Must Have Manual: 1998 BMW 540i
BMW’s E39 generation 540i is a legend. They are not M5 fast, but they are not M5 expensive. They are also more comfortable in everyday driving than an M5 and cheaper to maintain. I’ve always said that if you buy a 330ZHP or a 335i you’ll just hit yourself for not going to full send and getting the M3, but with the 540i, it might be a more sensible car for the guy looking for some executive class ride for cheap. This next one has a few needs, but it’s got a 6-speed manual. Find this 1998 BMW 540i offered for $5000 in Little Italy neighborhood of downtown San Diego, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
1998 bmw 540i
condition: good
cylinders: 8 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 125500
paint color: black
size: mid-size
title status: salvage
transmission: manual
type: sedan
Single owner 1998 BMW 540i | Salvage title (never been in an accident) it was vandalized and damages weren’t many. Contact show contact info .
Pros:
Collectors item
Always use original or better parts
Single Owner
Fun/ Fast
Has SLP Bullet exhaust with 4inch diameter pipe
Dinan parts-Installed by mechanic
Full M5 rims and full spare
Always has been worked on by BMW mechanics
Always use AMS Oil
Has Phone.
Cons
Leaks oil, needs new seals.
Needs new breaks
Needs bottom coolant hoses.
See a better way to drive in executive style? tips@dailyturismo.com
LOL “collectors item”
126k miles
salvage title
Great looking/driving car, shame it would cost as much as a new BMW payment to keep on the road.
Well, 126k miles is getting to be “low” mileage for these 20+ year old cars. Nice pre-facelift, pre-vanos example despite the salvage branding. Less trouble with timing chain guides and ABS on the early cars. No Secondary Air Pump system to worry about. Air cooled alternator much cheaper to replace, less problematic. Larger intake manifold runners (for what its worth). No drive by wire. Less restrictive manifolds. Too bad about the black paint on the wheels. This looks like a very nice deal for someone who doesn’t mind a black/black car. Has usual needs.