@@edsmith4821 very hard and they sell within 24 hours. After hitting up 5 different sellers that sold theirs in 24 hrs I finally picked one up and bought it within the first 16 hours it was posted for 4900$ check it out on the channel
Septimiu Razvy I have 2000 540i E39 M sports package. It was gifted to me with 166k miles. Runs amazingly well and for 20 years on the road has a few rust spots and trim that will need some replacement. But since it’s a $0 car (goes into the shop Tuesday) I will see what can be done to keep it on the road for another 100k+ miles, fine investing into that unless it’s got some serious underlying issues.
@@thecincinnatikid5133 yes ....mine has 330.000 km....like 200k miles....next year i will do the timing chain ...no sound from it....but ! It must be done at this mileage 🙃🙃
I let my sister-in-law drive it ('00 540i) to the market and the clinic. She normally drives a Kia Soul when she's at home. After one afternoon, she doesn't want to give it back.
The e39 540i will definitely be a collectors, and prices here in Australia have been going up roughly doubled in price in the last couple of years and are rarely up for sale especially the Msport, I have 3 e39s ,1997,98 and 1999,non vanos which I have done up into a Msport and will be selling one soon but I don't think I will sell the other two because I know that I will regret it if I do. Best sports sedan ever especially for the price you can't buy a better car with a v8.
2 years on, the E34 540i is finally going up (I got mine for $5K 11 years ago now they're listed for 3x that) but the E39 540i still isn't moving yet. I think they had more immature owners who've not kept up with things and there is also so much more that makes them uneconomical to fix. My E34 just will not die and I find it so much easier to diagnose and figure out even than an I6 E39. The problem I'm finding in the past year is E34s that are not complete wrecks are hardly in wreckers yards any more and supply of some more model specific parts is getting thin
My first car was a 98 540 with 380k kms. It blew two engines because the brake booster was sucking rain water into the intake. I was forced to sell it when I couldn't find a replacement engine. Couple years later bought a 97 540/6 with 373k kms from the original owner. Never had any issues for 2 years until the jack shot through the left rocker when I was installing winter tires. Another couple years and now I'm on the hunt for another 540, I actually never stopped looking for one. Owned dozens of other classics and interesting cars but nothing compares to the e39. It's not the best at anything but the whole package is hard to beat. The perfect recipe for a collectable.
Gotta say i dont agree. The e39 body is timeless, the interior is well made aside from a few minor things. The m62tu is actually a very reliable engine and was cutting edge technology at the time. Ill never get rid of my 540/6
@@robertking1032 I would say around 12,000 USD is the most common starting point. Mine was 9K, but I’m already approaching 3K in repairs and replacements, and it’s still not ready to go yet. The ABS module is arriving at the rebuilding company today.
@@f308gtb1977 ..I saw 1 today with 196.000km (no miles) abbandoned in front of an house but still all together, some rust where the trunk is, they want 4500 usd...I do not know what do now..lol..
@@robertking1032 I feel your pain. I do most of the work myself, but I do leave most of the engine and all the body stuff to the pros. So with rust, that’s over my head.
@@james_819_5 I have had 3 a 1998, 1999, and a 2001. Great cars. People make it seem like maintenance is hell, what car isn't? Cheaper to maintenance than my Jeep overland. My only problem w this car there isn't many options in exhausts and superchargers. I rarely see another BMW e39, and many people don't either, it attracts a lot of attention. The crackles it makes is so satisfying
My first car was the 540i. I’m keeping it for as long as I can since it means a lot to me. I understand it’s not a collector car compared to the M5, but I’m not trying to sell it so its all good!
I've been driving my 2001 540i M sport 6 speed for over 17 years. It is in immaculate condition and just treated her to a deep detail, paint correction, new euro spec Hella xenon headlight assemblies, the works. At 230K I had the chain, guides, oil pump oil seperator, water pump, t stat coils plugs fuel filter improved valley cover pcv valve and crankcase vent replaced. Again the works. The guides were not broken but time to do. Looks, runs and drives like a brand new car. New BIlstien susp helps. Here's to another 230K of enjoyment.
01 540 M-sport 234k miles original owner. Did timing chain guides at 200k (still intact) and vanos seal upgrade. Love this vehicle..do all my own service. This car still looks great in my eyes and rides even better! Recently had to do ABS module repair and replace failed aux water pump.
I’ve had my 01 540iA 11 years this month, kept the cooling system fresh and had a recon gearbox. It’s on 120k now, but only do 4-5 k miles per year. It’s a keeper for me over the pond in the U.K. great content, really enjoy your videos and knowledge 👍🏽
This day and age.. YOU Shouldn't buy something hoping it is, or will be a collector car. Buy it for the simple and pure fun factor... At the end of your "ROPE" You don't get to take anything with you(Six feet under that is).
yeah. 1) Buy the car you want when you are young and naive which costs way too much and maintain it well because you love it so much 2) Become old and crumbly and think its time to sell your car because you arent 20 anymore 3) ??? 4) profit when you realize your car with 500k miles on the clock is now worth 100k usd.
Certainly one of the greatest cars BMW ever made. The thing is - they’re not economy cars and one should be prepared to spend thousands of dollars per year to keep them pristine. There are plenty of reliable and inexpensive cars that are reliable if that is your main concern. My 1988 M5 had 450,000 miles on it when the rust took over. My e39 540msport has 250,000 miles on it and people seem to think that it’s brand new for some reason. I have a number of cars but the E39 is hard to resist.
I bought my first automatic 03 BMW 540i for $850 with 134k miles all it needed was a battery, I had a blast with that car best $850 I ever spent forsure. Sadly I crashed it, but I was hooked into e39s after that. Now I own a 6 speed 1996 bmw 540i that I bought for $2,200 off an architect , it came with a working phone in the middle console which I think is a very nice touch. The car is very fast, so fast that I would be able to gap new edge mustangs and even gapped a new BMW 328 on a roll race as well as my friend’s e46 330Ci. There’s just something about that 4.4L V8 that sounds sooooo good when you straight pipe it, even tho I live in California (where there’s a law against loud cars) I still made it loud because that’s just how I am.Sadly the guides just went out but I have no regrets getting it, next step is to fix it and get it running again. People would be amazed of how fast it is being a 3700lbs 4 door sedan, without a doubt I think it’ll be a collector’s car even with all the flaws it has because to be realistic no car is perfect.
See, the issue here is what you define as collectable. Any 150k+ mile E39 540's needing thousands in repairs will never be collector cars. Nor will any clapped out E39. These cars are plentiful, so it's not like you're trying to rescue one of the last few in existence. E39's, E38, E46, etc. are considered to be the last of the great BMW's. True ultimate driving machines. The cars that came after just did not have that feel and attention that this generation had (and as you argue, earlier generations are plagued with crappy material quality in important areas). I believe you're wrong to blanket all E39 540's as never collectable. Low mileage examples will always command more money and have that collectability status. Just recently, a two 2001 40k mile 540's for $18k (Auto) and $14k (manual) and 2003 M-Sports command even more. E39 Tourings are also highly desirable in any flavor. When you have people willing to spend over $10k on 20 year old cars, they must hold the car in a higher regard, including the people selling, who don't put the miles on them all those years and take fantastic care of them. If you spend all your time trying to fix clapped out BMW's you get for almost free, you will get a bad taste for them all. But, if you decide to have 1 or 2 nice examples, weekend cars (dare I say collector cars?) to focus on, They will treat you right, and be much more enjoyable to work on.
My friend is a mechanic and he is constantly working on rust buckets that are not falling appart because a strong willpower is preventing it and he has the same feel and taste: no cars are worth anything and everything is hopeless crap doomed to fall appart one day... which will be soon :D
M62TU engine will definitely go down as a classic in combustion engines history. Especially combined with six speed manual ZF. Naturally aspirated V8s are classics already. And hey, I ain't selling mine.
540 e34s have collectors potential considering how different it was to the M5. In comparison the E39 540 will always just be a slightly dulled down/less special M5. Then again, the reason i personally own a 540 instead of an M5 is becuase I obsess over tourings :P FYI my facelift 540i/6 touring is 1 / 200 produced by BMW in the entire world :D
As i said before, get the chain guides done and all gaskets and seals, by someone who knows what they are doing like you Nathan, and get the valley pan done as well, and maintain, maintain, maintain! LAbor of love and i love my 2003 540ia M sport!
I think what it really comes down to is why we want to collect certain things. Is this being purchased as an investment? Is it being collected because we love the car? After having rebuilt and sold many Bmws over the past few years, I decided to find one to keep for myself, and it has been a 2003 540iMsport. It’s everything I would want in a Bmw...excellent styling, great longevity of most parts, and the raw feeling of pre-computer controlled over abundance. It’s understandable to want investment value to increase with the things we collect, but there’s something to be said about collecting things which contribute to the heart value from an automobile enthusiast’s perspective, and the 540i does this in aces. Thanks for the videos Nathan! I always enjoy the new ones, and good health to you and yours.
Is the M62TU really that much worse compared to a M62? Thinking about either a E34 540/6 or M62 E39 540/6. What's your feeling between maintenance issues etc?
EMOTION EMOTION IM STILL ON A HIGH DRIVING MY E39 6 SPEED 540i HOME! AMAZING CAR I JOINED THE CLUB! CHECK THE NEWEST VID OF 540I! CRAZY CLEAN 140k miles all service done!
I do wish I dumped my money into an m5 but still love my 540. Favorite mod is the wavetrac differential. Cracked 170mph in that thing and 26mpg on the freeway
Whats the best and easiest way to get lsd, without welding spider gears in my 02 e46 wagon? I really would like something that is quiet and reliable. Any suggestions?
at 0:44 you mention that once all the particles from the chain guides get in the engine it's almost impossible. Can you clarify? Are you saying that the particles will clog up the oil passages and make it so that there is not enough oil pressure for the VANOS system to work? I've suspected that this might be happening to me after timing 5 times and replacing everything but I've never heard anyone else say this specifically.
So, Nathan, today, (Feb. 12, 2022) what is your evaluation of a E39 540i/6 Sport with 49,381 on the clock with all maintenance records, covered and garage kept by the first owner (adult, my brother in law), complete Dinan Stage 2 Tuned, w/ Bilstein B8's on the front and recent upper control arm & bushings front and back, new brake lines, radiator etc., perfect interior and no evidence of kids, pets, or grandchildren, worth as a collectable of the last example of a 20th century "BMW Sport Sedan" ? - not a collectable at $4,000? What do you think ?
I just received my new Koni/eibach struts n shocks for the 00 328Ci; Headers, new 3” pipe all the way out; New bushings all the way around; new front end and new arms in rear. And beefing up frame week points; Porting intake manifold and adding new aFe intake Wife’s car is going to purr & cruise in twisties of WV mountain roads
I've kept my 540i e39 and it's the last of the beautiful 5 series BMW... I considered going with a newer one but too many issues and they were ugly AF. I now have a w213 e63 Mercedes which kicks every newer BMW I test droves ass... BUT I still get excited dusting off my Schwarz black msport e39 540i with staggered mpars!
The e38 is super classy and has timeless looks like the e39. I’m partial to the e39 just because I know them in and out, with a ton of that being credited to this channel. My 03 m tech wagon Id a true rare and collectible car. Crazy what the price had done the past few years. Also to end if you’re interested in selling the timing tools I’m in Missouri as well and if you needed them back I’d mail them back to you on loan. Be happy to do it that way it’s best of both worlds
I have a 2001 M5 Black on Black, 119k.had a 540i like the one here before. Glad I made the move 7 years ago. My M5 is worth more than double what I paid for it then with 80K
I’m looking at a ‘98 535i with 80k miles or possibly a ‘00 540i with 50k miles. Both auto which I don’t mind, it’ll be my first ever auto so Im curious about them as a daily. I’m guessing the ‘98 535i doesn’t have vanos. Either way, prices seem to be firming up and appreciating. Thoughts?
I enjoyed this video. I understand how the engine has its fair share of issues to say the least, as well as many other aspects of the machine, though it is worth considering the E39 540i has the driver's formula formula: V8, rear wheel drive, 6 speed manual. It would be great to see a consolidated list of parts to fix its many issues in the near future to make it reliable, at least by BMW standards.
I was looking for a V8 E38 but stumbled upon an E39 M530i with M5 brakes on. I found a complete rear subframe from an M5, serviced the ZF lsd and put a 3.46 crown and pinion from a E46 M3, installed the M5 subframe on the 530i along with a sweet ZF 6MT from an E60, modified (extended and balanced) the centre axle of the M5 to fit this setup and never ever ever looked back on an E38. I don't care if it is high maintenance, I don't care about it not being a collector's car, I just wanna drive the damn thing 'cause it puts a smile on my face.
I think you're confusing whether the car has issues and whether it is desirable. Plenty of cars with known problems become classics. The E39 values are on the move now, not just the 540i.
I have an 03 540 M sport with 80k miles in it. When should I expect to have the chain guides done? And what is the ballpark figure to have it done? I am in Maryland.
6 spd, pre-vanos, CSF aluminum radiator, lower thermostat, fresh fluids and bushings.... I agree with Nathan I don't see my daily becoming a $10,000 car.. but I don't know how I'd replace her for less than that.
I’m in the process of replacing the guides on my 2002 540i. I’ve spent so much money on that thing over the three years of ownership but I love that car.
Frank Richards not bad but I’m also a Bmw technician so I’m use to this kinda work. I’ve removed everything and I have the vanos units out. Waiting on new vanos seals for the rebuild. I’m at 162k miles. I went to the store to buy dog food and when I was leaving, that’s when I heard the timing guide rattle. The middle “U” guide was the one that broke.
I had an e39 m sport 6spd car. It was beautiful. But after doing timing chain guides for someone else, and constantly working on mine. I let it go. Then while watching this channel...I decided to get an e90. I fought with every issue Nathan did on his. Up to, and including swapping cam and cam ledge. It still had a lifter noise. That car is in process of being sold. A month ago. I purchased a 2005 Mercedes e320 cdi. It is nice to buy a car I have been able to drive over 1000 miles without breaking. I love it. Dont think I will own another BMW.
I feel your pain. I'm about done with BMW too. Loved them since a child, family is die-hard for the brand, owned a few over the last decade, and I'm over it. Got rid of my latest e36, and still constantly working on friends BMWs. Looking for an r129 or w124 now...
As an E39 Touring owner, I tend to agree with your opinion and the logic supporting it. Aesthetically I think the E30 and E46 are superior, mechanically I prefer whichever one I'm not currently wrenching on.
If you don't like a car, it doesn't mean everyone hates it too or isn't a collector's car. So good for you you have your opinion but don't do this, you will only get hate.
I owned an 07 550 6 SPD manual for 12 yrs and 185k miles. Yes it's direct injected and no, you don't need a catch can. That would be nothing more than a waste of time and money. To what purpose do you believe a catch can is warranted on your car??
00:48 pieces from the guides are not going all through the engine. They fall off and down to the oil pan. Yes they are sucked up by the oil pump but before they are sent back through the engine. The oil filter will catch and hold them. Yes I know about the micron bs. If the pieces are small enough to pass through the filter. They are not large enough to do any damage to the bearings.
Never sell tools!! I don't think the every 540 will be a collector car. I think the 03 540 m sport with manual trans will go up slightly in value but not like the e39 M5. I think the 540 m sport will have a niche but not a big one. Like you said come down to maint. If the timing guides and tensioner were done it's a winner.
I own an e34 540i6, e39 540it, e38 740i msport. All have sport trimmings. I remember whe e34s were worth nothing, times have changed. The e39 540i6, e39 540it, e39 540i6 if well maintained, will continue to rise in value as supply wanes. Just how things go.
I agree, Nathan is just click baiting. The M62 engines are absolutely bullet proof once the guides have been taken care of, and it's not even a big deal these days. My 01 540i individual with big spec continues to rise in value. Even shit 540i are not exactly cheap to pick up these days. I'm from the UK too, so not exactly rare cars, I imagine in the USA these kinds of cars are even rarer.
@@vviiper different in the UK brother, cars there are more expensive for a plethora of reasons. I can attest that many an old 540 or 740 do not get cared for as they should. I actually just broke down an e38 msport for parts las weekend, and will most likely kill another one 2 weeks from now.
I absolutely agree, the n62 is an engineering fail. Beware the coolant hose on the back of the block as well. Maybe 3 inches long. If it blows you have to drop the subframe and engine to repair. Ask me how I know!😮 A buddy of mine just decided to dremel a hole in the firewall instead.... Wish I had thought of that. 😄
ì had to do the work, thought it would be simple,....It wasn't easy at all. A rolling nightmare of challenges. Try it sometime... Let me know how it works out for you.
Just a fun fact: Anyone who has a a well maintained E39 540i here in Europe can put a price tag no less than 16 000 USD on it and that car will change owners within a month tops. Prices are going up each year a bit. And this year a blue manual 6 speed fully maxed out 540i changed owners within the same day the ad was made public (ond a Facebook group). It may not be a collectors car in the US but it definetly is one in the EU.... which may later in time lead back to the US changing that status. I got mine for a 1000 EUR some years back and the owner was glad to give me the keys. Nowadays I could sell the car for 8-10x times the price and I wouldn't have to do any maintenance at all. Here in the EU it has become a sort of a "Baby M5" which you can drive as a daily or keep for weekend tours only if you wish and it won't ruin your wallet as much as a M5 would. But if someone is on the hunt for more power yet an M5 is too much to pay for I'd probably advise to search in Alpina teritory.
My 1995 e34 530i is the one that got away. The interior held up and the engine was purring, at 200,000 miles and at 17 years old. Then I got a better job, bought an e46 M3 from a dealer, before reading reviews. Wouldn't have probably taken that back, if I knew that I had a better job coming (I don'tmind paying the price for power). Cause they let me trade it back in for a Ford Focus (Was a Ford dealership). I eventually got this e60 530i, when I could afford a second car, which has been a great car. But sometimes I think, should have kept the e34, what a tank and beauty that was..
Could not decide between both so picked up an 01 740iL E38 and an 01 M5 E39. Love them both. Was a stupid decision at the time, maybe still stupid today, but would have it no other way.
Have a 99 E38 w/ a TU. As long as you maintain the guides....I'd do about every 75k, and DON'T GET CHEAP GUIDES. That total rebuild at 225k was fun...LOL.
About 3-4 years ago nowbody want them, this was best time picking up a 540i manual, alpina B10 v8 or m5 model. The same will happen in 3 years with e60, e92, e63 models
I am not a fan of BMW V8 engines. I still believe that a e39 530i will be a collector car on the long run. It is the quintessence of BMW engineering . The power is less but the inline 6 cylinder has an amazing sound. Or rather I would go towards an M5.
Think about it from his perspective, you'll stay in love with it as long as you don't have to fix them for a living. So many nuts and ancillary parts. Try changing shocks and you'll never want to do it again. The only free lunch on e39s are the cabin air filters lol
I think there is also a problem with the design of e39,they changed the shark features to dolphin i guess .The interior in my e 34 540 is in ideal condition, and its engine is m60 , the chain in it is twice thicker than in m62 and there is no vanos and still it has the same 286 hp.The degradation in many aspects in modern cars is obvious for example the problem with sizes,the new 3 series has the parameters as e32 7 series, there are a lot of other tendencies that make no sense.
