e39 540i/6 - is it the perfect car for me?

So I recently started a new job, making "real" money compared to what I've earned before. Part of that job includes travel from Austin to Houston, Dallas, and other parts of the country. I also might occasionally drive the CEO to said locations, as to get time in front of him. My $300 '93 Subaru Justy isn't going to cut it in that regard. I need something capable of decent highway MPG while still being fun to drive, room for a real adult in the back working on a laptop, and still have a manual transmission. My budget caps at about $4.5k (saving for a house) and I'm scared of VWAG/Audi products.

That leaves the E39 5 Series, unless I'm missing something. I've decided I just like the 540i/6 better than the 528i/5, but could be convinced otherwise. I've found more 540i/6 than manual 528i though.

Other than cooling systems and power steering issues, anything else to look out for?

Any cars that should be on my list?

m4ff3w wrote: So I recently started a new job, making "real" money compared to what I've earned before. Part of that job includes travel from Austin to Houston, Dallas, and other parts of the country. I also might occasionally drive the CEO to said locations, as to get time in front of him. My $300 '93 Subaru Justy isn't going to cut it in that regard. I need something capable of decent highway MPG while still being fun to drive, room for a real adult in the back working on a laptop, and still have a manual transmission. My budget caps at about $4.5k (saving for a house) and I'm scared of VWAG/Audi products. That leaves the E39 5 Series, unless I'm missing something. I've decided I just like the 540i/6 better than the 528i/5, but could be convinced otherwise. I've found more 540i/6 than manual 528i though. Other than cooling systems and power steering issues, anything else to look out for? Any cars that should be on my list?

Fox body Thunderbird you can probably find for pennies. Turbo Coupe or 5.0, either can be fun and cheaper to maintain than a 5 series. Turbo Coupe may get decent MPGs. Either would over a 540 due to it being 500+lbs less in weight.

Most anything newer I can think of is either too expensive, low on power/potential per dollar, or auto trans. You could try and see if you can find a Turbo Legacy.

Volvo S60 may be in your price range now. Heres a S60R for around $6000 http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=89149&endYear=2015&driveCode=AWD4WD&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=VOLVO&driveCodes=AWD4WD&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&mmt=[VOLVO[][]]&listingId=372031404&Log=0

Heres a lifted Legacy 2.5GT wagon (lol) for $6000. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=89149&endYear=2015&driveCodes=AWD4WD&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=[SUB[LEGACY[LEGACY%257C2.5GT]SUBOUTBK[SUBOUTBK%257C2.5XT]][]]&vehicleStyleCodes=WAGON&modelCode1=LEGACY&driveCode=AWD4WD&makeCode2=SUB&modelCode2=SUBOUTBK&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&makeCode1=SUB&startYear=1981&searchRadius=0&listingId=369154745&Log=0

If they are for $6000 you can probably get one for around your budget.

Outback turbo wagon would be fun to mod...... lots of potential there. I'm sure if Outback XT is this price a Legacy GT could be found at this or lower since they are the same car.

Thunderbird is a no-go. Need something more modern looking.

S60R/V70R I can't find semi-local in my range, same for turbo Legacy/Outback.

Appreciate it, Mr. Kanaric.

How about this - http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=23060&endYear=2015&modelCode1=LSLINCOLN&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=LINC&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&mmt=[LINC[LSLINCOLN[]][]]&listingId=364251907&Log=0

Or maybe an Acura TL Type S, or maybe a Nissan Maxima?

There was another thread about these recently. My experience is that a 528i/5 or 530i/5 would be a better car in almost every way. The BMW V8s scare me a bit.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/what-can-you-tell-me-about-he-e39-540i/83224/page1/

Giant Purple Snorklewacker said: They are THIRSTY, tough to work on, and expensive to fix/maintain. Like SD said, timing chain issues appear around 130k on poorly maintained examples and cost a small fortune to solve.

You might be able to find a regular S60 AWD in your price. They make those with manual and awd?

Almost forgot, how about Saab 9-3X? V6 turbo and 4 cylinder turbo both have AWD and manual versions and there is wagon or sedan. Definitely in your price rage i'm sure.

Lincoln Town car. This works very well for the Boss in the back. These can be had for cheap. Add some P71 goodness to it and no one will be the wiser.

traveling from Houston to Austin? I have made that trip, you want something comfy, especially of the boss is along for the ride. I would want something reliable too.. the towncar and the smaller Crown Vic/ Grand Marquis come to mind here

the e39 can be a mile munching reliable machine if the maintaince is done, but you will not know how well it is done until you start to drive it.. so be ready to shell out some money to make it right

a real adult in the back? If you drove your CEO for a 1-2 hour journey he (she?) would really sit in the back? With no one riding shotgun?

Not saying it doesn't happen but this would boggle me.

I have a 528i/5, shopping last oct most manuals went in the $6-7k range. Careful shopping and you can find them in your range. Set aside $500 or so for maint. I'm around 25 mpg in mixed driving. All highway will get you upper 20s

If you need a manual, I see no reason why the six cylinder E39's won't be a good fit. You can definitely find and fix up one for under $4.5k.

The 528i/5 is on the list as well, but locally there are more 540i/6 available.

Times with the CEO will usually be CEO, Director of IT, and myself. My Director of IT is a good friend and we travel together alot, so in that instance, he will be driving and I"ll be in the back seat working/taking notes.

Four people of normal American dimensions may be a tight squeeze in an E39, especially for legroom in the back.

Would a 9-5 work?

http://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/4451488822.html

I have a line on a 2000 528i 5mt in Cali that is owned by my friends dad. He bought an M5 and is letting that go. Just trying to figure out if I will keep it, or turn in TX if I get it. It would be in your budget.

I like the 6cyl more than the 8. The newer V8 6mt are awesome, but they just hold the value better.

As said in a previous thread

They are hoot to drive . . . and eat miles effortlessly.

• Timing Chain stuff = $$$
• Cooling System stuff = $
• Front suspension stuff =$$

Preferably in that order.

Also beware of vacuum leaks. These motors do funk things with the slightest vacuum leak.

What about an e60 5-series with V8. Just saw this on CL.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4455341983.html

2004 BMW 545I 6 Speed 105K Miles Run and drive good Asking 7500

I've never been known to follow good advice....

I own a 540i/6 now.

Congrats, details???

Here's the copy of the ad:

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT BMW, THIS IS THE ONE. One of the best sport sedans built by BMW with a powerful V8 and six speed manual transmission. I took care of this car and it is in excellent mechanical condition. Overall the car is great condition, in and out. Excellent CARFAX report. I have taken good care of this car and it needs to a new driver. This is a lot of car for the money and is ready to use. Recent registration and inspection. New tires all around and new battery.

Here is a list of details about this fine German engineering:

• Aspen Silver Metallic exterior
• Beautiful and rare AUBERGINE Leather interior without any rips
• Naviagtion system
• Rear side impact airbags
• Heated steering wheel and front seats
• 16 way comfort seats
• 4.4 Liter, 32 valve V8
• ABS with 4 wheel ventillated disc brakes
• New Wide tires (275/40/17 rear 245/40/17 front) looks very sporty and aggressive
• Lifetime balance and rotation at Sams
• Battery warranty at Sams
• I would like to see this car go to someone who will take care of it the way I did. If you are the right buyer, I will give you a really good deal on this car. My loss, your gain kinda deal.

nice looking car. I bet you will love it. did it also come with stock wheels?

Those are the stock 2 piece wheels, just in bad shape:

Wow, i didn't think those 5 series came with any 2 piece wheel options.

http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/5/E39

and there they are. learn something everyday.