Volvo Virgin Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Looking at a '98 540ia.Car is very clean with 109K at a steal of a price.If it was a Volvo I'd have no real concerns with the mileage and potential costly repairs,as I know what to expect.But due to never owning one I have concerns about the Beemer with unknowns problem areas(ie;auto trans,motor,suspension,etc).Anyone on hear have any REAL experience with these cars.In other words,I'm looking for past owners or BMW mechanics,and everyone else can keep their non-factual opinions to yourselves. Posting on a BMW forum as well,but I trust you guys.....kinda. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaitz Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Bimmer, nicht beemer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volvo Virgin Posted April 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Bimmer, nicht beemer.That was helpful.Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaitz Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Hey, gotta know your history! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronD81 Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 I was considering getting one before I bought the Volvo last year. I've never owned one, but when I was searching I found that the car you are looking for is going to be affordable because it's going to cost a lot to keep running. I would avoid the 540, especially over 100k. The 540 prices aren't much more than a 528 for a reason. The V8s have cooling system/water pump issues. The V8 is tempting because it's so strong, but with a 5 speed the 6 is tolerable, and will be better on your wallet.For some actual experience my girlfriend's dad just bought an '03 530 over the 540 for the reliability issues. He LOVED the 540, but even with the certified extended factory warranty he decided to avoid the issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PharmD Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 I was considering getting one before I bought the Volvo last year. I've never owned one, but when I was searching I found that the car you are looking for is going to be affordable because it's going to cost a lot to keep running. I would avoid the 540, especially over 100k. The 540 prices aren't much more than a 528 for a reason. The V8s have cooling system/water pump issues. The V8 is tempting because it's so strong, but with a 5 speed the 6 is tolerable, and will be better on your wallet.For some actual experience my girlfriend's dad just bought an '03 530 over the 540 for the reliability issues. He LOVED the 540, but even with the certified extended factory warranty he decided to avoid the issues.Couldn't put it better myself. I knew a dude that had one (I'm pretty sure it was a 00 or 01) and that thing was nothing but a headache. When it ran, it was really nice, but he dumped a TON of $$ into it for the enjoyment he got out of it. In my opinion, stay away or go with a 6 cylinder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volvo Virgin Posted April 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Thanks guys.Kinda what I was afraid of.I knew a co-woker that had a 540 new back in the late 90's,and what a rocket.But not if it comes with high dollar problems.There is a gorgeous blue 528 for sale locally too.Maybe I'll go look at that one.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshV70 Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Thanks guys.Kinda what I was afraid of.I knew a co-woker that had a 540 new back in the late 90's,and what a rocket.But not if it comes with high dollar problems.There is a gorgeous blue 528 for sale locally too.Maybe I'll go look at that one.RobRob, don't tell me you're ditchin' the Volvo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volvo Virgin Posted April 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Rob, don't tell me you're ditchin' the Volvo!Not sure bro.But I'm not washing it as much as I used to,and that's the first sign I'm getting bored.Kinda like with a new girl,and then after a couple years the pootie isn't calling you the way it used to.So right now I'm just checking out options by looking at some other cars.A 98 S70T5 would be on the list tho if I could find a decent one.But no luck there so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serge Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 E39s are great cars!Water pump as mentioned has a tendency to fail (plastic fins, later replaced with metal). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshV70 Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Not sure bro.But I'm not washing it as much as I used to,and that's the first sign I'm getting bored.Kinda like with a new girl,and then after a couple years the pootie isn't calling you the way it used to.So right now I'm just checking out options by looking at some other cars.A 98 S70T5 would be on the list tho if I could find a decent one.But no luck there so far.Let me know if you are interested in a 98 S70 T5. Mine might be for sale soon if I can grab ahold of something I have my eyes on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volvo Virgin Posted April 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 E39s are great cars!Water pump as mentioned has a tendency to fail (plastic fins, later replaced with metal).Is the E39 the entire 5 series Serge,or just the V8's?Let me know if you are interested in a 98 S70 T5. Mine might be for sale soon if I can grab ahold of something I have my eyes on.Yes I have interest depending.It's a slush-box right?Gray with charcoal?How many miles?PM me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdizzle Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 most of the issues w/ the V8 E39s were in the early models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volvo Virgin Posted April 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 most of the issues w/ the V8 E39s were in the early models.Any ideas on what year they staightened them out Greg?I know the 540 was around in the ealier 93-96 body style as well.I'd go for a six banger if I had to...but the V8 is obviously preferrable with regards to perfomance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdizzle Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 around 00 IIRC, i wouldn't think twice about a 530! They're really nice, but the 525 can't get out of it's own way. I almost bought 530it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.