1997 BMW 5-Series

Sedan

4.4L 4398CC V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

WBADE6326VBW50799

Clear

Gasoline

1997 BMW 540i 79,600 miles No Reserve I am offering for auction my black 1997 BMW 540i with 79,600 + miles. I have performed extensive maintenance on the car, attending to the common issues this model has, before they’ve had a chance to break or fail. If you aren’t familiar with the e39 series of BMW, there are a few areas on the car which should be addressed so as to provide the car a long and healthy life. Most modern BMWs need preventative maintenance applied to their cooling systems. This car has had its water pump, thermostat, coolant expansion tank, and hoses replaced. BMWs also typically require there suspension system be rebuilt, usually by the time they have racked up 100,000 miles. I have replaced all front and rear suspension components (bushings, ball joints, shocks, struts) with factory or factory equivalent parts (none of the cheap alternatives used as they do not last) except for the inner tie rod ends. Numerous other service issues have been dealt with including, but not limited to: Headlight adjusters Serpentine belts Catalytic converters (one was plugged and triggering codes) Transmission service Front window regulators Brake master cylinder Maintenance documentation is included with the car. Oil / filter changes have been done every 5,000 miles since my purchase of the car and only the best synthetic oils have been used (Amsoil or Red Line). The M62 V8 in this car commonly needs timing chain guides replaced but my use of high quality oil has kept the guides quiet in this car. All other fluids and lubricants have been changed, again using only synthetics. Some of the car’s features include heated front power seats and steering wheel, sunroof, driver’s seat / steering wheel memory, leather seats, factory CD changer in the trunk (which works sporadically), and power windows. It rides on Dunlop snow tires. The AC blows cold, the heat blows hot, and everything works as it should except as noted below. Though an absolutely fantastic car to drive with its responsive steering and general driving dynamics, we are selling it to make room for a new car purchase. The car is not perfect, what with inoperative cruise control and an oil leak from the engine timing chain cover. The oil leak, though messy, only causes the oil level to go down about ¼ quart over 5,000 miles. The volume control on the radio has also started to act wonky of late, with the volume function no longer working. The steering wheel mounted volume still works fine and the other controls on the radio work as they should. Additionally, there is evidence of rust around the left side rocker panel. The left front jacking point (behind the left front tire) is corroded and there was surface rust in front of the left rear tire that I cleaned up and treated with a rust converting solution. As can be seen in one of the photos, there is a small hole in the lower area of the back bumper where a trailer hitch had been installed and since removed. And finally, there is a stone chip in the windshield about the size of a nickel. So there, you have it. All the good stuff as well as all the warts. Full disclosure. Still, the car is overall in good mechanical condition, reliable, comfortable, and I wouldn’t hesitate to drive the car cross country tomorrow. Feel free to ask questions before the end of the auction, stop by for an inspection, or have it inspected by others. There are no warranties. The car is sold as is, where is (southern Maine). The winning bid does not include transportation or shipping. If the winning buyer decides to hire a transporter, I will assist / coordinate on this end. Alternatively, I’ll be happy to pick up the winning bidder at the airport (Portland, Maine – PWM) or the Amtrak train station (Portland) and they can drive the car home. The winning bidder must pay a $200 nonrefundable deposit using PayPal within 48 hours. The balance will be due before or at the time the car is picked up. Balance to be paid in cash (in person) or bank check. I am willing to hold the car for a reasonable amount of time but the winning bidder must make contact shortly after the close of the auction to arrange picking up / shipping the car.