I had a '99 E39 540i with a 6 sp manual as well.
It was a love/hate relationship. The car had power everywhere. Without any question, it rode and handled better than any vehicle I've ever owned. The seats were crazy comfortable. It was an absolute interstate wolf.
It also had an ABS/traction control issue that couldn't be fixed for any amount of effort or money. The CD changer was a joke, as were the cup-holders. It left my wife stranded 3 times in two weeks. The alternator is WATER-COOLED (any guesses how much for a water cooled alternator?). It brought out the juvenile delinquent in me.
In the end, I almost gave it away. It was like having a steroid-amped German body-builder as a best friend- he's always got your back, he's always there for you (unless he steals your wife, or beats you to death in your sleep).
Good luck, Kevin.
Lane, Thank you I love the car.
Stan,
It was a love/hate relationship. The car had power everywhere. Without any question, it rode and handled better than any vehicle I've ever owned. The seats were crazy comfortable. It was an absolute interstate wolf...........
I agree 100%
It also had an ABS/traction control issue that couldn't be fixed for any amount of effort or money.....yes the electronic portion of the ABS units on E39 go bad all the time. The CD changer was a joke....I'm guessing a poor installation at the dealer ship. It's made by Alpine for BMW and seams to work very nicely. Cup-holders, Yes I've alreay told the wife they are for looks only. It left my wife stranded 3 times in two weeks.....that not too good.
The alternator is WATER-COOLED (any guesses how much for a water cooled alternator?).........Yea not cheap but luckly for me mine is air cooled.. It brought out the juvenile delinquent in me......Whats soo bad about that? Its a BMW, the true driving experiance!!
In the end, I almost gave it away. It was like having a steroid-amped German body-builder as a best friend- he's always got your back, he's always there for you (unless he steals your wife, or beats you to death in your sleep).
I've owned a few BMWs over the years. My current 325I (M3 clone It has all M3 suspension, brakes and just about everything else that would come on a M3) has over 220,000 miles and still runs super strong. I may make it into a track car.... :) The convertible I had before that I had 189,000 before I sold it. I* only buy ones that were taken care of, otherwise I would most likely not be so lucky.
Anyways, my point is BEEMers are good cars...
Stan,
It was a love/hate relationship. The car had power everywhere. Without any question, it rode and handled better than any vehicle I've ever owned. The seats were crazy comfortable. It was an absolute interstate wolf...........
I agree 100%
It also had an ABS/traction control issue that couldn't be fixed for any amount of effort or money.....yes the electronic portion of the ABS units on E39 go bad all the time. The CD changer was a joke....I'm guessing a poor installation at the dealer ship. It's made by Alpine for BMW and seams to work very nicely. Cup-holders, Yes I've alreay told the wife they are for looks only. It left my wife stranded 3 times in two weeks.....that not too good.
The alternator is WATER-COOLED (any guesses how much for a water cooled alternator?).........Yea not cheap but luckly for me mine is air cooled.. It brought out the juvenile delinquent in me......Whats soo bad about that? Its a BMW, the true driving experiance!!
In the end, I almost gave it away. It was like having a steroid-amped German body-builder as a best friend- he's always got your back, he's always there for you (unless he steals your wife, or beats you to death in your sleep).
I've owned a few BMWs over the years. My current 325I (M3 clone It has all M3 suspension, brakes and just about everything else that would come on a M3) has over 220,000 miles and still runs super strong. I may make it into a track car.... :) The convertible I had before that I had 189,000 before I sold it. I* only buy ones that were taken care of, otherwise I would most likely not be so lucky.
Anyways, my point is BEEMers are good cars...
For the record: I am busting nobody's chops, just me sayin' -- and maybe tryin' to be funny . . .
And I do know about creature (i.e., right seater's) comforts and all when it come to Speedsters. Very few of these creatures are able to catch the Madness -- are they innoculated at birth?? -- and so fully enjoy the wind in your face, noisey and harsh ride that comes along w/ the uber-cool factor of a Speedster. I get that.
PCA -- do you really not know?? Porsche Club of America, aka snootyville.
And I do know about creature (i.e., right seater's) comforts and all when it come to Speedsters. Very few of these creatures are able to catch the Madness -- are they innoculated at birth?? -- and so fully enjoy the wind in your face, noisey and harsh ride that comes along w/ the uber-cool factor of a Speedster. I get that.
PCA -- do you really not know?? Porsche Club of America, aka snootyville.
I love my IM. But I also love a closed coupe. 87 coupe was great, but...got a good deal on a great 993 TT. A chip here, Fabspeed exhaust there, PSS10s, and before you know it...425hp, AWD and a great ride for those days when you have a need for speed. Last "handmade" 911. Great, solid car. The 997s are more modern, better cars overall. But I love the "hips" of the old 993.