Re: New digester seeking advice on 540i 6 speeds

[MBrown1003@xxxxxxx]

Hi, Donn.  Welcome back!

I'm pretty sure the E39 540i went to variable valve timing on the intake side 
in '99.  I don't think it was a huge difference in performance, though.  In 
'98, I think HID headlights were a $1k option, and somewhat rare.  (In '99 
they were $500; in '00, standard.)

Check for the revised door seals.  The inside surface of the rubber seals 
that run along the tops of the 4 doors should have a felt-like (NOT smooth) 
surface.  If not, they squeak.  And the E39 interior is SO quiet that you'll 
be able to hear it really well.  ;-)

Check the plastic molding on the outside of the two front seats.  These are 
notorious for cracking and falling apart for some people.  (I think it's a 
factor of the seat location, and how much stress you put on the panel as you 
enter and exit the car.)

Another change that occurred during the E39's life is the addition of Car & 
Key Memory.  My '97 528 didn't have it; my '00 540i/6 does, and I'm not 
certain of when they added it.  It does a number of things -- remembers 
settings for seats, steering wheel, mirrors, climate control and switches 
back and forth depending on which of the two master keys unlocks the car.  
This stuff doesn't always work perfectly, so don't be surprised.  

One feature it adds that is helpful (to me) is "follow me home" lighting.  If 
the car is off and you yank the turn signal lever as if you were flashing 
your brights, all the interior and exterior lights (except high-beams) come 
on, and stay on to light your path away from the car.

Cars with Car & Key Memory also have tilt-away steering.  When you shut the 
car off, the steering wheel will automagically tilt up to its highest 
position.  When you put the key in and start the car, the wheel moves back to 
its prior position.

Also, make sure you get a full set of keys.  You should receive two master 
keys (which have the integral transmitters in the head), one valet key, and 
one wallet key.

I hope you can find one -- the 540i/6 is an amazing car.   I followed a new 
(non-turbo) Porsche 911 on an exit ramp and then onto a highway around here 
recently.  The passenger turned around to try to figure out what the hell was 
that 4-door sedan that was keeping up with him.  The driver slowed down to 
take a look at my car.  How often does that happen with a guy in a Porsche?!

                               => Mitch

In a message dated 06/11/2001 9:03:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
owner-bmw-digest@domain.elided writes:


> So my main question revolves around the 540i.  I think $ wise, I'm
> probably looking at '98s.  Are these cars as good and as fun as they
> seem?  Are there any years to avoid?  Any significant changes in the E39
> that might warrant looking for a more recent vintage?  Any problem spots
> on the car to look out for?  Any web sites or other digests I should be
> aware of.  

------------------------------