I bought a 2003 BMW 540i M Sport 6 speed w 170000 Miles(What to look out for when buying a E39 540i)

As part of my videos,i buy and sell cars as a hobby..and tell you the Pros and Cons of each vehicle i buy..im no stranger to BMWs as i owned 31,including 8 Mini Cooper S (JCW) Its a love hate relationship as they are great car until you have to repair them,can be very expensive to own..so watch and see if its something you would what to own
/ euroautonh
www.rgatire.com/

[@casinokam2695]

My family’s owned bmw’s my whole life so I’m very used to minor things breaking and having to repair them. I’m always surprised at how shocked people are when they hear some plastic part broke and that it needs replaced. BMW’s are maintenance machines but if you treat yours well it will treat you with the same respect. Out of the 7 my families owned only mine left me stranded once because my dad wouldn’t fix the air intake until it blew out haha. Could’ve been fixed months before hand. Rip dad thanks for sharing your love of beamers with me. E46’s and e39’s ❤

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Thank you for the comment!

[@gretakaja6176]

I got mine with about 60 thousand miles, baby blue, light gray interior.. love my Beatrice. She is currently waiting for me to drive her again. Love her to pieces. One little faithful lady 💙

[@ianmcwilliam1753]

The manual 6 speed option on the e39 540 is a great powertrain. Plenty of performance and an awesome highway car. The 540 feels way faster and more powerful than an 290 hp car should 0-60 is pretty good for 20yr s old . The most impressive is the acceleration from 80mph to triple digits - the intensity doesn’t diminish as your speed increases..These cars seems completely stable ,comfortable and even happier at much higher speeds than permitted in US . In fact they run better afterwards. The e39 platform does everything really well.- I own 3 e39 models. 1997 540/6 speed with early Msport suspension- 1998 540i base model auto box-fully original and running but it’s a parts car bc rebuilt title and some undercarriage rust . Both 540 v8 are non vanos - a little less complicated engine) also own a 2000 M5 in anthracite gray metallic. I just love how these cars look and drive ( when properly maintained). They’re actually not that big is size - similar to the me new 3 series. Finally I just picked up a 91 850i with the pretty rare getrag 560 6speed manual. Black w/gray interior. Great looking car but the E 39 models are more rewarding to drive. The E 39 models will be a future classic. Obviously the better optioned models will have a higher price . But buyer beware , these are older vehicles now (irrespective of mileage) they will always require more maintenance than a basic Japanese sedan . Most maintenance and repairs can be performed with just basic mechanical skills and the occasional special tools (from Amazon) . The majority of costs are actually labor related. . They are really worth it to own but it’s best if it’s not you’re only vehicle.

[@DarrenHale]

Great that he gave you all the extra stuff pal. The guys from European motor solutions certainly know their stuff as well, priceless to have them around!

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

I have someone flying up from Florida next Weds to look at it/buy it..we will see (sent me his airline info ) tomorrow the repair shop doing the valve cover gaskets and anything that will be needed and i ll get that for a video as well..

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

SOLD! Gentleman from Florida flew up to New Hampshire and drove the car back home to Orlando.

[@tp7278]

So completely random...The guy who bought your 540i, drove down to NYC to pick up my '02 530i sport he bought on C&B, and drove both cars back to Orlando with a friend who flew in. I immediately knew it was the same 540i because of the canoe hauling story in your video. I actually have a pic of this 540i on the day he collected the 530i (July 29th).

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

@@tp7278 yes he did buy your 530! My next video im adding that into my story ..sorry i just seen your comment,nice this guy can buy cars and be a e39 hoarder lol..

[@Maximilian0011]

what??? you sold the awesome 540i ??????? :(

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

@@Maximilian0011 yes ...went to Florida...i loved that car...but i ll have to pay bills..but im always buying BMWs!

[@Maximilian0011]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 yes, this is the way we live with everlasting money pressure :(

[@xxx_ray]

Good stuff man. What a gem of a car. 2003 M Sport, what more could you ask for. Cheers from me and my 2001 540i6

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Great cars! That was 1 of my favorite BMWs I owned...

[@propaghandi8614]

I’ve had 5 e39s ,2000 AW 540, 2000 540 Titan silver, 2002 sterling grey 540i touring , 2003 jet black 540i M sport and one jet black 1999 528i . The 2003 540 is the fastest it’s noticeably faster than the older 540s . I’ve been into e39s since 2005 . And everything he said is correct. Especially if you can’t fix it yourself or if you don’t have a lot of extra money ,then don’t get one. But they are the best because these older bmws you can wrench on . The new bmws are considered “throw aways” by the bmw mechanics I know because they always have things wrong with them ;and very difficult to fix yourself if you don’t have the experience . Btw your lucky to have found that color combo with 6speed. I was looking for one in that color for a while until I settled with the jet black mtech. Beautiful e39 bro.

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

thanks for the comment! Car sold a few years ago to a gentleman in Florida..Sight unseen..paid for it...flew up to New Hampshire and drove back to Florida ! He too has a BMW problem...lol

[@ianmcwilliam1753]

Sounds like you also have an e39 addiction. I own 3- 97 Oxford green metallic 540/6 sport (w older Msport suspension) 98 540 autobox base model - it’s my parts car. A 2000 m5 in anthracite gray metallic. Finally a 91 850 with rare 6speed. Black w gray interior. Always loved the older bmw manuals. . A lot sportier and more driver involvement.

[@paolopanetta10011]

Style 32 alloys.. My favorite!

[@kristianspencer1978]

Nice car, and very rare, look after her.

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Sold it few months ago!

[@bigjay1970]

That Lexus SC you sold is the most reliable car made as expensive cars go compared to that Time Bomb. The fact that my wife's 2002 Honda Accord V6 has had nothing go wrong with it and needs none of these doesn't speak highly for BMW in my opinion.🤪🤯 It's like you have to rebuild the whole car to have a car that could financially bankrupt a person at any moment.🤔🤫 Great content either way. I like the new interview format.😋

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Yes the Lexus is the BEST QUALITY but boring car to drive..that said ..BMW are reliable ..they dont break down leaving you stranded ..i had BMWs w 280000 miles before selling to my friend that still has his e30 325ES 12 years ago..but they over complicated the engines for sure ..but its the driving experience i love on these cars..thats why you see me buy mostly e46 BMWs in the best few years..less issues ..I only bought this car for the M Sport Package/6 speed and..how well maintained the car has been..the price i paid im willing to finish the car w a fresh clutch (its original 170000 miles on this clutch! and it it grabs higher then i like so thats why im replacing it) The oil leaks and the gaskets is the $$$ labor! Jay as always thanks for the comment my man ,hope all is well in NJ!

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

2002 Honda ? Transmission hasnt been replaced or rebuilt..those years are know for that...unless you change the fliuds and keep the car up with its maintenance then they last forever..

[@bigjay1970]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 Of course you know absolutely what youre talkin about!😉😶😇 I would call us lucky but we do change the fluid every 30,000 miles just 3 quarts and have no problems with the transmission. Only have one hundred and eighty-five thousand miles on it which isn't a lot considering the age but zero problems.🤫🤪 Even the air conditioning still blows cold which I can't say so much about my Honda Ridgeline. I just had to replace the AC condenser just last week but otherwise it's been just as reliable. I could see why these BMWs Mercedes Audi's Porsches are really only a lease type vehicle unless you just like throwing money away which I absolutely don't.😬

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

@@bigjay1970 Or be a mechanic that likes working on these cars lol..

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

@@bigjay1970 I bought a 05 Corolla..and its a annoying car that drives me nuts ..thats a video coming with only 85000 miles..

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

UPDATE ON CAR /Going to garage this week to do the valve cover gaskets and few other things to finish it..look for up coming videos on the repairs ...

[@mehmet284]

amazing car wow

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

i didnt even get to enjoy it after i finished it ..sold as soon as i posted it ...i was like really??? Damn..one of those cars if i could afford to keep .. i would..it was so nice and was real quick with the Dinan upgrades ...i loved it for the time i owned it!

[@SeamHead33]

looks pretty nice. just gotta get those headlights clear

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Yes i do!

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Now If the E55 HAD A 6 SPEED....

[@SeamHead33]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 there's a couple YT channels that have done that. I think 1 is called JikJakz or something like that

[@joshuaa1921]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 XF Motorsport on KZbin is a shop that has a transmission conversion plate for a manual swap on a E55.

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Things to mention..original clutch at 170000 miles says a lot..it grabs high but no chatter no slipping but i might as well replace it for resale value..( i get a discount so it helps) the resaon the oil gaskets are leaking is because the last repair shop did the motor work didnt seal properly and that job was 4 years ago and cost $2500 ..thats was intake gaskets/valley pan gasket/radiator/water pump/power steering lines and all the o rings and othr gaskets for that job..

[@ianmcwilliam1753]

Make sure to install new dual mass flywheel with the clutch. I bought My used m5 with a “new clutch “ while that was true after 20,000 miles shifting gears wasn a lot notchier . After changing transmission fluid , clutch system flush ,lubricated shifter linkages it ended up being the worn out flywheel . 400$ for it. And go for another 100k+ miles

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

@@ianmcwilliam1753 car sold a couple years ago!

[@RichRotorhead]

I thought that Spencer had a Covid face mask on 😂

[@exoticsnyc6990]

Just bought the same color M sport 03 manual with Dinan S package. Just found this video, small world.

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

That's great! How many miles?

[@exoticsnyc6990]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 car has 180k but all the failure points have been addressed. Doesn’t leak anything, paid a local BMW shop few hundred to come with me and look at the car, other than few hoses that will need replacing its in top shape. Folder full of maintenance records and this one also comes with extra parts except the original M-Pars. Its super hard to find them for sale now.

[@startingtech3900]

well made video baldy i also buy and sell BMWS, i replace tons of part please tell me some stories of unhappy buyers tho i know you had your share brother (althou rare)

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

no unhappy buyers that i sold my cars to as i go through them..and i tell them what to look out for and what to expect ...but my next video of my 530xi is a great story..next week be up!

[@startingtech3900]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 i go through all my cars too but you cant do EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME. 14/15 people were happy one guy was mad i didnt replace the whole car on a 4000$ used 2003 BMW 325xi and i thought u had to have at least one story

[@startingtech3900]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 you have to stay profitable as you said i did alot more than most would do i bought it for 2k put 700$ into it and sold it for 4k the dude got a deal but was just being straight pissy lol

[@sv3351]

I'm in NH! Wish I knew about the car before you sold it. Why did you sell?

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Pay bills..I buy and sell..get to enjoy them while I can..This one is 1 of my favorite BMWs I owned and I wish I had it longer ..

[@ANDYW031084]

Timing chain guides due now !

[@ANDYW031084]

Ok he Did timing good

[@cosmosMotshegwe]

Am looking forward to buying e39 bmw 540 mspot 203 or 204 any one who have it let's talk

[@joesteel]

sounds too high maintenance. Might of been better to get a 530 sport six speed with the m54 engine???

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

you listen to what the previous owner did ? timing chain and guides all the major maintenance has been done and i finished it off with few small things ...car is one that i wish i could still own..sold as soon as i posted it on Craigslist ..guy flew up to New Hampshire from Florida and drove the car back home! He is a e39 enthusiast..Too many miles is funny to hear ..if taken care of ..300-500k miles ..there is a E39 M5 youtuber bought w 400k miles on original motor. Thanks for the comment Jose!

[@PrsnVersion]

Had a love hate relationship with mine 😮

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Oh im sure you did! lol

[@adareone]

I have a 2003 in black, auto how do I find what number this one is that came in?

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Nice! So i googled my car and showed it(i put the info in the video)...also you can go to BMW get the vin check and you ll get a build sheet type print out with options..and that should help you as well..i ll try and remember what site it was when i googled it..i have to go into my files..give me sometime and get back to you!

[@cosmosMotshegwe]

Sure I will be waiting broo

[@sander16v11]

What part of NH are you from?

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Grew up in Everett..now near Methuen Mass/NH boarder

[@sander16v11]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 Gilford for me. Do you know Mike and Nick from concord motor sports? They sold it now.

[@malikb3889]

Hey whats a good site to purchase some older model cars like these?

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Oh man..you have to search..but Autotempest might guide you more ...I usually just do Craigslist/FB ..looking for anything in particular ? I almost another one few weeks ago..but they are tough cars to own..

[@malikb3889]

@@BaldadonisMike2021 ok thanks and 2002 750IL 2003 540i m sport package. 2000-03 m5. And 2008-10 550i

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

@@malikb3889 Good luck on your search! Let me know what you end up getting!

[@bobbylight1198]

Are you in America?

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

Im from Earth and located in North America yup..in the United States..in the New England section of the country and raised in Massachusetts in the Boston area..then i moved . You? lol :)

[@afhostie]

Probably shouldn't have shown his address

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

if there was a address then it was old as he lives in New England now from Penn..