Might be getting a 2003 540i - United Bimmer Community

**Mercenary(FH)** · 03-11-2011, 12:50 PM

So soon I might be buying an e39 540i sport package with 90k miles on it for 9k.
(all highway miles)

Anyways Suspension has been all replaced (the problematic ones)
Water Pump has been replaced

And it has been well cared for. (oil every 3k etc...)

Anyways do you think it's a good idea to buy this car? It's in VERY good condition, and was garaged for it's entire life.
I know about the common problems, but how much on average do you guys spend a year keeping yours maintained?

Also what about the Transmission? it is an Automatic.....is the tranny usually a problem? How long do the engines usually last? (i hope at least to 200k) Any MAJOR glaring issues I should worry about or are BMW's (in specific this one) usually reliable?

Also I know about the rear subframe failure on some of these cars, is it common? or not so much? (especially for just a daily driver)
Also head gasket? this happened to another different car (not a bmw) but it was basically a bank broker.....soo expensive to fix. Please tell me it's not common to have to replace the head gasket on these (unless of course u let it overheat).

Im just trying to think if I can afford it, im a single guy...I make around 45k from my job a year. I don't want this car to break the bank.

ill post pics later.