Hey Devo,
Your uncle's ride sounds sweet. As for my tranny, I am saving money when the time is right. My car drives fine, it is starting to grind when I shift into 2nd and 4th. I drive sedately. I haven't shopped around too much for the tranny. Basically, I will have to buy it through a dealership. I figured that I could get some guys to help me install it when I need to do it. The golden question is when will the tranny fail. I hope it will last until next fall, after the wedding and honeymoon, so that finances won't be an issue.
The other idea I have is not sinking the money into the 540i, buying an E39 M5 and transferring all of my after market parts from the 540 to the M5. Only time will tell.
Good luck with school and hit me up when you are back in town. We can do another photo shoot with some guys or go out for dinner.
I am still planning to go to Vancouver for New Years.
Paul