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“The E39 BMW 540i shares its body and basic trim with...”

Written on: 12/02/2008

Good Points
Your having a luxury & sport in the same time, your having all option you need in a car , and along with all of this your having your V8 monster sitting infront of you just waiting for you to give him the green signal

Bad Points
If you dont give good care for this car you will face problem such electric problems and A/C problems if you live in a hot area, but if you keep you eyes on this beauty and you have no problem with a V8 engine you will face no problem at all

General Comments
The E39 BMW 540i shares its body and basic trim with the 520i, 523i, 525tds, 528i, 530d, 535i and the almighty M5. It is a 5-series (medium sedan) and has a 4.4 liter displacement V8 engine, the M62, with VANOS. We could go on with numbers all day (and will, later) but for now, let's talk about the car.





The car is incredibly stable. I have to make judicious use of the cruise control in order to not get ticketed. Maneuvers at speed, both sudden and gradual, happen with firmness. Above around 70, if you jerk the wheel, you'll realize that the car could swap ends if you're not careful, but right around that point (on dry pavement) the traction control boots in and tries to sort out your mistakes. So long as you don't persist in doing bad things, you'll be fine



It gets around 18 miles per gallon in city use. Highway driving, keeping it below 70, I get right on 26 with snow tires and 28 with dancing shoes. It is rear-wheel drive (duh) but so long as you actually know how to drive a car and have actual snow tires (not those "all-weather" compromises) you should have no trouble. I've driven mine straight out of four inches of snow when it was wearing boots, no issue. On curvy roads, the slight nose-heavy balance becomes obvious - while it is quite happy slicing and dicing, you are aware you're in a four-door car. The ABS and traction control allow you to retain full control during hard, fast stops - I've tested this. They won't save you from stupidity at high speed on ice, but then, that's not their job.





In addition to seating five, it has a decent-sized trunk (not five people's luggage worth unless they have overnight bags) that can take two golf bags. No, I haven't tested it - but the only 'informative diagram' in the car is a small plaque on the inside of the trunk showing you how to get two golf bags into the boot without banging around the rear deck speakers. It has a tool kit integrated into the trunk lid.











1997-2003 BMW E39 540i Specs





Body :styles: Saloon, touring (sedan, station wagon for Americans)

Engine : BMW M62 4.4 liter V8, 286 BHP @ 5700 RPM / 310 ft/lbs torque @3900 RPM, single VANOS

Weight : ~1660 kg wet (with fluids)

Timing : Chain

Fuel Consumption: 17/27 MPG (US Gallons, city/highway) for my car over 1 year.

Power:Weight, bhp/1000kg: ~170

Top Speed: I'm a'feared of finding out.

Brakes: four-wheel disc, ABS

Tires/Wheels: 235/45/17 stock (I believe) although 18" and 19" wheel packages may have been available. I use Bridgestone Potenza RE750s which I think were original equipment (and Bridgestone Blizzak snows in the winter).

Transmission: available 5-speed torque converter automatic or six-speed manual Getrag transmission. The Custodian strongly recommends the manual.

Fun Factor: HUGE.