother me, My main concern is just the longevity of the engine, IE head gaskets, or rings, internals. And how is the gas mileage on them? I have been looking around for a 528i with a 5 speed, but its so rare to find and by the time I call its been sold.. So after 4 weeks of searching for that, I've thrown in the flag, so the V-8 is my next step. Plus would it be just as easy replacing those as it would on a Inline 6?

James · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 05:49 PM

My car has 130+k miles on it and runs like a champ. No headgaskets, rings, internals, etc have needed replacement. Gas mileage is pretty terrible - I would estimate a combined city/highway average in the 16 range. Having driven a 528/5 before, they are very nice, but underpowered. Stick to the 540/6.

cornercarver · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 06:45 PM

I am averaging 18 with the ginger foot, 15 with the lead one. New valve cover gaskets, no internal problems, Radiator replaced, new guage cluster for the pixel problem. I have had little issues with it. My Cats are clogged and need to get tossed in favor of more flavor, but as far as I am concerned, my 97 540ia is one of the best cars I have owned. Only thing I dont like is the programming for the auto tranny. But then, I dont have to replace clutches either.

MadBMW · #6 (**permalink**) 11-21-2007, 06:36 AM

I had some cooling problems with my 97 528i... The Themostat housing blew a huge hole in itself but it really wasnt a big deal to replace... Also my friggin rear window reg just went ($350) which is crazy, my e46 was only around $90... Pixels are fine in both...

On my 99 e46 ive had to replace both rear wheel bearings, 2 window regs

With a 528i there isnt much reason to get manual, they are slow compaired to my manual e46 328i with light mods... With a 540 v8 now thats fun to have the 5-6 speed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

Cooling system is also weak on the V8s. Valve cover gaskets are nearly as common in terms of needing replacement. Wheel bearings, rotors, dash pixels, window regulators, and control arm bushings are all common failures too. Not sure about the M62, but I now on the S62 that carbon buildup is a problem. Catalytic converters are also very costly and should have been replaced by now.