Martin525i

There is a dealership nearby that has a 2002 CLEAN 540i. I have always like the E39. What are your thoughts on going from a 2007 E60 525i with 40,000 miles to a 2002 E39 540i with 78,000 miles. I would get anywhere form $8,000 to $10,000 out of the trade and that would include an extended warranty. Coolant issues have been addressed. Documentation from nearby BMW dealership supports the claim.
Martin

pjinca

I know sdg will chime in here too. I LOVE the E39, it's a beautiful car. If the finances are right (you get what you want for your trade and the price is right) GO FOR IT!!!

twobeemers

Big fan of the E39, too. Lived with a '99 528i for 8+ years. If you are comfortable with the step backwards in tech and styling, and you're comfortable with the financing, then I don't see any reason not to. The E39 V8 addressed and it has a warranty which is always nice. You'll definitely take a step UP in performance. Little smaller car with a little less room (smaller trunk, too), but again, if you're cool with it, then you're cool with it.

The '02 is pretty much done depreciating. Look up prices and values to make sure you're not overpaying. That would be the only CON. If you cover that, then I think you're good.

Howitzer

do it.

sdg1871

Having driven both, an E39 540 is a ton more fun to drive than an E60 525. A ton. If your top priority is fun in driving, go for the 540.

greycoopers

I agree...the E39 is a really fun car to drive, and if ok with the styling and older interior and so on...do it!

And again, make sure you are not overpaying and get a good warranty...Just know that making the move UP from the E39 to a newer E60 or even F10 in the future, will hurt (your wallet) more than the "downgrade" now...

Bteljuice

As you mentioned above, two of my friends had 540i and both had coolant issues. But since you have extanded warranty, I guess thats alright.

But with almost 80,000 miles on the odo, I think you should worry more on the tare and ware rather on the issues that are under warranty.

I know that the tare and ware parts are not that expansive compared to the items that are under warranty, but here and there do sum up quite some $$$ when your main goal is to actually save $$$ since you are downgrading and want money difference.

But that's just my opinion.

sholaesq

I would do it but only if it was a 2003 540i with the M sport package.

sdg1871

Yes, my 2003 540I Sport was the best car I ever owned. It is dearly missed. What a car it was.

sholaesq

Yep. I had a wonderful 2001 740 sport with the M package. It's being the best/fun BMW I've ever owned and I still think about it everyday.