Yea okay so I know it's not at all the "right" thing to do.

Okay gang, we're close, and I need some input. 

1. Car #1, 2000 540 6 speed, silver on black, 170k
2. Car #2, 2002 540 6 speed, toledo blue on grey, 200k

Both cars have clean histories, no accidents. Both have timing chain/guides done within the past 50k, as well as cooling systems gone through.

Car #2: 

A stack of records, really responsive seller, unique exterior color. Facelight nice to haves (headlamps, steering wheel, tail lamps, etc.). Interior isn't my favorite, but I've seen folks that eliminate the wood trim and it really modernizes it. Everything works, but the seat adjustment is a little wonky, which I hear is common

Car #1:

No records, seller isn't that knowledgeable but isn't a hack and is very transparent, classic silver on black. Pre facelift is a bit dated, but a nice driving car. AC does not function, all else works

 

Build Sheets:

Car #1

TypeValueVINGC93708Prod. Date1999-07-26Type540ISeriesE39 (5 Series)Body TypeSedanSteering-EngineM62/TUDisplacement4.398Power210kw / 286hpDriverwdColourtitan-silberUpholstery

Leather Montana/basic equip/schwarz

 

Editions And Packages

S339Shadow-LineS704

M Sports Suspension

S710

M Sports Steering Wheel, Multifunction

S788

BMW LA Wheel, Individual

 

Comfort And Interior Equipment

S403

Glass Roof, Electrical

S415

Sun-Blind, Rear

S416

Roller Sun Visor, Rear Lateral

S431

Interior Mirror With Automatic-Dip

S438

Fine Wood Trim

S441

Smoker Package

S459

Seat Adjustment, Electric, With Memory

S473Armrest FrontS481Sports SeatS494

Seat Heating Driver/Passenger

AD


Multimedia
S640

Preparation F Tel.Installation Universal

S645

BMW US Radio

S676

HiFi Speaker System

S694

Provisions For BMW 6 CD Changer

 

Driver Assistance And Lightning

S520Fog LightsS521Rain SensorS522Xenon LightS534

Automatic Air Conditioning

S540Cruise ControlS555

On-Board Computer V With Remote Control

AD

 

Wheels And Drive

S210

Dynamic Stability Control

 

Environment And Safety

S302Alarm SystemS354

Windscreen, Green-Tinted Upper Strip

S818

Battery Master Switch

S845

Acoustic Fasten Seat Belt Reminder

S850

Dummy-SALAPA

S853

Language Version, English

S876

Radio Frequency 315 MHz

 

Other Equipment

S925

Dummy-SALAPA

S992

Control Of Number-Plate Attachment

 

Car #2

 

TypeValueVINGF70188Prod. Date2002-01-23

Type540ISeriesE39 (5 Series)Body TypeSedanSteering-EngineM62/TUDisplacement4.398Power210kw / 286hpDriverwdColour

toledo-blau metallic

Upholstery

Leather Montana/basic equip/grau

AD

 

Editions And Packages

S704

M Sports Suspension

S710

M Sports Steering Wheel, Multifunction

S785

White Direction Indicator Lights

 

Comfort And Interior Equipment

S403

Glass Roof, Electrical

S431

Interior Mirror With Automatic-Dip

S438

Fine Wood Trim

S441

Smoker Package

S459

Seat Adjustment, Electric, With Memory

S470Isofix-SystemS473Armrest FrontS481Sports SeatS494

Seat Heating Driver/Passenger

AD


Multimedia
S640

Preparation F Tel.Installation Universal

S645

BMW US Radio

S650CD DriveS661

Radio BMW Business (C43)

S677

HiFi System Professional DSP

S694

Provisions For BMW 6 CD Changer

 

Driver Assistance And Lightning

S500

Headl.Washer System/Intensive Cleaning

S520Fog LightsS521Rain SensorS522Xenon LightS534

Automatic Air Conditioning

S555

On-Board Computer V With Remote Control

AD

 

Wheels And Drive

S210

Dynamic Stability Control

S249

Multifunction F Steering Wheel

S299

BMW LA Wheels With Mixed Tyres

 

Environment And Safety

S302Alarm SystemS319

Integrated Universal Remote Control

S354

Windscreen, Green-Tinted Upper Strip

S818

Battery Master Switch

S845

Acoustic Fasten Seat Belt Reminder

S850

Dummy-SALAPA

S853

Language Version, English

S876

Radio Frequency 315 MHz

 

Individual Equipment

S760

High Gloss Shadow Line

 

Other Equipment

S925

Dummy-SALAPA

S992

Control Of Number-Plate Attachment

 

Car#1

 

Car #2

 

Car #1:

 

 

 

Car #2

 

Both respectable, tidy examples, both not without a bit of work, but I'd say car 2 could be put into service immediately, car 1, I'd need to deal with the AC very quickly. 

i prefer car #2 except for the grey interior.  :-(

Same, but, I dare say that elimination of that ever present wood trim really does modernize it:

 

Car 2, primarily for the better maintenance history.  

Steve said:

Same, but, I dare say that elimination of that ever present wood trim really does modernize it:

 

I love the exterior color. And another option for the wood trim is carbon fiber wrap. It can be done well and look great. 

I'm not a big fan of the grey interior either, but if it's the better car in other ways, take it.  I almost passed on my E38 because it's silver / grey.  Ended up looking at a few of them and settling on going to look at this one.  The others were all not worth it for various reasons, but this one checked out fine.  The grey has grown on me a bit over time, but I'd definitely still prefer a black interior. 

Car 2, the dove interior cleans really easily if that's the worry and unlike the e36 it don't disintegrate as you sit in the seats.

 

Oh yeah, and I'm partial to the colorway

Go for the facelift car, plan on some upkeep, get a modern audio unit and some E38 seats and its the best DD ever. 

LSD and snow tires if you have snow. 

Car #2 is easy answer for me. Exterior color will be SWEET, add a cheap rep M5 front bumper ASAP and find a set of period correct aftermarket wheels and will be eye candy for sure....

I had ACScnitzer type 3 wheels I found cheap used back in the day on mine. 

Well, we're in for it now! Train tickets booked for my son and I to go pick up car #2 tomorrow. Quick overnight at the inlaws and a blast up the highway home, and it'll be home. Thanks for all of the feedback y'all! I'm notoriously bad at build threads, but I'll at the very least put a few pics up when we get settled.