E39 BMW Sporty Sport!

Heading into the weekend, and a bit under the radar, is this 2000 BMW E39 540i Sport on BringATrailer.

While the peppier (to say the least) M5 gets all the attention, the V8 powered 540i is no slouch and should absolutely be in consideration when looking for a sport sedan. 

This particular car is finished in gorgeous Oxford Green metallic, a color that sticks out in the typical sea of grays and silvers.  Paired with Sand Beige, it makes for a classy combo.

But what REALLY makes the car stand out is that it has the optional Sport Package.  Unlike today’s sport packages, which usually get you nothing more than some kind of blacked out exterior trim and different badges, the Sport Package available on the E39, and larger 7-series E38, were true transformations of the car.

Back in the day, ticking that option box added an exceptionally well rounded bit of kit which included: larger, wider wheels with performance tires, tuned suspension lowering the car about 0.8 of an inch, a rear differential with lower gearing for quicker acceleration, Steptronic transmission featuring a shifter that could be moved to the left for manual shifting of gear, and finally a lovely M steering wheel.  Oh and yes, black exterior trim called Shadowline was also included.  Gotta have that!

The Sport Package tacked on $2,800 to the price of the car, which is an absolute bargain considering all that it included.

This particular car also has heated seats and an upgraded sound system, which makes for an extremely compelling car, certainly worthy of the moniker Ultimate Driving Machine.
Downsides of the car?  Well it does have a minor accident on the Carfax from 2017 and apparently the front left door has been replaced.  Interesting….definitely want to check on that with the seller.

Otherwise, it’s a 25 year old BMW and is going to have 25 year old BMW issues.  Things like plastic cooling system parts, door window regulators and timing chain guides on the V8s (like this one) are some common ones.  The inspection report mentions front shocks need to be replaced as well.  All these things are easily rectified, and if you’re a DIYer, these cars can be fairly cheap to run.  IF you’re not and you plan on using a shop (or worse, a dealer), for service, then a 25 year old BMW is probably not for you.

Upsides?  There are many.  It has low miles for the age, an uncommon color combo, maintenance records over the past 10 years, and obviously the options listed earlier.  Also, these cars drive….FANTASTIC.  An E39 is one of the absolute gems of the automotive world.   Drive one and you’ll find that the slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine” wasn’t just marketing.

The main thing it has going for it, though?  Price.  Top of the line 540i’s sell in the low to mid teens.  For a decent M5, you’re looking at double, triple that, and beyond. 

This car is not a third, or even half of an M5.  I say it’s more like 80%, and considering its automatic transmission and slight damage history slightly holding it back, it will probably sell in the high four/low five figures, which is one hell of a bargain.

With five days left to go, there is plenty of time to get your Sport on.