Something different for me!

[crash93ssei]

I have been looking into buying something else for a while now, to be honest the Bonneville just doesn't do it for me anymore. It is a great car all around but I wanted something more! I had considered buying a GXP, then a Cadillac STS ('99 - '03) then a 2005+ STS and also even followed along on a Copart auction for a wrecked GXP that I almost picked up to do a drivetrain swap on the Mutt. At the end of the day I just decided that while I love the Northstar and V8 sound I just wanted something more then that as well. The newer STS is nice but the interior, dash in particular, just doesn't look that good to me. After a lot of looking around and exploring many options I settled on a BMW! E39 540i to be exact. I was looking to stay under $7,000 which is extremely easy to do with these as most range from around $4,000 - $8,000. I looked on searchtempest.com (searches all of craigslist) cars.com autotrader.com ebay.com and autorv.com..... Deal breakers were white or silver paint and anything but a 540i. I absolutely had to have the sport package and a dark color, I really wanted a manual but an auto would be ok for the right car. Well, this is what I found!

2003 BMW 540i M Sport. Paint color is Black Sapphire Metallic
145,000 miles
New struts / shocks
New alternator
New battery
New tires
New rotors and pads
New radiator and hoses
New serpentine belt
New timing chain and guides

All said and done that list is easily $4,000 - $5,000 by itself!

Of course there are a few flaws...
Fenders and trunk lid have massive clear coat failure
Front bumper is new, M5 bumper and needs paint
I noticed on test drive the ambient temp sensor is bad
Radio has no reception

I think this car will be a blast to drive, I already love it and just took it for a short test drive I will pick it up next weekend when both of our schedules cooperate.

These are almost all pics he took, but figured you would enjoy anyway






































The guy also has an amazing M3 and recently picked up an M5 which is why he is selling this - M5 mod money He is a big BMW enthusiast which made me feel even more confident in the car. All said and done, $4,700 for the car and a set of brand new clear headlights with a new HID kit as well, I think it's a good deal overall for sure! Still undecided on what I will do for sure about the paint but I have a few ideas, the wood grain will also be vinyl wrapped as well.

[BonnieBoy08]

The pics look even better here on my laptop! Should definitely be an upgrade from the Bonneville. Sounds like you got a solid buy from an honest seller. Maybe try your hand at repainting the fenders and trunk on your own? With an air compressor and HF spray gun its worth a shot (no pun intended) in my opinion. Anything should be an improvement over it's current state. I kind of like the wood grain actually but a brushed aluminum or CF would look great as well

[1oldman]

Well, you are definitely "moving on up", so to speak. The BMW is assuredly more than just a step up from the Bonneville. So, what's in the works for the Bonneville? - BC

[brownishSLE]

Very nice! Don't forget it's BMW's 100th birthday today - even more reason to celebrate!

[CMNTMXR57]

Can't say something different isn't a bad thing, but I don't know I'd pick something German out of warranty.

However, THIS I take issue with.

The newer STS is nice but the interior, dash in particular, just doesn't look that good to me.

This is one of the best looking Dash's Caddy has had in a long time. It's elegant enough to be a Caddy, yet sporty enough too. It is very handsomely styled. The all LED gauges are very nice with pin-point precise needles (as opposed to the fat, clunky needles in the CTS/CTS-V... One of my pet peeves). The center stack is very well laid out, the HVAC controls are sweet looking, etc...

So I disagree on this part.

My only two beefs;

1) Heated steering wheels go out (I think I've beat that horse enough).
2) When in navigation mode, I can't select radio/CD/satellite stations from the touchscreen. I can (in chronological preset order with the steering wheel controls), adjust that way. But I don't want to go in preset order each and every time.

[crash93ssei]

All the pictures of the STS dashes that I have seen just seem odd to me, more so the passenger side though to be gonest. Sure, I don't sit there but I still have to look at it. I just feel in the long run the 540i will be more tossable in the twisties and more fun to drive overall. Now, if I could afford an STS V that would be different, I don't want two big car loans right now though.

[CMNTMXR57]

I hear you on the later part. I may be near breaking point on geting her a new RGC here shortly. But I am fighting it as I am loving living payment free.

[DCJREDLINE]

Thats a really nice looking 540! I love those cars too I just dont love trying to figure out what the German engineers were on when they built the cars. Things are odd and difficult compared to a Bonne for example.

[CMNTMXR57]

Germans can find a way to make making toast complicated for no reason.

[crash93ssei]

I guess my thought is its just a DOHC V8 stuffed in a midsized car not too much different then a Bonneville GXP. Sure, it's likely a bit more complicated then a simple comparison then that but I feel most of the complication from it will come from just mostly being unfamiliar with the cars in general. I guess time will tell

[CMNTMXR57]

I don't think it's necessarily engine issues. More along the line of support systems, electronics, etc...

The GXP is just a packaging issue.

Waiting for our resident BMW owner in Miiinnnnnesssoootor to chime in though. :p

[00Beast]

There are two MN resident BMW experts, and they both chimed in on FB, lol.

[95naSTA]

Well, I'm obviously into E39s. Nice pick up. Looking forward to see what you do with the exterior.

[nos4blood70]

Awesome! Congrats my friend. I know you're gonna be enjoying that thing a lot more than any Bonneville. I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[crash93ssei]

Took the wheels off and cleaned them up, not perfect but a dramatic improvement anyway. When I get more of my good wheel cleaner in I will finish them up and make them perfect. Also removed the hideous caliper covers!





Gave it a bath and took a couple pics too.

[haro1225]

That thing is sweet.

[Saturn Simon]

A nice car in a desirable spec and colour. Great find!