I have always loved the BMW 540I Sport for years. I have always leased cars and my last 2 were an 2006 AUDI S4 and a 2010 Audi A6 Sport. And in January of 2011 I found a beautiful 540 and fell in love with.So I purchasaed it and it is a 1999 BMW 540IA Sport M Pkg with only 59k miles on it. I LOVE this car the 4.4 V8 has 282 hp and 325 Lb F Torque is AMAZING. It can throw you back in your seat and next thing you know your doing 100. It is so smooth and tight and quiet. It drives and performed in my opinion better than any car I have ever owned by far. I test drove both the 6 speed manual and the Steptronic Auto versions. And I loved the manual but the Automatic with steptronic trans with the option to drive in sport mode regular mode or I can slap shift like a manual with no clutch was the way to go.Its so smooth and nice and now I know why CAR and DRIVER named it CAR OF THE YEAR. I have had no problems at all except the dash lights. But if you are looking or even thinking about a 1999-2003 BMW 540I drive one you will love it.

A Beautifully balanced car & Ride,can be docile or it can "ROAR"! My car has been trouble free because it has been regually maintained by "Engineers"& NOT BUY MAIN BMW AGENCIES....Just love it to BITS!!!...TRY ONE!

I bought my BMW 540i, 2002, as a part exchange with an older BMW 520i, but in a main dealer. I was already delighted with a 520i for comfort and built quality. I found all this and a lot more in my 540i. More power, faster, more torque, and still, this beast can be driven in a very gentle and diligent way. I enjoy every moment behind the wheels of that car.

I have owned my BMW 5 Series 540 6 speed (the one to have) for over 5 years now after my good friend bought and owned the car from new so I know the history from day one. Its crystal green metalic, full sport body kit 19" split rim BBS alloys,schnitzer door mirrors. boot lid lip spoiler,xenon headlight upgrade,grooved front discs with performance brake pads re-mapped to 315hp, de-speed restricted so there is non of that annoying cutting out at 155mph as confirmed by an embarrased Porsche Boxster owner (haha) This is without doubt the best overall car i have owned no question.Last summer I parked next to a new shape 5 series in a car park, when I returned the owner of the (525 i think it was?) said ""I wished you hadnt parked that next to mine as he owned a 540 and made the BIG mistake of trading it in for his boring and expensive new 5 series. I told him that even after owning my car for over 5 years still everyday this car puts a smile on my face. How many saloon cars can you say that about??? Everyday at my work someone will comment how sexy this car looks and then they usually say "I wouldnt like to put the fuel in it though" they seem very supprised when I tell them on a steady run I will return figures around 30mpg. and in any case even if it was returning 10mpg I still wouldnt sell it as its that good a car.
i used to own a 523 and I thought that was a good car. If you were thinkin about getting one dont think just do it. you wont regret it

Wow - I own a 2003 BMW 5 Series 6 Speed stick...This thing is unbelieveable!! Love It!! 62K and cranking without any issues. Had the car to around 150 Mph with more to go! Car Really Pulls hard!! Drivin many M5's - too expensive on gas and maintenance. LOVE IT - If you can find one GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Over all in the 4 years of BMW 540i V8 ownership rarely did I have to worry about the 540's reliability and only when fuel prices have got silly have I had to get rid. Can you imagine moving to a 2 l diesel!

This is a great car. Unfourtunately I live in a city where there are speed limits and cops around every corner. Enjoy.

This car is excellent look stunning nice comfortable car. This car is the best car I ever had in my life I prefer this to everyone who loves fast, smooth and comfortable drive. Overall I think this car is mostly for people who loves fast driving and is easy to drive very smooth.

Tell you what, give your BMW 540 a wash on a nice day and then hit the highway for a little cruise, it ' s the best feeling know that your driving the quintessential sports sedan with endless capabilities, while it ' s spotless on a nice day. I bought my triple black 97 540 I 6 speed about two months ago and I am still in awe. The car is fast as anything as long as you keep the rpm over 3400. No problems with anything.

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.

I've owned e39 540 with MU62B44 engine and 6-speed manual gearbox for few months now. It's a fast car ... until it starts to snow. Big engine heats interior real quick, so with traction control it's quite comfortable car even during winter. It is very hard to find better car that would be that fast AND convenient to drive. I probably don't have to add that V8 sounds nice, you all know that already :)