1997 BMW 5-Series

540i Sedan

8 Cylinder 4.4 Liter

Manual

WBADE5320VBV90061

Clear

Gasoline

Power Windows

For Sale a 1997 540i Six Speed in Jet Black over a custom black and tan interior. The car has under 173,000 miles and is currently my daily driver (and long trip vehicle). Check out http://www.540i6.com/ for more information on 540i 6 speeds. I am a BMWCCA member, this is the second of three 1997 540i 6 speeds we have added to the family over the years (3 of 3 is in the background of one of the pictures (the one with the M parallels, it is not included in this auction or otherwise for sale). I've always preferred the '97s and '98s over the 99-03s because I think the single-vanos 4.4L V-8s BMW put in the '97s and '98s were severely underrated in horsepower (282hp) and torque (approximately 310) to allow BMW to avoid having to publicly state that the double-vanos engines used in the 99-03's models made less hp and torque in favor of slightly better fuel economy. I am the second owner. All panels are original. I purchased the car with approximately 94,500 miles on the clock in 2003 and have regularly changed the oil myself every 5,000 miles (Mobile 1 5w/30). The dealer that sold me the car had the bumper touched up to take care of rock chips, which is the only paint work the car has received. I have replaced the Camshaft Positioning Sensor and one of the Oxygen sensors. It has received a new clutch and fly wheel from Advantage Certified and catalytic converters. New battery installed within the last 6 months. New Dunlop P8080 Tires (235/45s) installed just over a 1000 miles ago. Drivability: The car drives great, is remarkably smooth at highway speeds and still as fast as the day I got her. She accelerates, shifts, brakes, and corners exceptionally. Comfort: The A/C Blows Ice Cold. The seats are all in great shape. The windows have a nonmetallic tint that was professionally installed to keep the car cool in the summer. Sound and Electronics: All electronics/speakers are stock and sound incredible. All electronics/lights/signals work as they should. This car has DSP. Fuel Economy -Approximately 25 mpg highway; 17 mpg city Wheels: Four of the 5 Style 19 wheels are in exceptional condition (approximately 40,000 miles on all of them). ISSUES I HAVEN'T GOTTEN TO: -The car recently developed a slight shimmy from 48-50 mph, -The front left wheel is slightly bent (see picture, it has been checked out, and does not leak any air). -Since the day I got her she has had a slight rattle when the a/c is on and she's sitting in traffic. -The rear view mirror cover is lose on the driver's side (about an inch movement either way, only noticeable when washing, it doesn't move when in motion) -Another car's bumper caught the left side doors and the left front corner panel (see the pictures) and the right side doors also had a unlicensed driver drag their bumper down the side. The scratches/dents are barely noticeable from 20 feet and at night, but unattractive close up. I purchased two jet black left side doors to replace the two left doors and was planning on having the ride side doors wet sanded but decided to leave all panels original and let the next owner decide how to proceed. The two replacement left side doors are included (they each have a couple door dings). -The interior is not for everyone (I have the original dash, interior door covers and center console if someone is interested in returning it to stock, also included) -The car takes approximately a quart of coolant every 1000 miles (after the car has been sitting for several days, I usually notice a quarter sized amount of coolant under the car toward the rear of the engine but cannot find the leak). -There is a 5mm surface rust spot an inch below the gas tank, and a 1cm spot on the left front quarter panel. -There is a 4 cm spider web in the paint below the rear taillight -The automatic button on the A/C occasionally pops out of place. -There are roughly 80,000 miles worth of rock chips on the hood, front bumber. (Since a lot of the car products mask these chips and other blemishes I decided not to wax her prior to taking pictures.) UPGRADES/Replacements DINAN Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake (purchased new ~$650) Cross Drilled Rotors (recently added) Clear Corner Rear Taillights (Purchased new, OEM part for the 2000 M5) OEM Hella Angel Eyes with Clear Corners (Purchased new, OEM for European late model E39s) OEM M5 Floor mats OEM M5 Grill(s) OEM M5 Sidemarkers As you can tell from the pictures, the car looks great from the back and front, but the side views definitely need some work. I will make myself available to anyone that wants to take a ride prior to bidding on the car or inspect it/go over it with a depth finder (and the winning bidder is obviously welcome to test drive it). I will take it to have it inspected at the shop of your choice (at your expense expense) upon request. The car is fast, safe, and fun to drive. I would not hesitate to drive the car cross country. I hope to find an owner that appreciates the car for what it is (a 13 year old car that has a lot of life left, but will probably need some minor work along the way). Car is sold as is, where is (Northern Virginia). No warranties expressed or implied. $200 deposit within 24 hours of the auction's end. I can be flexible as to when the winning buyer picks her up, and will stop driving her prior to the end of the auction. I will do my best to quickly respond to any and all questions that aren't answered in the description. On Aug-28-10 at 21:42:37 PDT, seller added the following information: I've added a few close up pictures of the doors and the spare tire and rim (the spare tire has a few thousands miles worth of tread). Also, I got the emissions done today (which is good for two years if you live in VA).