1997 BMW 540i (E39)

Highlights

• 4.4-litre V8
• Superb original interior
• 6-speed manual
• Extensive service invoices
• London ULEZ compliant

Overview

The E39 iteration of the BMW 5-Series was released in 1995 and offered in a full range of petrolly and diesely options, with manual gearboxes and automatics. So we must salute the first owner of the car offered for sale here, who ticked the box next to ‘4.4-litre V8 engine’, and the one next to ‘six-speed manual gearbox’. This has proved to be a well-informed decision as the E39 has moved towards the status of being a modern classic.

This particular car is very fetchingly painted in red, with a dark leather interior. And an indescribably excellent touch is that a period carphone has been added, which means there’s a fantastically retro phone which can take the place of the centre console. So you can relive your childhood dreams of being a 90s stockbroker — pinstripe suit not included.

The stack of servicing invoices shows that this car has been well cared for. It has had a reassuring number of items serviced and replaced in recent years, and remains in gently used condition throughout. The leather seat covers have gained the soft patina of use, and the paint retains a deep shine.

So if you’re looking for a powerful 90s V8 — one which has a helpful dose of germanic engineering precision — then this 540i promises to burble away happily for many miles to come.

History and documentation

• Registered 15 Aug 1997
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Jan 1998 @ 10,329 miles, Jul 1998 @ 21,449 miles, Apr 1999 @ 33,213 miles, Feb 2000 @ 49,415 miles, Jul 2001 @ 59,607 miles, Dec 2001 @ 67,848 miles, Feb 2003 @ 78,373 miles, May 2018 @ 89,322 miles, Nov 2019 @ 94,221 miles, May 2020 @ 94,601 miles. Thereafter service invoices without dates as follows: 94,773 miles, 95,086 miles, 100,395 miles, 105,095 miles, 113,779 miles, 115,375 miles
• Full document pack in leather wallet, with owner’s manual and service book
• Collection of detailed invoices
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 30 January 2025
• Five former keepers
• V5 present in owner’s name
• In Aug 2002, the car was recorded as a Category D — damaged but repairable - and reportedly received a new wing courtesy of Sytner
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Excellent quality interior throughout
• Leather seat upholstery is in good condition for its age, with some light creases
• The standard armrest is currently installed but the car is provided with an original BMW carphone which could be fitted in its place
• The carpets and mats are well presented
• Leather door cards free from major scuffs or damage
• Burr veneer trim pieces on the doors and dashboard
• Multi-function, leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Electric windows
• The seller tells us that everything works as it should do
• Cup holders front and rear fully functional
• Original stereo
• Bluetooth connectivity reportedly added
• To the rear, the spacious boot is fully carpeted
• Full size spare wheel stowed under the boot floor
• Scissor jack, original toolkit, and towing eye
• Original first aid kit stowed under the front passenger seat
• Rear electric blind and control panel included but not fitted

Exterior

• The choice of Calypso Red paint suits this car very well
• It remains well presented, and has clearly been cared for
• There are some small chips and scratches, but nothing unexpected
• The left side of the front bumper has a few scuffs
• Some cracking to the paint on the rear bumper
• The seller informs us that the car has been ceramic coated and regularly detailed
• Wings, boot lid, bonnet, jacking points and wheel arches are said to be free from corrosion
• The car has reportedly been kept in a garage
• Chrome trim in excellent condition
• Some of the front windscreen trim has come away
• The vendor tells us that the lamp seals have been replaced
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Matching set of Uniroyal tyres, said to retain plenty of tread
• There are some scuffs on the alloy rims
• On the underside, there is some surface corrosion
• A little clouding to the headlamp lenses
• Genuine Alpina rear spoiler fitted
• The car is also supplied with an Alpina front splitter which is attached to its original bumper (in silver) and can be collected by the winning bidder from a bodyshop near Heathrow

Mechanical

• 4,398 cc, V8 petrol engine
• Produces 286 bhp and 310 lb ft
• Being an earlier version of the M62 BMW unit, it does not have the additional complication of VANOS
• Six-speed Getrag 420G manual transmission
• The gearbox was overhauled and the clutch replaced at 113,000 miles earlier this year
• The accompanying invoices detail the car’s extensive recent servicing
• All four brake discs, pads and sensors replaced at 100,000 miles
• Bonnet release catch and cable replaced
• Valve cover gasket replaced
• The steering tie rods, control arms and thrust struts have all been replaced
• Coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat and belts were replaced at 94,000 miles

Summary

A thoroughly well cared-for example of this powerful V8. The E39’s styling is now beginning to look better with each passing year, but still provides a good helping of retro nostalgia.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Acton, West London